October is Black History Month in the UK. To mark this occasion, Brighton & Hove City Council will be flying the Black History Month flag from Brighton & Hove town halls.
This year’s Black History Month is dedicated to honouring Black women with the theme Saluting our Sisters.
Throughout the month and beyond, Brighton & Hove Libraries will be recognising and celebrating Black women with a rich programme of events and activities for all ages ad specially curated stock throughout Black History Month.
Look forward to vibrant exhibitions, talks and workshops by inspiring Black artists, authors and entrepreneurs. All events are free, with the option of making small donation.
You can also browse the online Brighton & Hove library catalogue to see a carefully selected collection to borrow, or download an eBook or eAudiobook from BorrowBox.
Councillor Leslie Pumm, chair of the Equalities, Community Safety & Human Rights Committee, said: “Throughout history, Black women have made immeasurable contributions to our society, whether as champions of civil rights, pioneers in science, arts or literature or backbones of families and entire communities.
“Yet their voices, talents and power have been unfairly suppressed, silenced and sidelined.
“It is about time that we shine the light on their achievements and celebrate their excellence.
“I want to thank our libraries for organising a month of thought-provoking events and activities dedicated to appreciating our Black communities, recognising their struggles and voicing our solidarity.
“It’s wonderful that everyone will be able to not only learn about inspiring Black women who shaped our history, but meet, learn about and learn from Black women who are shaping our future.”
EVENTS
Saturday, October 7, 12–1pm at Jubilee Library community space: Writing Our Legacy Covert Literary Magazine: The Natural Heritage of the South reading event.
Find out more about Writing Our Legacy’s Covert Magazines and hear readings from contributors. Learn about the projects Shifting the Gaze and Changing Chalk, which aim to restore lost landscapes and habitats, bring history to life and offer new experiences outdoors. Refreshments provided.
You can book your ticket via Eventbrite.
Sunday, October 8, 12 – 2pm at Jubilee Library conference room: Creative Writing Workshop with Writing Our Legacy.
Immerse yourself in thought-provoking stories and poems that focus on connections with the South Downs. Led by queer writer, journalist and activist Jasmine Qureshi of Writing Our Legacy, this workshop will explore landscape, heritage and the power of literature in promoting sustainability.
You can book your ticket via Eventbrite.
Saturday, October 14, 11am – 12pm at Jubilee Library community space: Toussaint Louverture Graphic Novel Launch: The Story of the Only Successful Slave Revolt in History.
Nic Watts and Sakina Karimjee in conversation with Carolynn Bain of Afrori Books.
Perhaps the greatest victory of the oppressed over their oppressors in all history. Written as a play then lost for almost 70 years.
Find out more about this extraordinary drama of the Haitian Revolution and its incredible leader Toussaint Louverture that has been reimagined by artists Nic Watts and Sakina Karimjee. Artwork from the graphic novel will be on display from Tuesday, October 10 – Sunday, October 15.
You can book your ticket via Eventbrite. Some drop in spaces will be available on the day.
Sunday, October 15, 2pm at Jubilee Library conference room: Film screening.
Pop along an afternoon of action and drama with this superhero film based on the Marvel Comics. Certificate 12A.
No need to book, just drop in.
Sunday, October 22, 12 – 12.30pm at Jubilee Library foyer gallery: Our Heavy Heads. Reading and Q&A event with Nisha Whittingham and the Socially Engaged Art Salon.
Join Nisha Whittingham and the Socially Engaged Art Salon for a celebration of the Our Heavy Heads book and exhibition. You can view the exhibition in the Jubilee Library foyer gallery from Monday, October 16 to Sunday, October 22.
No need to book, just drop in.
Wednesday, October 25, 10.30am – 12pm at Jubilee Library children’s area: Family activities with Afrori Books.
Make a Kenyan themed necklace and listen to stories from Africa and Caribbean authors. This event is in partnership with Afrori Books. Suitable for children up to 11 years and their grown-ups.
No need to book, just drop in.
Tuesday, October 31, 2 – 4pm at Jubilee Library: Saluting our Sisters: Celebrating Black and Racially Minoritised Female Entrepreneurs.
Hear from a panel of inspiring local female entrepreneurs who will share their personal business journeys, highlight their achievements as well as the realities of building a business as a Black or racially minoritised woman. It is hoped this event will applaud individual successes and inspire future generations. There will be opportunities to network and enjoy refreshments. A BIPC Sussex event in partnership with NatWest.
You can book your ticket via Eventbrite.
Saturday, November 4, 2 – 3pm at Jubilee Library community space: Windward Family – An atlas of love, loss and belonging. Author Alexis Keir discusses his book with Carolynn Bain.
You can book your ticket via Eventbrite.
Some drop in spaces will be available on the day.
Exhibitions and ongoing events
Storytime sessions at local libraries, 10.15am
Libraries share stories that promote equality and celebrate diversity at their Storytime sessions for pre-school children and their families. Drop in to a regular session across the city.
Saluting our Sisters display: Sunday, October 1 – Tuesday, October 31 at Jubilee Library main hall.
Celebrating and honouring Black British women throughout history. The Saluting our Sisters display highlights the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change and building communities.
Sisters, Resisters exhibition curated by Umit Ozturk of EuroMernet: Monday, October 2 – Monday, October 9 at Jubilee Library community space: Life and Legacy of Black Women Activists in the UK.
This exhibition includes the portraits and short biographies of Black women activists in the UK with diverse artistic and professional backgrounds. Featuring leading figures in campaigns of resistance against racism, discrimination, inequalities and social injustice.
EuroMernet Film Club: Throughout October, EuroMernet Film Club will be screening drama and documentaries online about the life and legacy of some of the women who are included in their exhibition.
Unapologetically Unhidden: Monday, October 2 – Sunday, October 15: Jubilee Library foyer gallery.
A series of photographs from The Black Queens collection by KNOXY (Yasmin Knox). Vibrant, bold and unapologetic, this collection celebrates and embodies the radiance, regality and beauty of the Black woman. Exhibition in partnership with urbanflo.
This is New Brighton exhibition curated by urbanflo with photography by Vian Roos and Jade Hylton: Monday, October 9 – Sunday, October 29 at Jubilee Library window gallery.
An exhibition series curated by urbanflo exploring the existence and impact of colonial references ‘hidden in plain sight’ in the built environment across neighbourhoods. This edition centres on Brighton/South Africa connections.
Our Heavy Heads exhibition by Nisha Whittingham in partnership with the Socially Engaged Art Salon: Monday, October 16 – Sunday, October 22 at Jubilee Library foyer gallery.
An exploration of emotion and human experience through poetry and paintings. The exhibition is supported by a Q&A event.
For more info and listings, CLICK HERE