Merton

Fri 28 Sep
‘Black Flash!’
Presented by Tony Warner of 100 Black Men of London
Polka Theatre, 7pm, free (book in advance), tel: 020 8543 4888, [email protected], www.polkatheatre.com

Fri 28 Sep – Sat 27 Oct
There’s Only One Wayne Matthews: A Play by Roy Williams
Wayne Matthews is going to be the greatest footballer in theworld. There’s only one problem, he’s rubbish. If only Wayne wasmore like Carl Wilkins, with his name on Chelsea’s books. Butwhen Wayne tries to be like Carl he discovers that life at the top is not always Premiere League. This inspiring new play looks at issues such as racism, bullying, friendship, loyalty, and black achievement. Set in the late 1970s it also examines the changing attitudes to black people in Britain.
Polka Theatre, 10.30am or 2pm, £6 (book in advance), tel: 020 8543 4888, [email protected], www.polkatheatre.com

Mon 1 Oct – Sat 13 Oct
William Wilberforce and the Abolition of the Slave Trade – A Display
A display of the books and the black and white photographs on the abolition of the slave trade.
Pollards Hill Library, 5pm-7pm, free, tel: 020 8646 7512, [email protected], www.merton.gov.uk.

Sat 6 Oct
Gospel Evening
Singing, gospel, dance, street dance, music and much more.
Merton Hall, 7pm-11pm, £5,
tel: 020 8646 7512 or tel: 07903 228106, www.merton.gov.uk.

Sat 6 Oct
World of Stories
Join storyteller Nicole Worrica as she shares some of her favourite stories to celebrate Black History Month.
Polka Theatre, 10.30am, free (book in advance), tel: 020 8543 4888, [email protected], www.polkatheatre.com

Mon 8 Oct
Worcester Dramatic Society Readings
The Worcester Park Dramatic Society will perform readings and poetry to mark 200 years since the abolition of slavery.
West Barnes Library, 10.30am-12pm, free, tel: 020 8942 2635, [email protected], www.merton.gov.uk.

Tue 9 Oct – Wed 31 Oct
Exhibition: Merton’s Black and Asian Heritage
An exhibition of Merton’s diverse ethnic community and the contribution which black and Asian people have made to the heritage of the borough, covering a range of topics.
Morden Library, 9.30am-7.30pm, free, tel: 020 8640 9387, [email protected], www.merton.gov.uk.

Fri 19 Oct
Storytelling with Song & Rhyme
Children and adults full participation in songs, music and stories shared from colourful and diverse communities.
Cranmer Primary School, 8.30am-3.20pm, free, tel: 020 8648 2621, [email protected], www.merton.gov.uk.

Mon 22 Oct – Fri 26 Oct
A Sea of Hands
Join Koromanti Arts in learning about African heritage and the slave trade through music, drama, art, storytelling and food tasting.
New Horizons Centre, 2pm-8pm, free (book in advance), tel: 020 8646 7512, [email protected], www.merton.gov.uk.

Tue 23 Oct
Black History Month: Family Fun Day
Storytelling, drama games and craft activities for all the family.
Polka Theatre, 10.30am-4pm, £5 (book in advance), tel: 020 8543 4888, [email protected], www.polkatheatre.com

Tue 23 Oct
‘Rafa Rafta’ – Theatre Trip to National Theatre
A comic tale of close-knit Indian family life in England by the author of East is East, Ayub Khan-Din.
South Wimbledon Youth Centre, 1pm-6pm, £5, tel: 07940 714133, [email protected], www.merton.gov.uk.

Thu 25 Oct – Sat 27 Oct
Black History Performance
A performance based on the struggle from slavery to emancipation.
La Sporta Community Centre, 7.30pm, £4/£2, tel: 07930 661439, www.merton.gov.uk

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National Gallery

Fri 20 Jul – Sun 4 Nov
Scratch the Surface
‘Scratch the Surface’ is part of the National Gallery’s contribution to a range of activities and events commemorating the 200th anniversary of the 1807 Act to abolish the British trade in African people. This exhibition examines the role that the slave trade played in the lives of two people featured in portraits in the collection. Also features new work by Yinka Shonibare MBE on display in the Barry Rooms.
Rooms 1 & 36, 2pm, free, tel: 020 7747 2885, [email protected], www.nationalgallery.org.uk.

