Black History Season 2008
From 1 to 31 October, Black History Season 2008 will be celebrated with a wide range of events in venues across the capital.
About Black History Season
What is Black History Season?
Black History Season is a season of events and activities that encompasses the anniversary of Black History Month, which has been celebrated across London since October 1987.
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month has its origins in the United States, where February has been recognised as Black History Month since 1926. It was thought that such a month was necessary in an effort to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of African Americans in keeping alive their heritage, traditions and histories.
In Britain, Black History Month was first celebrated in October 1987 as part of African Jubilee Year. The decision to make this an annual event each October was endorsed by the Association of London Authorities. It has since grown to celebrate the contributions and culture of London’s African and Carribean communities to London’s economical and cultural histories.
Putting London’s history in the spotlight
London Celebrates Black Heritage, supported by the Mayor of London, recognises London’s cultural diversity and heritage through the annual Black History Month each October. The programme of events shows the contributions and traditions of black and other minority ethnic groups in the context of the wider, shared history of the capital. Their history is an inseparable part of London’s journey to becoming the world city it is today.
The first season was held 20 years ago in October 1987 to mark African Jubilee Year, and it soon became an annual date in the capital’s cultural calendar.
The idea for the season has its origins in the USA, where February has been designated Black History Month for the past 80 years in recognition of the achievements and history of African-Americans.
This year’s programme, entitled ‘Windrush - The London Experience and Legacy’ highlights the contributions black Londoners have made to the capital since 1948. Read on for a guide to what’s happening, where and when during London’s 2008 season.
City Hall events
At City Hall the Mayor of London is hosting two exhibitions and a series of talks during Black History Season.
We were there
The MoD’s groundbreaking exhibition highlights the significant but little known contribution made by Britain’s ethnic minorities to defence over the past 250 years.
1-24 October, Lower ground floor.
The Underexposed
Coming directly from the National Portrait Gallery, this major public art exhibition forms part of the ‘4 The Record’ initiative and features portraits of some of the UK’s leading black British actors.
1-31 October, Cafe
60 years of black representation in British films
Using the arrival of the SS Windrush as the basis of discussion, academics, actors and directors will explore the rich and vital contributions black people have made to British film since 1948. Jim Pines, author and lecturer, will give an illustrated lecture, and will be joined by guests Menelik Shabazz director of the pioneering ‘Burning an Illusion’, and veteran actors Corinne Skinner and Earl Cameron.
1 October, Committee Rooms 4 & 5, 6.30-9.30pm.
War Stories: Fighting for King and Country
Hear first hand accounts from ex-serviceman and women from the Windrush generation and their experiences of post-war London. Featuring historians and members of the West Indian Ex-Servicemen and Women Association.
8 October, Committee Rooms 4 & 5, 6.30-9.30pm.
NUJ Claudia Jones Memorial Lecture
This year’s annual lecture is called Between Understanding and Misunderstanding - Global Media and Cultural Diversity and will be given by Doudou Diene, UN Rapporteur on Racism 2002-2008.
10 October, Chamber, 7.30-9.30pm.
Roots To Routes: British black music history, legacy and possibilities
A distinguished panel of music industry representatives discuss the history of British black music from the arrival of the SS Windrush to the present day.
15 October, 22 October, Committee Rooms 4 & 5, 6.30-9.30pm.
Is Windrush still relevant to Young People?
A panel discussion for schools groups featuring some of todays most outspoken youth commentators and young people.
24 October, Chamber, 11am-1pm.
Local Histories: Windrush London
What was London life like just before and following the arrival at Tilbury Docks of the SS Empire Windrush? This evening promises a potent mix of historical fact and first-hand reminiscence from leading historians, people of the generation and the Windrush Foundation.
29 October, Committee Rooms 4 & 5, 6.30-9.30pm.
Other London events
Other events scheduled across the capital include talks and a heritage river tour.
The Sohemian Society presents… Notting Hill Nights
Three talks on ‘The Black Experience in 1950s London’. Tickets: £3 (redeemable from the purchase of a book). Reservations on: 020 7229 9444 or visit the Notting Hill Gate branch of Waterstones (Notting Hill Gate Tube)
16 October, 7pm, ‘Inside outsider: the London novels of Colin Macinnes’
20 October, 7pm, ‘The Lonely Londoners’
23 October, 7pm, ‘Michael X: A Life in Black and White’
Heritage River Tour
An opportunity to discover some of the hidden history of black Londoners and their connection to London’s River Thames, delivered by the noted historian and author SI Martin.
25 October, Tate Pier, 2pm
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