First celebrated in the UK in 1987, Black History Month (BHM) is now an important time of year for people in the UK.
People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been integral to British history and society for centuries. However, many believe their value and contribution to society is often ignored or misrepresented.
Throughout October, BHM is observed across the country with events that aim to correct this, acting as both educational and celebratory.
We round up some of the highlights happening in the capital…
Free things to do around London for Black History Month
From DIY tours to festivals, there’s plenty of free events you can explore.
Black History tube map
The Black History tube map allows you to traverse around London and find areas of note for African and Caribbean people.
The different locations have been picked to highlight the rich and varied contribution Black people have made to London and the UK from Pre Tudor times to the present day.
Go Africa, Islington Town Hall
Go Africa Festival of Arts will celebrate the art and culture of the African and Caribbean communities who enrich London.
There will be a talks and education zone for learning, exhibitions, indoor activities and plenty of food to try including ‘delicious Caribbean Jerk Chicken, vegetarian delights, variety of Jollof rice, Grilled fish and Rum Punches.’
Windrush Stories at the British Library
Available year-round, the British Library invites people to come and learn more about the Windrush Generation.
In June 1948, a ship called the Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks, Essex carrying hundreds of people from the Caribbean.
70 years on, the British Library invites people to consider the rich, often-complicated and ongoing relationship between Britain and the Caribbean.
Free poetry at a new Speakers’ Corner
A new Speakers’ Corner has opened in Canary Wharf with the aim of giving a platform to young, inspiring Black poets across the Capital.
Poets’ Corner will feature a month of performances with spoken word artists.
The event was set up to ignite conversation around the Black experience and celebrate Black culture in Britain.
Young People’s Poet Laureate Theresa Lola will lead the series of Black poets over four weeks of free-to-attend performances for Black History Month.
The speakers taking place include:
- Saturday, October 8, 1pm – Live performance from Theresa Lola & Inua Ellams
- Saturday, October 15, 1pm – Live performance from Roger Robinson
- Wednesday, October 19, 1pm РLive performance with Jolad̩ Olusanya
- Saturday, October 22, 1pm – Live performance from Sarah Aluko
Speakers’ Corner can be found at Crossrail Place Roof Garden, Canary Wharf.
Paid things to do around London for Black History Month
As well as some free, DIY type events across the capital, there are plenty of planned talks, tours and other events.
While not free, these events promise meticulous detail and planning, and are sure to be enlightening.
Films, Voguing and much more at Prince of Peckham
The Prince of Peckham, one of South London’s favourite venues, has a dedicated schedule of events throughout October.
From screenings of films like Black Panther to voguing masterclasses, informative talks, hands on art and poetry classes and more, you can check out the full details and book your space online.
City Of London: Slave Trade Money Trail Tour Black History Month Special
Join Black Rooted as we take the journey of how modern London came to be and witness European psychosis of cognitive dissonance in the oppression of Black men, women and children.
Tour groups meet outside Bank Station and the walk is expected to last around three hours.
Ticket prices range from free to £22.15 and can be bought online. Under 16s go free.
Black History bus tour of London
An engaging and informative three-hour bus tour showing London’s top tourist attractions from an African and/or Caribbean perspective.
The tour ‘will cover a period of 3500 years including Black Generals, Jimi Hendrix, the colour bar , black-owned nightclubs, Black Tudors, Female Resistance leaders, Amy Ashwood Garvey, Claudia Jones, Fisk Jubilee Singers, Dame Jocelyn Barrow, Olive Morris, Mavis Best, British Black Panthers’ and much more.
Tickets cost £21.43 and can be booked online.
Africa Fashion Week London 2022
Advertised as the biggest African fashion catwalk in the UK, this is an unmissable event celebrating the best of African fashion and craftmanship.
Guests will be able to browse through ‘unique Afro-centric designs in [the] exhibition marketplace’ as well as getting to sample African and Caribbean cuisine in the food hall.
Tickets cost between £27.54 – £54.49. For more details contact ticket-info@africafashionweeklondonuk.com
Say It Loud / Black Sun at the Royal Opera House
Ballet Black brings two new works to the Royal Opera House in celebration of their 20th anniversary.
Tickets can be bought from the Royal Opera House.
Black History Month 2022 events in the rest of the UK
Not in the capital this BHM? There are plenty of events going on around the UK for you to get involved with.
England
Grandad Anansi – Touring from September 29, with its premiere at Z-arts in Manchester, this is a brand new children’s show for Black History Month. Grandad Anansi is a playful celebration of the love between generations and the joy of storytelling. Written for children aged 4-9, it shines a light on Jamaican culture and the Windrush generation.
Scotland
Friday, October 7 – Thomas Stuart Smith’s Black Portraiture at The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum – a free tour of Thomas Stuart Smith’s black portraits as part of The Smith’s Black History Month tour series
Wales
Sunday, October 2 – COBO: Comedy Shutdown Black History Month Special at The Glee Club Cardiff
More events in Wales
Keep checking for an updated list of events in Northern Ireland
Online events for Black History Month
- October 3-21: Bring Black History Month to life through Chats with Historians!
- October 5: Society of Authors’ ‘Books about dead black people don’t sell!’
- October 10: Cultural Competence Training
A full list of online events, with rolling updates, can be found online.
MORE : I didn’t learn about Black history in school – so I taught myself
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share your views in the comments below.
Black History Month
October marks Black History Month, which reflects on the achievements, cultures and contributions of Black people in the UK and across the globe, as well as educating others about the diverse history of those from African and Caribbean descent.
For more information about the events and celebrations that are taking place this year, visit the official Black History Month website.
from News – Metro https://ift.tt/ItLhk6c
0 Comments