An exhibition celebrating black role models and icons has been announced for the International Slavery Museum.

Afro Supa Hero will offer an insight into the experiences of an African Caribbean boy growing up in London during the 1960s and 70s.

Running from 13 May – 11 December 2016, the exhibition aims to explore the importance of role models and icons in combating the legacies of racism shown through Jon Daniel’s personal collection of pop cultural heroes and heroines of the African diaspora.

Collected over 22 years, Jon’s 100 piece collection of comics, games and action figures features positive black role models of history and fiction which Jon feels strongly embodied the era of his childhood and search for an identity.

Jon, now an award-winning independent creative director, says: “ Growing up in suburban Britain at that time, there weren’t many positive black role models or cultural icons to identify with.

“Instead I looked to the African Caribbean culture of my family and the African American culture of the US.”

Dr Richard Benjamin, head of the International Slavery Museum says: “The museum’s Legacy gallery looks at the legacies of slavery and enslavement in the modern world and covers the complexities and development of racism and discrimination.

“This includes racist caricatures and stereotypes and that is why Afro Supa Hero is important as it celebrates black role models and iconography in popular culture which are important factors when challenging issues such as racism and discrimination.”

Jon’s collection includes real-life icons Muhammad Ali, Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela alongside Mr T and Lieutenant Uhra. Also on show are games and comics including The Golden Legacy series, featuring icons from the past including famous African American abolitionist and civil rights activist Harriet Tubman.

Afro Supa Hero will be accompanied by a programme of events, including talks and craft activities.

On 21 May, Jon will also be taking part in Future|Journeys: Afrofuturism at WoWfest – a special event which explores race and gender as alternative technologies for creating new ways of co-existing.

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