Wed 3 Oct
Why Was Abolition So Popular? The Slave Trade and the People
The Act to abolish the slave trade was a result in large part of a popular, national campaign over 20 years. But why should the British people – who had benefited so much from African slavery – decide that they had had their fill of the slave trade? This talk will focus on the way the growing British dislike of the slave trade paved the way for its abolition. James Walvin has written extensively on the transatlantic slave trade. His works include ‘Questioning Slavery’ (1996) and ‘Fruits of Empire: Exotic Produce and British Taste, 1660–1800’ (1997). He is also co-editor of ‘Slavery & Abolition’, the only journal dedicated to the discussions around the subject.
The National Gallery, 6.30pm-8pm, £3-£5, tel: 020 7747 2885, [email protected], www.nationalgallery.org.uk.

Wed 10 Oct
Private Doubts and Public Oratory - Perdita Robinson and the Slave Trade
Mary 'Perdita' Robinson was in the late 18th century the darling of the London stage, a renowned feminist thinker and author, and mistress to the most powerful men in England, including the Prince of Wales and Colonel Banastre Tarleton. Tarleton's work as an MP and anti-abolitionist is uncovered in the exhibition Scratch the Surface. Mary helped Tarleton to write his political speeches, many of them in favour of the slave trade, despite the fact that, privately, she opposed it. One of her most famous poems, 'The Negro Girl', depicts a young girl being shipped across the ocean to be sold into slavery. Paula Byrne's lecture will explore the life of this complex woman in all its extraordinary, disgraceful, triumphant and romantic glory. Paula Byrne is the author of 'Perdita: The Life of Mary Robinson' (2004), which was long-listed for the Samuel Johnson Prize. She has published essays on a wide range of women authors and is currently writing the real-life story of the aristocratic family who inspired Evelyn Waugh's 'Brideshead Revisited'.
Sainsbury Wing Theatre, 6.30pm-8pm, £3-£5, tel: 0871 223 5668.  

Wed 10 Oct
Evening Lecture
Mary ‘Perdita’ Robinson was in the late 18th century the darling of the London stage, a renowned feminist thinker and author, and mistress to the most powerful men in England, including the Prince of Wales and Colonel Banastre Tarleton. Tarleton’s work as an MP and anti-abolitionist is uncovered in the exhibition Scratch the Surface. Mary helped Tarleton to write his political speeches, many of them in favour of the slave trade, despite the fact that, privately, she opposed it. One of her most famous poems, ‘The Negro Girl’, depicts a young girl being shipped across the ocean to be sold into slavery.Paula Byrne’s lecture will explore the life of this complex woman in all its extraordinary, disgraceful, triumphant and romantic glory. Paula Byrne is the author of ‘Perdita: The Life of Mary Robinson’ (2004), which was long-listed for the Samuel Johnson Prize. She has published essays on a wide range of women authors and is currently writing the real-life story of the aristocratic family who inspired Evelyn Waugh’s ‘Brideshead Revisited’.
The National Gallery, 6.30pm-8pm, £3-£5, tel: 020 7747 2885, [email protected], www.nationalgallery.org.uk.

Wed 17 Oct
Imaging the Slave Trade in the Long 18th Century
Marcus Wood will consider the visual cultures that developed around the transatlantic slave trade during the decades when Britain dominated this heinous industry. Special attention will be given to the manner in which British graphic satire addressed the issues of both slavery and abolition. The talk will end by speculating on how 18th-century visual materials dealing with slavery have been used and abused in the exhibitions and publicity that the bicentennial of the 1807 abolition Act has generated. Marcus Wood is a painter and performance film-maker, and Professor of English at the University of Sussex. He is author of ‘Blind Memory: Visual Representations of Slavery in England and America 1780–1865’ (2000).
The National Gallery, 6.30pm-8pm, £3-£5, tel: 020 7747 2885, [email protected], www.nationalgallery.org.uk.

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National History Museum

Thu 11 Oct
Slavery & The Natural World: Plants
From medicine to poison, enslaved people were empowered by their knowledge of the natural world. Join us to discover the fascinating uses of plants in everyday life.
National History Museum, 2pm-4pm, free (booking essential), tel: 020 7942 5000,
www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-live.

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National Portrait Gallery

Sat 16 Jun – Sun 25 Nov
Devotional
Celebrating black female singers in British entertainment, this unique display is the latest development in the ‘Devotional Series’, a body of work by the artist Sonia Boyce. The display takes the form of an elaborately hand-drawn installation on the gallery walls: a roll call of one hundred and eighty names. The names will be illustrated by portraits of several of the singers, among them Shirley Bassey, Joan Armatrading, Des’ree and Ms.Dynamite.
National Portrait Gallery, 5.30pm-8.50pm, free, tel: 020 7321 6620, [email protected],
www.npg.gov.uk.

