Newham proudly presents its official programme of activities for Black History Month, commencing on Friday, 4 October. The theme for this year, 'Reclaiming Narratives,' signifies a dedication to addressing historical inaccuracies and seizing control of narratives by highlighting stories, allegories, and histories.
Black History Month is an annual celebration that honours the invaluable contributions of the Black African and Caribbean community locally, nationally and internationally. There will be a variety of captivating and enlightening free talks, workshops, markets, and musical performances will be featured throughout the month to celebrate the rich and diverse tapestry of Black heritages.
LAUNCH: Aamna Mohdin in Conversation with Kimberly McIntosh
Friday 4 October, 7-9pm, Old Town Hall Stratford
Aamna Mohdin and journalist Kimberley Mcintosh will discuss ‘Scattered: The Making and Unmaking of a Refugee”. The book weaves together Aamna’s own newspaper coverage from the then frontline of Calais and its refugee crisis to her early childhood spent in a refugee camp.
“Scattered is a staggering investigation into the costs and consequences of displacement, from a young woman uniquely placed to explore the refugee experience and its aftershocks. A powerful reportage, it is also an epic story of returns and reunions; and a joyful celebration of family and belonging”.
‘If you are Black, you are not simply an Artist’ Exhibition
2-30 October, Stratford Library
An exhibition of Sabela Mahlangu’s dry-needle etchings and mixed media paintings. Mahlangu’s work depicts urban scenes, landscapes and religious themes. Sabela Mahlangu is a Black South African artist who studied at Rorke’s Drift during Apartheid. The exhibition’s title reflects the difficulties Black artists faced during South Africa’s Apartheid regime when only White people could be artists. Black people were assumed to work in factories and to work as an artist required obtaining a government certificate to be exempted.
Dominica and Black Democracy
Saturday 5 October, time to be confirmed, Custom House Bookshop
A series of events to reclaim narratives by exploring the political innovations, artistic achievements and cuisine of Black residents and how they have contributed to life in Newham and further afield. There will be three events, each with a different focus. The first event will be focused on the political developments in Dominica and Black political culture.
Caribbean Classical Heroes
Saturday 5 October, 7-9pm, Newham Music, Westfield Stratford City
A musical story of classical musicians in Britain of African and Caribbean descent and their lives. Decus Ensemble are a diverse group of professional classical musicians who work together to promote the works of less well-known composers throughout classical music history. They will be playing the works of Caribbean classical composers. Produced by BTL Jazz.
Afro Creative Minds
Friday 4, 11, 18, 25 October, 6-7.45pm, Stratford Library
A four-session series featuring Black artists from various creative fields and offering engaging discussions on their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Connect with and be inspired by the rich diversity of Black creativity and artistic expression. Produced by Newham Poetry Group.
Black Pound Market
Saturday 12 October, 9-3pm, Woodgrange Market
Highlighting and celebrating Newham’s Black businesses and entrepreneurs. Music to be confirmed.
Kenya Unveiled: A Cultural Exploration
Saturday 12 and 19 October, 10am-4pm, Revival House
Experience and learn more about Kenyan culture through intergenerational storytelling sessions, cultural artefacts, music, dance, food from various Kenyan tribes represented in Newham, and discussions on the history of the Kenyan community. Produced by Revival House.
My Story is of Healing: Rewriting the Health Narrative of Black Women
Tuesday 15 October, 6-8.30pm, Applecart Arts
This workshop will explore the link between emotional healing, Black women’s activism and care provided for Black women, referencing Dr Angela Davis and Dr Melba Wilson. Participants will create an emotional genogram using coloured pens, fabric and self-portraits followed by a reflections & discussion. Produced by Marilyn J Fontaine.
