Join us for
An Afternoon of
Elegance and Inspiration
to celebrate
Alain LeRoy Locke
in
Culture, Legacy and Jazz
Sunday,5th October,2025
2.00 - 5.30pm
Black Oxford Untold Stories celebrates Locke's legacy with a unique Afternoon Tea and Talk that blends history, culture, and indulgence in the iconic setting of the Randolph Hotel, Oxford.
Alain LeRoy Locke (1885–1954)—the first Black Rhodes Scholar, celebrated philosopher, and intellectual architect of the Harlem Renaissance.
Locke, originally matriculated at Hertford College,1907. He later resided on Beaumont Street, just steps away from The Randolph. Known for his impeccable style, dubbed a Dandy, and with a love of refined spaces, he would have undoubtedly frequented The Randolph Hotel during his time in Oxford.
A Black Dandy:
Style as Empowerment
One of the most enduring legacies of Locke’s philosophy is the notion of Black Dandyism — a style movement where Black individuals use fashion as a form of resistance, visibility, and pride.
By embracing elegance, tailored refinement, and expressive dress, Black Dandies disrupt stereotypes and reclaim narratives of dignity and power. Locke himself, with his immaculate tailoring and graceful presence, was a living embodiment of this aesthetic empowerment.
Elegant. Expressive. Celebratory
— Channel Locke’s timeless sophistication or your own creative expression —
Dress with flair
Bring your style, and be part of this elegant tribute to a man who helped reshape cultural history — right here, where his journey once began.
L - R Pixie Seme and Alain Locke, in Oxford, with members of the Cosmopolitan Club, founded by Locke
The Harlem Renaissance
Locke’s seminal anthology The New Negro (1925) laid the foundation for the cultural, artistic movement know as The Harlem Renaissance. It celebrated Black creativity, intellect, and self-expression, during the 1920s and 1930s challenging racial stereotypes and fostering a new sense of Black pride.
PROGRAMME
The afternoon begins with a delectable afternoon tea, featuring:
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An array of freshly prepared sandwiches
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Warm, buttery scones
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Delicate, handcrafted pastries
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Your choice of fine teas.
Relax to the soft strains of background music as you converse and savour the elegant atmosphere.
Followed by a captivating talk on:
Alain LeRoy Locke’s enduring legacy in Oxford and beyond
Dance Back in Time with the Oxford Lindy Hoppers
After savouring your afternoon tea and talk, prepare to be transported to the golden age of jazz as the Oxford Lindy Hoppers take the floor.
Lindy Hop, the original swing dance of the 1920s and 1930s, was born in Harlem ballrooms at the very height of the Harlem Renaissance — the same vibrant cultural movement championed by Alain Locke.
Playful, exuberant, and full of flair, Lindy Hop was more than just a dance — it was an expression of joy, freedom, and creative identity for Black communities, perfectly reflecting Locke’s belief in art as a force for empowerment.
You won’t just be watching: the Oxford Lindy Hoppers will gently guide you through some of the era’s most iconic steps, inviting you to move, laugh, and immerse yourself in the style and rhythm of the period.
Step into the swing, feel the music, and live a piece of the history you’ve just celebrated over tea.
Details
Date: Sunday October 5th, 2025
Price: £45.00 per person
Enhance your experience: Add a glass of champagne for £55.00per person
Treat yourself to an unforgettable blend of indulgence,
culture, and connection at The Randolph Hotel.
Spend a luxurious Sunday afternoon
with friends and family, immersed in timeless glamour
The Randolph Hotel
Since its grand opening on February 15, 1866, The Randolph Hotel, located on Beaumont Street, has been an integral part of Oxford’s rich history. Designed by architect William Wilkinson, its striking Gothic façade was crafted to complement the city’s iconic landmarks.
Throughout its history, The Randolph Hotel has welcomed countless scholars, dignitaries, and distinguished guests—making it the perfect place to continue exploring Oxford’s intellectual and cultural legacy.
Reserve your place today for an event that honours the past while inspiring the future.
