Black History Month 2022

As we start Black History Month 2022, we love the Time for Change: Action Not Word theme chosen by blackhistorymonth.org.uk and we wanted to share it.

So here is a snippet from the Introduction to BHM 2022 from blackhistorymonth.org.uk:

Black people are often given the double burden of experiencing racism and discrimination, and then being expected to fix it. Hopefully, by making the theme of this year’s Black History Month Time for Change: Action Not Words’ we can come together to make a change for the better. To get to a better tomorrow, we can’t just focus on the past. The past is in the past. We can acknowledge and learn from it, but to improve the future, we need action, not words. We need to come together around a shared common goal to achieve a better world for everyone.

Yes, Black History Month is a time to celebrate black history, heritage and culture, and the iconic figures that have contributed so much, but this year, let’s make it about so much more. If you’re serious about allyship, it’s Time for Change: Action Not Words.

Read the full introduction to BHM 2022 hereOur theme for Black History Month 2022 is Time for Change: Action Not Words. - Black History Month 2022

Black History Month events

We’ve put together a list of resources, events and activities on this month both online and in our local communities so you can celebrate Black History Month this October.

Journey of Discovery Globe Trail - Camden - Black History Month
Saturday 15 October 2022, 14:00 – 16:30 BST - Saint Pancras Station Euston Road London N1C 4QL
Explore The World Reimagined Globes and join us on a Journey of Discovery through London past, present and future with Dominic Burris-North
Journey of Discovery Globe Trail - Camden - Black History Month Tickets, Sat 15 Oct 2022 at 14:00 | Eventbrite

Books and Beyond
Come and join Camden’s online book club as we explore contemporary Black significant authors
Tuesday 11 October, 12.30pm - 1.30pm
The Bluest Eye, By Toni Morrison
Book Club discussion and readings from Toni Morrisons iconic first novel ‘The Bluest Eye’ - a powerful examination of our obsession with beauty and conformity
Tuesday 8 November, 6.30PM - 7.30PM
Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
Discussion and readings from this beautiful uplifting yet heart-breaking story of a young black couple
Black History Season: Books and Beyond Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

BLACK BEAUTIFUL — Poetry Evening
An evening exploring mental health through the context of black thought. Enjoy poetry and spoken word celebrating black history.
Thursday 27 October 2022, 18:30 – 21:00 - HELLO LOVE 62–64 Southampton Row London WC1B 4AR
BLACK BEAUTIFUL — Poetry Evening Tickets, Thu 27 Oct 2022 at 18:30 | Eventbrite

The Drum Driver
An outdoor masterclass African Drumming workshop with Master Drummer Abass Dodoo.
Saturday 22 October 2022, 14:30 – 16:30 - Swiss Cottage open space, Unnamed Road London NW3 3NR
The Drum Driver Tickets, Sat 22 Oct 2022 at 14:30 | Eventbrite

Windrush Inspired Performance in Caledonian Park Amphitheatre
This intergenerational event will celebrate journeys to Britain and the rich diversity of the local area. Stories from the Windrush generation and experiences of life in Islington will be gathered and edited by young people from Prospex Youth Centre. Actors will breathe life into these stories, creating monologues which will be performed in a promenade through the Amphitheatre of Caledonian Park. Artists from Age UK Islington will create a painted mural for the Amphitheatre, as backdrop inspired by ‘plants of the world’. Stories and images will be combined into a resource available to local schools. 
Saturday 8 October, 2-3pm - Caledonian Park, Market Road, London, N7 9PL. Meeting place is Cally Clock Tower at 1.45pm, for a prompt start at 2pm
Windrush Animated Tour and Drama Performance Tickets, Sat 8 Oct 2022 at 14:00 | Eventbrite

Apartheid and Me: Storytelling and drawing
Saturday 8 October 10.30am-12.30pm - Central Library, 2 Fieldway Crescent, Islington N5 1PF
Join author and storyteller, Monica Clarke, as she reads from her children’s book Apartheid and Me. You will be taken on a journey through the book’s pages and beyond and participate in drawing activities led by the book’s illustrator, Maureen Bocking. Copies of the book will be given to attendees (1 per family group) at no cost to participants. Additional copies can be purchased. This event is primarily for families and carers with children aged 4-11. Author event: Children's Storytelling and Art Workshop, 'Apartheid and Me' Tickets, Sat 8 Oct 2022 at 10:30 | Eventbrite

