October is Black History Month. It provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate diversity and the contributions of black men and women to British society.

The key aim is still to promote knowledge of black history, experience and cultural heritage.

The list below provides details of some of the events happening across London and Essex. If you are a Swan resident and under 16 years you can also enter our Black History Month Art Competition.

You can find out more about Black History Month at http://www.black-history-month.co.uk/

London Wide

Black History Live 2011

A cultural extravaganza at Wembley Stadium, celebrating the start of Black History Month.

Details

Saturday and Sunday the 1st and 2nd of October 2011 @ Wembley Stadium, London

Ticket price: £6

For more information and tickets visit the website: www.blackhistorylive.com

Tower Hamlets

Black History Month Exhibitions and Workshops - Idea Store

A number of free Black History Month exhibitions, workshops and activities are being held at the Idea Store in Whitechapel throughout October.

Details

Throughout October 2011 @ Idea Store, Whitechapel

For more information telephone 020 7364 1738 or visit their website www.ideastore.co.uk 

For more information on Black History Month in Tower Hamlets please visit www.towerhamletsarts.org.uk

Newham

Shalom Baby

Shalom Baby is a brand new play from award-winning writer and director Rikki Beadle-Blair.

In 1930s Berlin - an intriguing city of Jazz and underground cabaret overpowered by the rise of Hitler and World War II - the daughter of a Jewish family falls in love with their black servant. Mirrored by the tale of a mixed-race couple in seemingly unprejudiced modern-day Brooklyn, Shalom Baby is a humorous and touching exploration of what it is that connects us and how we overcome adversity in its many forms.’

Details

For more information visit the Black History Month website: www.black-history-month.co.uk

A ‘pay what you want’ performance is also available on Saturday 12 November at 2.30pm for Newham residents who have never been to see a show at Theatre Royal Stratford East. Proof of residence will be required.

Redbridge

Island to Island

An exhibition of photographs - Dominica, Barbados & Britain – Tim Smith.

Redbridge Museum exhibition displays stunning images by respected photograph Tim Smith. The exhibition uses photographs and people’s stories of migration to explore the close relationship between Britain and the Caribbean islands of Dominica and Barbados.  The exhibition comprises photographs of the Dominican community in East London and Bradford and from the islands of Dominica and Barbados, where Tim Smith spent his childhood. These contemporary photographs are complemented by his father’s rare photographs of everyday life on the islands during the 1960s.

Details

4th October – 31 December 2011 @ Redbridge Museum, 1st Floor Exhibition Area, Ilford Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA

Tuesday- Friday 10.00 am – 5.00pm
Saturday 10.00 am- 4.00pm

For more information visit the website:  www.redbridge.gov.uk/museum

Chelmsford 

Chelmsford’s Celebration of Black History

A showcase of local art and talent plus an array of African and Caribbean food.

Details

9th October 2011, 11am to 4pm @ Chelmsford High Street

Colchester

African and Caribbean Market Day and Launch Event

An African and Caribbean Market Day with vibrant stalls, delicious foods, music, dance performances and family entertainment. Followed by a live performance from Wayne MacAuthor & the Universal Players from 7.00pm until Midnight.

Details

12 noon to midnight @ Colchester Arts Centre, Church St, Colchester, CO1 1NF
Daytime activities free
7pm to midnight: £4

Harlow

Harlow Black History and Multi-Cultural Day

Music, dancing, art, poetry and food.

Details

1st October 2011, 10am to 4pm @ Harlow Market Square, Town centre, Harlow

Southend-on-Sea

Southend Multi-Cultural Festival

"Out of the Box" Musical performances and workshops.

Details

1st October 2011, 11:30am to 1pm @ Victoria Circus, Southend High Street

For more information on Black History Month Events in Essex please visit the website:  www.blackhistorymonthessex.com