My Story if of Healing: Women’s Rest is Resilience
Thursday 17 October, 6-8.30pm, Applecart Arts
An exploration of language around Black women (‘sacrifice’ ‘resilience’ ‘endurance’); community organisations in the 80s and 90s in Newham who delivered art workshops for the Black community to support mental wellbeing. In this workshop we will use creative activities to craft a new narrative to reflect the relationship between self-care, community empowerment and wellbeing. Produced by Marilyn J Fontaine.The Social Art of Braided Hair
18-20 October & 26-27 October, Art in the Docks
Although historically common in many civilisations: Norse, Greek and Native American, the art of braided hair is firmly rooted in African culture. This short programme will showcase braided hair as an art form, and the people who design it as artists. Produced by Art in the Docks and Nurture Academy.
Celebrating the Legacy of Lucel Tate
Saturday 19 October, 12-3pm, Forest Lane Lodge
A special exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Lucel Tate and the rich histories of Newham’s local communities. The event will feature an oral history booth where audiences can share their stories, a panel discussion with local community leaders, live music, and light refreshments. This event is brought to you by the Forest Lane Restoration Project.
Black Pound Market
Saturday 19 October, 12-4pm, Rathbone Market
Highlighting and celebrating Newham’s Black businesses and entrepreneurs. There will also be music and activities during the day.
This is Us – Storytelling through Fabric Art
Saturday 19 and 26 October, 11am-2pm, Manor Park Library
A two-day workshop where participants will reclaim and celebrate the narratives of Newham's Black diaspora. Through fabric art activities, participants will express their personal and collective stories and contribute to a large collaborative hanging artwork. Produced by Antonietta Torsiello.
The Power of Reggae Music and Sound System Culture
Sunday 20 October, 5-7pm, ELBWO Centre
Sheba Monserrat will be in conversation with pioneers of reggae sounds and rhythms by uncovering their untold stories. Reclaiming their narrative will be Jah Bunny- legendary Reggae drummer and historian, Etienne Joseph - Cultural Archivist with a short film, Lady Banton - Sound System Operator and poetry from Everton Roye.
Questions and answer session to follow and light refreshments will be available. Produced by Patricia Regis and Sheba Monserrat
Art Workshop inspired by Professor Sonia Boyce
Wednesday 23 October, time to be confirmed, Custom House Bookshop
A series of events to reclaim narratives by exploring the political innovations, artistic achievements and cuisine of Black residents and how they have contributed to life in Newham and further afield. There will be three events, each with a different focus.This second event is an art workshop focusing on the trail-blazing career of Professor Sonia Boyce.
The Power of Words - Remembering Benjamin Zephaniah
Friday 25 October, 4-8pm, The Mix Centre
Friday 1 November, 5-9pm, The Mix Centre
Through spoken word, poetry and a photo exhibition, attendees will engage with and honour Benjamin Zephaniah’s body of work. Young people and adults will be brought together in one creative space to discuss challenges today and showcase their own creative talents. Produced by Rights and Equalities in Newham.
The Remix: In Living Colour – A DejaVu & Black Heritage Celebration
Date, time and location to be confirmed
Creative Engagement CIC are working with local young people to form a production team and co-produce an event celebrating music and cultural heritage with pioneering music platform DejaVu.
Black History Month Finale
Saturday 26 October, details to be confirmed
A night of grime music, showcasing new young talent on the scene. Produced by Ruff Sqwad Arts Foundation.
Guyana Quiz Night
Saturday 26 October, time to be confirmed, Custom House Bookshop
A series of events to reclaim narratives by exploring the political innovations, artistic achievements and cuisine of Black residents and how they have contributed to life in Newham and further afield. There will be three events, each with a different focus. This third event is focused on Guyana’s contributions to life, science, sport and the arts.
ELBWO is Back & On the Move!
Sunday 3 November, 3-6pm, ELBWO Centre
Through interactive panel discussions and workshops featuring community champions, pioneers, ELBWO’s babies - 40 years on, hear the narrative about the organisation’s history which began in 1979, prioritising the needs of women, children and families across the borough. There will be a variety of entertainment and stalls with light refreshment provided.
Black History Month Film Programme
The New Black Film Collective will be screening films during the month, featuring panels and performances with invited guests. Visit the website to view the programme.
To book onto events, visit www.newhamblackhistory.org
