Join Lambeth Libraries for a month of events celebrating Black History Month.
Word from the Cabinet
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Leisure and Sport, said: “I hope you will join us as we celebrate African and Caribbean history and heritage. It is 75 years since the Empire Windrush brought Caribbean creativity to enrich the diversity and vibrancy of London culture, and Lambeth is committed to supporting the Windrush descendants who made such a huge contribution to the borough.
“We are lucky people from around the world for centuries have made Lambeth their home. Black History Month is a time we come together to share and enjoy the culture of communities that have enriched our lives in Lambeth. Lambeth Libraries has partnered with many local organisations, along with a selection of brilliant writers and artists, to deliver this fantastic programme of events.”
Events for all
There’s a kaleidoscope of events to enjoy, including:
- History – novelist Velma McClymont and historian Cecil Gutzmore discuss the importance of Black History
Education campaigner Gus John
Month; historian Robin Walker shares icons who changed our culture despite the time of slavery. Follow the footsteps of abolitionists and Black radicals in Kennington. Genealogist Paul Crooks shares expertise on tracing Black ancestry.
- Theatre – a fresh look at Shakespeare’s themes of otherness and a live performance from the Black Men’s Consortium
- Music – Pegasus Opera Company in Concert; Live DJs in the Library; legend PP Arnold talking with writerLloyd Bradley; author Alex Wheatle remembers discovering his Jamaican heritage via reggae; and the story of young jazz musicians visiting the Gambia.
Cinema – See Hollywood Classic about mixed-race marriage ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’, the Cinema Museum’s celebration of Hollywood’s first Black star Lena Horne; and a director’s cut and Q&A of acclaimed Ama: A Journey of African Discovery. As well as cinema, enjoy a virtual Rumble in the Jungle with Muhammad Ali - Creative writing – new fiction exploring Nigeria in WW2 and London’s clubbing scene;
Music legend PP Arnold
National Poetry Day, and a Poets’ open mic. Actor Paterson Joseph presents his first historical novel.
- Brixton ImmortalsDomino Club Celebration
- Black British artists exhibition.
Events for young readers
Including the story of Mary Seacole, Crimean War nurse; Black Books for Kids Book Chat from Librarians Zoey and Liz; share stories from different cultures with Once Upon a Story sessions; trickster tales featuring ‘Anansi the Spiderman’ (and crafting spiders)
Actor/novelist Paterson Joseph
Meet writer Venessa Taylor whose Baller Boys series get boys reading; build your own Company of Monsters story with Ciannon Smart; create an adventure with Ella Phillips in a multi-sensory workshop; or join Maria Motunrayo Adebisi introducing Kòkú Akanbi – the boy who unleashes a demon on a school trip.
More information
For full details of all these events and more with times and booking details via Eventbrite and email, see the Black History Month web pages on the Council’s website.
