Black History Month is being celebrated with style this month through entertaining and informing events throughout the Square Mile spanning history, literature, art and business.
Black History Month is notable occasion to celebrate and recognise the invaluable contributions of Black people to UK society. Not only in London but across the country there are a number of events ranging from food festivals, music workshops and educational seminars to honour and celebrate African and African-Caribbean cultures.
Top events to go see include:
Talk: Black History Month Reception: Deputy Andrien Meyers, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Investment Committee, in conversation with Gavin Lewis, BlackRock Managing Director and author of The Opportunity Index: A Solution-Based Framework to Dismantle the Racial Wealth Gap, and Tim Campbell MBE, BBC Apprentice winner and founder of Bright Ideas Trust, a social enterprise which helps young entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds start businesses, (Guildhall, October 3, invitation only, to nominate a representative please see here).
Exhibition: The City Corporation’s London Metropolitan Archives: The Unforgotten Lives exhibition presents the stories of Londoners of African, Caribbean, Asian and Indigenous heritage who lived and worked in the city between 1560 and 1860 and are recorded in London’s archives. Exploring a range of experiences from the pages of the extraordinary manuscripts, prints and maps in its collections, these multi-layered stories speak of love, enterprise, wealth and family life; discrimination, hardship, resilience and resistance, (throughout October).
Film: UK Premiere – Don Lewis and the Live Electronic Orchestra + Q&A: The story of Don Lewis, the visionary who invented the Live Electronic Orchestra device, followed by a Q&A with his wife and the director, (Barbican Art Gallery, October 27).
Lectures: Gresham College: The series will focus on Black writing, from ‘Writing after Windrush ‘with Malachi McIntosh, to ‘Women of the Harlem Renaissance’ with Kate Dossett, and ‘Literary Activism in Contemporary Africa’ by Madhu Krishnan, (October 3/5/12).
Performance: Sancho&Me: An extraordinary performance by Paterson Joseph and Ben Park, revealing the incredible life of writer and composer Charles Ignatius Sancho in Georgian London, (London Metropolitan Archives, 24 October).
Performance: The Night Woman – Julene Robinson: A compelling new play about the power of Black womanhood, and the redemptive power of self-love, told through a captivating fusion of dance, singing and live music, (the Barbican Centre, October 19).
Walk: Black History in the City of London: A free guided walk by City of London Guides in partnership with the City Corporation. Uncover some of the Black history of the Square Mile through the ages, (throughout October).
Walk: Culture Mile BID – Black History Walk: The Culture Mile BID has commissioned renowned expert Tony Warner to curate and deliver a walking tour uncovering the fascinating stories of Black Londoners in this unique area of the Square Mile (18/24 October).
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said: “The City is home to an extraordinary range of organisations and activities. What unites us all is our commitment to celebrating our diversity and creating a vibrant, inclusive environment where everyone belongs.”
For the latest headlines from the City of London and beyond, follow City Matters on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
