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Save the Date: Black History Month MUST GO to Events This Year

by in Culture & Lifestyle on 20th September, 2018

If you would like to tell us a little about the events you’re running for the black Muslim community, please get in touch, and we would be happy to share it!One of the first Black History Month events in the UK was held on the 1st October 1987 and initiated by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo of the GLC after a colleague shared a moment where her son Marcus who was named after the great Marcus Garvey said: “Mum, why can’t I be white?” Akyaaba had to do something and after lecturing in the USA where Black History Month was already celebrated, he teamed up with the GLC, spoke to the community, raised funds and lectures were planned.

“We decided on October as the month to celebrate black history because apart from its significance within the African calendar – the period of the autumn equinox in Africa – October is consecrated as the harvest period, the period of plenty, and the period of the Yam Festivals. It was the time in history when Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia for example were the cradle and breadbasket of civilisation. October is also a period of tolerance and reconciliation in Africa, when the chiefs and leaders would gather to settle all differences. This was also the time to examine one’s life in relation to the collective and to see if the targets set for oneself and the group during the past year had been achieved or not. You know that Africa gave the world the calendar. Our ancestors built the Pyramids, knowing about mathematics, architecture and astronomy. October was therefore chosen because of these factors. Black history Month is a reconnection with our source.”

1. Black Magic Film screen

“Through his visually engaging interdisciplinary work, RASHAAD NEWSOME (Artist) explores the complexities of social power structures and questions of agency. Newsome will discuss his use of the diasporic tradition of improvisation as a tool to achieve abstraction. His work speaks to the power of the human spirit to reinvent and transform itself as evidenced in the Black and Queer cultural practices referenced and abstracted throughout the work.

This event is a part of FORUM, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair’s Programme of talks, performances and screenings. Entry to the talks is free for all the ticket holders of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair.”

 Fri 5 October 2018, 13:00 – 14:00 BST

Screening Room, Somerset House, London, WC2R 0RN

3. The Hidden Science of Black Holistic Health in Black Panther

“Marvel’s Black Panther movie was the most anticipated movie of 2018 and it did not disappoint. With African culture and action at the forefront, it is a celebration of black representation. Many who have seen it might not be aware of the Black Holistic Health subliminal messages in the movie. In this eye-opening presentation, we will reveal some of the hidden truths about Melanin, Black Biology and Chemistry, Nutrition and Spiritual Enlightenment that the film touches on. This event is NOT TO BE MISSED!!!
DATE: Saturday 22nd September 2018
TIME: 1-7pm (Black Panther Movie will be shown at 1 pm. Presentation starts at 3 pm)
VENUE: London South Bank University 100-116 London Rd, London SE1 6LN?

4. Agents of Freedom: The Black Jacobin

“Whilst researching his ancestry, Paul Crooks discovered his Great Great Great Grandfather walked free from a sugar plantation in Jamaica in 1838. Paul wanted to know more about what lay behind the decision to free the enslaved people of the Caribbean. The Haitian revolution led by Toussaint L’Overture inspired events in Jamaica that ultimately led the British government to legislate to end the system of slavery – and not just in its own colonies.

Toussaint L’Overture’s military and political acumen transformed an uprising into a revolutionary movement. Fighting against the might of the Spanish, the British and the French, for the most prosperous slave colony of its time, he started the countdown to the end of the transatlantic slave trade and the ultimate demise of slavery in the Americas. Paul Crooks discusses the Haitian revolution and asks, “Was Toussaint L’Overture the greatest black leader of the modern black history era?” Paul uses the backdrop of the Haitian revolution to reveal the overlooked truth about how slaves who brought about the demise of slavery in the British dominions.”

Sat 6 October 2018, 10:30 – 12:30 BST

Lewisham Library, 199-201 Lewisham High St, London, SE13 6LG

 5.The Birth of a Black surrealism? 

“In 1945, André Breton came to Haiti and gave a series of lectures which – some say – helped spark a political revolution. Yet it was his visit to the radical art studio, le Centre d’Art d’Haïti, which would change him and the course of art history forever. This open-forum conversation will include audience members to discuss a critical moment in the development of the mid-20th-century African diaspora aesthetic. JAMES BRETT (Filmmaker, Founder of The Museum of Everything // The Gallery of Everything), LEAH GORDON (Artist, Founder Ghetto Biennale), AXELLE LIAUTAUD (Director, le Centre d’Art d’Haïti), JOHN CUSSANS (Artist, Writer, Researcher) and GISCARD BOUCHOTTE (Curator and Critic).

This event is a part of FORUM, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair’s Programme of talks, performances and screenings. Entry to the talks is free for all the ticket holders of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair.”

6. Black Women in Business UK

“A One-day Business Event in London bringing together Black Asian & Ethnic Minority Women who are just starting out in business or already have a thriving business.

This event is for those that would like to connect with other businesses or would like to take their business or passion to the next level. The aim of the event is to encourage you to aspire, expand your professional reach and achieve your goals.

  • Join them at The Lift in Islington on 29 September 2018 for a lively event with refreshing music
  • Business networking opportunities
  • Free Business Support/Mentoring
  • Financial Advice
  • Brand/Product Sales
  • Inspiring Talk
  • Interactive Sessions
  • Fashion Show
  • This and much more are all lined up for the day.”

Lift, 45 White Lion Street, London, N1 9PW

Sat 29 September 2018, 12:00 – 19:00 BST

7. The Black Awards 2018

“We invite you to end Black History Month 2018, in the most remarkable way. The inaugural Black Awards 2018 will take place on Friday 26th October 2018. On the night we will unite to celebrate young, black and exceptional talent here in the UK.

The Venue:

8 Northumberland is London’s most central venue being just a few steps away from Trafalgar Square. You can expect nothing but greatness from the night. The venue is a mix of beautiful Victorian interior and its inspiring use of technology makes the venue one of London’s most prestigious event spaces. ”

Fri 26 October 2018, 18:30 – 23:00 BST

8 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5BY

8.Black History Market

“Showcasing the inherent beauty of the African and Caribbean Diaspora through entrepreneurship.

Please join us at Impact Hub Brixton, for an inspiring showcase of black businesses. This is an indoor event representing entrepreneurs from across the African and Caribbean diaspora.

Entrepreneurs will be displaying high-quality products from food, clothing, stationery, books, jewellery, hair and beauty etc. Be sure to come down, support and discover new businesses.”

 Sat, October 6, 2018 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM BST

Impact Hub Brixton, Pop Brixton, 49 Brixton Station Road, London, SW9 8PQ”

10.Black Saints, white worshippers

“In the 1500s Europeans had no problem venerating the images of Black people. The evidence is in hundreds of artworks still in existence across Europe today. One of the most famous Black religious figures is Saint Maurice of Germany (seen above in a 16th-century painting with his fellow African soldiers) who has an entire German cathedral dedicated to him. There are towns and churches across Europe named after him and even a US infantry order for those who have served with distinction bears his name.
This richly illustrated talk will explain the history and show the art of Saint Maurice and other Black religious figures from the 13th century to the 18th century. We will cover over ten centuries of the African presence in European art. The Black image in Europe prior to slavery, the history of Saint Maurice, personal photographs/videos from the cathedral which honours him and other Black male and female religious figures revered in European arr where we can find similar art in London today.”

Wed 19 September 2018, 18:30 – 20:30 BS

Harris Westminster, Steel house, 11 Tothill Street, London, SW1H 9LH

11.Black in Academia: staying the course

“These events are designed to encourage and support black students who are studying in the UK and considering a Masters, PhD or a career in academia. Often, information about the steps students need to take to progress through academia is not transparent, easily accessible or well circulated.

We have created a space for black students to share their thoughts and concerns about postgraduate study whilst providing information about the steps they can take during their undergraduate and masters that will support their entry into postgraduate research. It is estimated that of the 19,000 professors in the U.K – around 100 are black. Students from an African-Caribbean background do not see themselves represented in higher education and a postgraduate career appears out of reach. Our ambition is to change this through a series of events that will equip black students with the advice and knowledge they need to thrive and survive in an academic career.

Join us for informative discussions, exciting academic speakers and an evening to discover opportunities in academic research.

With special guests –

  • Paulette Williams – Founder of Leading Routes
  • Chantelle Lewis – Ph.D. researcher, Goldsmiths College (Sociology)
  • April- Louise Pennant – Ph.D. researcher, University of Birmingham (Education studies)
  • Dr. Jason Arday – Senior Lecturer in Education, University of Roehampton and Visiting Research Fellow Ohio State University
  • Dr. Adom Philogene Heron – Lecturer in Social Anthropology, Goldsmiths College”

Mon 19 November 2018, 16:00 – 19:00 GMT

The British Library, The Knowledge Centre, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB

 12. Black Girl Festival

“The UK’s first festival celebrating Black women and girls is back and better. We’ve been working hard and we can’t wait to share all the details with you!

