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Black History Month in London – events, screenings and exhibitions

Black History Month in London – events, screenings and exhibitions

By Kitty Shepherd-Cross

Pictured: Kay Rufai

Each year, Black History Month has a specific theme that addresses different aspects of Black culture or history. The theme for 2024 focuses on “Reclaiming Narratives,” with a wide array of talks, exhibitions and plays to mark the occasion. Here are some of the best events celebrating Black History Month in London.

SMILE-ing BOYS PROJECT

Wandsworth, 1-30 October

Renowned artist Kay Rufai is bringing his SMILE-ing BOYS PROJECT to Southside’s upper mall as a photography exhibition for Black History Month. The project is inspired by his mission to inspire and empower young Black boys through the arts, capturing their smiles to celebrate their joy and positivity, to counteract negative media perceptions of Black masculinity and youth.

Our Windrush Story

Wandsworth, 30 October

Pointe Black Ballet School is performing “Our Windrush Story” on Wednesday, October 30, at Wandsworth Town Hall. This remarkable performance pays homage to the Windrush generation, showcasing a mix of classical ballet fused with Afro-Caribbean culture. The ballerinas, starting as young as 18 months old, display incredible talent and storytelling, making it an event you won’t want to miss.

Toni Morrison, The Pieces I Am

Brixton, 21 October

There will be a screening of the documentary “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am” at Minet Library in Brixton. The documentary follows the inspiring life of American novelist Toni Morrison, whose numerous novels, including Beloved (1987), The Bluest Eye (1970), and Sula (1973), delve into the psychological impact of racism and Black oppression in the United States. Morrison is considered one of the most important figures in American literature, and the documentary provides a heartfelt tribute to her remarkable life.

Top Secret Comedy Club – Black History Month Special

Drury Lane, 24 October

The Secret Comedy Club is hosting a Black History Month special on October 24. The programme includes former nurse and comedy legend Ola Labib, Live at the Apollo star Slim, and MTV star Kat B. This stellar line-up promises explosive laughter and an unforgettable night in Covent Garden.

African Fashion Week

Kensington and Chelsea Conference Centre, 11 & 12 October

Europe’s largest annual African fashion event will take place on October 11 and 12 at the Kensington and Chelsea Conference Centre. There will be three catwalks showcasing the best African designers in the world, including Mary Martin, Simeogieme, and the Adire Oodua Textile Hub. Following this, there will be a marketplace featuring over 50 brands, dance performances, and a food hall, providing a vibrant and exciting weekend celebrating African fashion.

Global Arts of Africa, City Lit Course

Holborn

The adult education college City Lit is holding a course on the past, present, and future of Black cultures starting this October. The course will take place every Tuesday evening from 6pm to 8pm for eight weeks in Holborn. Taught by Thomas Balfe, it will cover African sculpture, architecture, and the impact of European trade on African art. This course promises to provide a fascinating deep dive into African history.

Pete Rock

Electric Brixton, 19 October

DJ and rapper Pete Rock, renowned as one of the greatest hip-hop producers of all time, is set to headline Electric Brixton on October 19th. The evening promises to be an unforgettable night filled with infectious beats and nostalgic vibes that will have everyone dancing.

Black Cultural Archives

Brixton, October – February

The Black Cultural Archives is a heritage centre in Brixton dedicated to preserving the history of people of African and Caribbean descent in Britain. From October until February, they are hosting a Black History is British History’ exhibition. The display focuses on the archives of Race Today, a former political magazine that reported on the experiences of Black communities. It celebrates how the magazine viewed Black history is British history, a rhetoric it aims to keep alive to this day through the exhibition.

Classically Black

Kings Place, 19 October

On October 19th, Black Lives in Music, an organisation aimed at addressing racial inequality in the music industry, is hosting Classically Black at Kings Place. This is the perfect event for classical music lovers, showcasing two newly commissioned pieces by British Black composers Pete Letanka and Jason Yarde. To conclude the evening, there will be a bespoke performance by Ayanna Witter-Johnson, the multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, and cellist, providing a beautiful evening to celebrate classical Black music.

A Small Book of Mindful Colouring Pages Inspired by Africa and the Caribbean

A great way to practice mindfulness is colouring – and this release by Patricia Brooks is designed to encourage mindfulness while celebrating the rich and vibrant heritage of Africa and the Caribbean. With this book you can practice a calm and activating way to be mindful while celebrating Black History Month – plus, 25% of all profits will go directly to two charities: St Raphael’s Hospice and Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK.