BICO letter

About this item

This document is a letter from the Black International Construction Organisation (BICO), a UK-based group led by Black professionals focused on supporting sustainable development in the built environment. The letter outlines BICO's mission, activities, and international partnerships, highlighting their work in research, consultancy, and collaborations with organisations in Africa. It offers insight into Black-led efforts to promote ethical and equitable practices in construction and development.

Key points:
– BICO is a multidisciplinary voluntary organisation aimed at fostering ethical and sustainable systems in construction and the built environment.
– They organise lectures, seminars, exhibitions, workshops, conduct research, and provide consultancy services.
– In 1996, BICO conducted fact-finding missions in South Africa, Ghana, and Cameroon, establishing memoranda of understanding with local NGOs, governments, and community groups.
– BICO’s international partnerships emphasize good governance and community-focused development within the construction industry.
– The organisation embodies a ‘win-win philosophy’ to create equitable stakeholder engagement in development projects.

BICO exemplifies the activism and professional engagement of Black British organisations connected to wider struggles for racial justice, equity, and international solidarity in the 1990s. Such efforts complemented political and trade union activism led by figures like Bernie Grant, linking local government, anti-racist campaigns, and international development work to challenge exclusion and promote empowerment in Black communities.

Source note: The OCR transcript is generally clear, though some formatting and punctuation inconsistencies may reflect scanning limitations. The text appears comprehensive for understanding BICO’s stated aims and activities.