This year’s one-day festival will be focusing on facilitating the growth of black women and girls. Alongside carefully curated talks, workshops and masterclasses, we’ll be hosting a marketplace, food market, exhibitions, live performances, screenings and more. If you are unable to afford the cost of a ticket, please email us at blackgirlfestival@gmail.com. Children under 4 go free. ‘Pay it forward’ means that you are covering the cost of a ticket for a black woman or girl to attend the festival. This ticket will be allocated at random.”

Sat 27 October 2018, 10:00 – 23:00 BST
Venue TBC, London

13.Black Ink celebration of Black History Month

“8 workshops – 8 Libraries

  1. What does Black History Month mean to you?
  2. What is Black History Month for?
  3. What is Black History Month and why is it important?
  4.  What is the significance of Black History Month?

Join us at events across Newham to explore these questions and use creative and provocative poetry to answer them. All abilities welcome – no experience required – Free entry but booking is recommended. More information about the full schedule please contact.”

@ NewhaPoetryGrp at Instagram 

Mon, 8 Oct 2018, 11:00 – Fri, 26 Oct 2018, 20:30 BST

 London Borough of Newham

14. Black History Month Film Premiere: African History of Sport

“At least five thousand years ago, ancient African civilisations in KMT/Egypt, Nubia/Sudan, Ethiopia, and Nile Valley East African kingdoms, invented a ‘Grand Philosophy’ which they called several names, including Sewetwet and Sedjay Her. For the peoples of the Nile, “Sewetwet” or “Sedjay Her”, was the ultimate union of brain, brawn, and spirit. They used it for pleasure, leisure, Warcraft or military training, governance, and foreign policy; and treated it on par with intellectual fields like Religion, law, medicine, natural sciences, and Art. And certainly, a combination of all of the above. These activities have become known and popularly practiced as Sport. Today, few education systems in the world; if any, treat sport as a product of thought; for example, the British National Curriculum introduces sport to children, as physical education, or PE. Ironically, sport involves all intellectual properties or characteristics; but has never been treated respectfully by any ‘modern’ education system. Why is this?!!  This film revisits scenes of ancient glory.”

Tue 30 October 201819:00 – 21:30 GMT

St Ann’s Library, Cissbury Road, Tottenham, N15 5PU

15. The Hidden History of Africa Before the Slave Trade

“The Hidden History of Africa Before the Slave Trade is a visually stunning presentation that addresses one key question: What history do Black people have before the slave trade started? This lecture discusses the Empire of Mali, the Yoruba Kingdoms, Medieval Sudan, Medieval Ethiopia, and the East African Coast. These civilisations have left behind a splendid array of evidence that is discussed in the lecture. This evidence includes wonderful artefacts, illuminated manuscripts, and impressive architecture. A discussion will follow the presentation.”

Sat 22 September 2018, 18:00 – 21:00 BST
St Ann’s Library, Cissbury Road, Tottenham, N15 5PU

16. Black history month: comedy special

“Stand up comedy at the London authentic, award-winning, modern Mediterranean restaurant. It is just a short walk from Hammersmith tube station and the Apollo.”

Sun 28 October 2018, 19:00 – 22:00 GMT

The Grove, 83 Hammersmith Grove, London, W6 0NQ

17. Hackney (Dalston) Black History Walk

“This walk recognises 70 years since the SS Windrush arrived from the Caribbean.This tour starts with the 1950’s and goes right up to the 21st century. We will cover:

  • Black music history soul, reggae, rave, and acid: the legendary 4 Aces
  • Hackneys black activism and its pioneering role in housing equality
  • Sus and Operation Jackpot, the Freeway Rick Ross Los Angeles connection
  • Black British Civil Rights: Hackney Black Peoples Defence Association, Colin Roach and others
  • Revolution via reading: Black bookshops, Maarifa, Centerprise
  • Gentrification and social cleansing
  • Education and the black child, from grassroots campaigns to national change
  • Race Relations 1965, 1968,1976 the reasons, the impact, the legacies
  • The rise of the black church”

Sun 14 October 2018, 10:30 – 12:30 BST

Dalston, London

Amaliah Team

Amaliah Team

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