Black History Month Events To Mark In Your Diary
We've rounded up the highlights of what's on this October across the UK.
Black History Month is celebrated every year in the UK in October. It's a chance for Black people to celebrate their heritage and culture, with events taking place all over the country.
In the UK, Black History Month was first marked in October 1987, as part of African Jubilee Year. This year, the theme is 'Proud To Be', which Black History Month UK magazine says is 'inspired by the 2020 Black Lives Matter events'.
People are being encouraged to share what they are proud of on social media.
Catherine Ross, editor at Black History Month UK, says: 'It’s been a challenging time for many black and brown people, with so much in the media about racism, inequality and injustice.'
'We wanted the theme of Black History Month 2021 to focus on celebrating being black or brown, and to inspire and share the pride people have in their heritage and culture – in their own way, in their own words.'
Up and down the UK, there are plenty of events to get involved with, from comedy shows to cooking classes and art exhibitions.
1) Black Culture Market
Shop emerging entrepreneurs and new black businesses at the Black Culture Market, which will be taking over Downstairs at The Department Store, Brixton during the first weekend in October.
The market will offer a diverse, quality shopping experience, celebrating producers of everything from prints, cards and books to homeware, jewellery, clothing and ceramics.
When? October 2-3 2021, 11am-5pm each day Where? The Department Store, Brixton, 248 Ferndale Rd, London SW9 8FR
2) Channel B
Covering music, performance and art, Channel B is an exploration of Black futurism, featuring sound and video installations by artists Gaika, GLOR1A and Shannen SP, with live performance and broadcast.
Channel B is put on by black-owned art, music and creative education initiative Nine Nights, which was founded in May 2020 to build a space for UK Black arts that’s free of institutional racism.