ChainGang Cyclists Community Rides
Saturday 8, 15 October 9am-11am 
ChainGang Cyclists formed during the first lockdown in March 2020 by five friends from African and Caribbean heritage craving some much-needed headspace at a very unusual time. The idea has evolved into a club that has over 750 members and hosts five rides a week. ChainGang Cyclists have successfully formed a community partnership with one of the biggest brands in cycling and, for Black history month have agreed to work with Islington council to offer fitness and fun days out and about in the borough on bikes. Come and join ChainGang Cyclists and experience the benefits and freedom that comes from cycling. It works wonders for your mental wellbeing and overall health.  Adopt our Black history month motto “on your bike mate” and join us for some fitness and fun Islington style! Islington Council's Black History Month Community Rides (ti.to)

Telling Tales with Sandra Agard 
Wednesday 12 October and Friday 21 October, 11am
Renowned poet and storyteller Sandra Agard takes over the regular under-fives storytelling time with an interactive storytelling session featuring stories from all over the World, with a focus on Africa and the Caribbean. The Wednesday 12 October event takes place at Archway Library (Hamlyn House, Highgate Hill N19 5PH) and the Friday 21 October event takes place at Central Library (2 Fieldway Crescent N5 1PF). Both events start at 11am. 
The events are free, and there is no need to book, just turn up.

A meeting of the continents 
Monday 17 October until Saturday 19 November 
Finsbury Library, 245 St John St, London, EC1V 4NB 
A display to mark the 40th anniversary of the International Book Fair of Radical Black and 3rd World Books which took place in Islington Town Hall in 1982 with photos and brochures from the George Padmore Institute archives. Just turn up during opening hours to see the display.

In Conversation with Healthcare Professionals
Thursday 20 October 6-7.30pm - Islington Town Hall Upper Street London N1 2UD
We are hosting what will be an insightful in-conversation event with three local Islington healthcare professionals. Our inspiring panel of Black professionals will talk openly about their career journeys, sharing their challenges and achievements working in Public Health. The panel will also discuss health problems that typically affect the Black community and will advise on how to access early intervention. In Conversation with Healthcare Professionals Tickets, Thu 20 Oct 2022 at 18:00 | Eventbrite

Family Kitchen
11 and 18 October, 4 – 5.30pm - Hilldrop community centre, Hilldrop Road, N7 0JE 
Join us for a Black History Month Family Kitchen special.  Learn to cook African and Caribbean dishes.  This is a four-week programme held at Hilldrop Community Centre.  Registration Form for Family Kitchen Black History Month (office.com)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: POETS’ CORNER
Saturdays 8, 15, Wednesday 19 & Saturday 22 October, 1pm - Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Canary Wharf, London, E14
In recognition of this year’s Black History Month, we have partnered with creative collective SXWKS, turning Crossrail Place Roof Garden into a Poets’ Corner. Together we are providing a platform to amplify underrepresented Black poets, featuring a series of performances throughout the month. Black History Month: Poets' Corner - Canary Wharf

Art as Expression: Emerging Black Artists’ Exhibition Launch
Wednesday 12 October 2022, 18:00 – 21:00 - Acrylicize 30-36 Pritchard's Road London E2 9AP
In partnership with Acrylicize, we will be hosting an evening to network, meet the artists and celebrate the work of the community hosted at Acrylicize’s new London Studio; The Art House.
From photography and sculpture to short film, painting and illustration, the diverse range of works throughout this exhibition, celebrates the vast array of passions and interests of creatives emerging onto the London art scene in 2022.
With drinks and live music, this event is not to be missed. Art as Expression: Emerging Black Artists’ Exhibition Launch Tickets, Wed 12 Oct 2022 at 18:00 | Eventbrite

The Dial Up! at the Pumphouse Theatre
Monday, October 10 from 19:30 to 21:30 - 5-6 Local Broad Road, Watford, WD17 2JB.
Watford’s friendliest open mic event celebrates Black History Month with a free, open-mic event at the Pumphouse Theatre and Arts Centre. You will be able to enjoy music, poetry, drama and comedy. It is a free event although donations are welcomed. The Pumphouse Celebrates Black History Month! | Facebook

Diversity Festival
October 29 and 30 from 10am - Fairway Hall, Brook Cl, Borehamwood WD6 5BT
This event will bring the Herts community together through music, food and entertainment. It will take place on October 29 and 30 at Fairway Hall in Borehamwood. Tickets cost £4 per person or £10 for families up to four people for the whole weekend. Blog | Diversity Festival

Resources
UK Black History Month website
 ​​​www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/
100 Great Black Britons​​​​​
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​www.100greatblackbritons.co.uk/
The Black Curriculum
https://theblackcurriculum.com/ 
Camden Black History Season
https://lovecamden.org/blackhistoryseason
Watford Black History Month
​WatfordBlackHistoryMonth