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Oval

Tue 2 Oct – Sat 6 Oct
Motherland: A story of being and belonging
This uplifting and epic dance theatre piece celebrates the diversity of modern Britain and is being presented to remember the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. Beginning in 21st Century Birmingham, Motherland spans 200 years of history from the perspective of two people, one Asian and one African. It traces their ancestor’s experiences from the plantations of Trinidad to the colonies of South Africa and India.
An international cast of dancers, actors and musicians unites like on stage to create the sounds, rhythms and movements of India, Africa, the Caribbean and the UK. High energy Indian and African drum beats are fused with powerful vocals in a specially commissioned score performed live on stage.
Oval House Theatre, 3.30pm matinee & 7.45pm evening shows, £12, tel: 0207 582 0080, www.ovalhouse.com.

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Riverside Studios

Tue 2 Oct
Basic Training
Kahlil Ashanti’s autobiographical one-man show takes us on a journey of his time on tour as a comedian, actor, dancer and soldier. Mayhem ensues as we meet 23 of the most flamboyant, hilarious and militant characters imaginable, each bringing Kahlil one-step closer to the answers he so desperately needs in order to face his past. Direct from a sold-out run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Basic Training is a hilarious true tale of survival and redemption, all experienced through Ashanti’s rapid-fire talent.
Riverside Studios, 7.45pm, £10-£16, tel: 020 8237 1111, [email protected],
www.riversidestudios.co.uk.

Wed 10 Oct
Emergence-See!
On a clear blue day in 2006, the supernatural emergence of a slave ship from the Hudson River in front of the Statue of Liberty sends New York City into a whirlwind of emotion in this explosive solo tour de force. Featuring slam poetry, multi-character transformation and song, Daniel Beaty portrays an amazing cast of over 40 characters who collide in an urgent, witty and moving exploration of what it means to be free.
Riverside Studios, 8pm, £10-£16, tel: 020 8237 1111, [email protected],
www.riversidestudios.co.uk.

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Southwark

Wed Sep 26 – Tue Oct 30
Midnight Robbers: The Artists of Notting Hill Carnival The history and roots of carnival.
City Hall, 10am-7pm, free, tel: 020 725 2000, [email protected], www.southwark.gov.uk.

Mon Sep 10 – Fri Oct 19
Don’t miss wire sculptures by carnival artist Carl Gabriel!
Unicorn Theatre, tel: 020 8930 2646, [email protected] http://theatre.osu.edu/carnival/.

Wed Oct 3 to Sun Nov 4
Goldfinger
Major new exhibtion of photographic-based work by established artist Faisal Abdu’Allah.
Café Gallery Projects, 11am to 4pm, tel: 020 7237 1230, [email protected], www.cafegalleryprojects.org.

Fri Oct 12 – Thu Oct 25
Freedom: Slavery Past & Present
An exhibition and community project to mark the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition
of the Slave Trade Act.
The Gallery at Morley College, 11am to 6pm (Mon to Fri) 12noon to 4pm (Sat), tel: 020 7450 1826, [email protected], www.morleycollege.ac.uk/slavery.

Mon Oct 15 to Fri Oct 26
Black 100 Exhibition
An exhibition of portraits of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) achievers, past and present. Booking for groups is essential.
London College of Communication, tel: 020 7514 7983, [email protected].

Tue Oct 25 – Thu Oct 27
Slaves Of Rapparree Exhibition
The Slaves of Rapparee is an untold true story of the politics, culture, and complexities of the British slave trade.
Clubland Daily, 10am- 5pm, tel: 07947 119348, [email protected], www.into.org.uk/ic2.

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St. Pauls – Mill Hill

Sat Oct 13
Three exhibitions; ‘Slavery: From the 18th Century to the Present Day’
William Wilberforce and his local connections - The restoration of Wilberforces’ church.
St. Paul’s Church Hall, 10.30am-4.30pm, free, tel: 020 8959 2288, www.stpaulschurchmillhill.co.uk

Sat Oct 13
‘A Talk’
Author Kevin Belmonte about his book ‘Wilberforce friend of humanity and his enduring influence’.
St. Paul’s Church Hall, 4.30pm-5.45pm, free, tel: 020 8959 2288, www.stpaulschurchmillhill.co.uk

Sat Oct 27
A Very Special Dinner and Dance
Home cooked African food, entertainment a disco a raffle and a bar. Tickets must be pre-bought and are can be ordered from the parish office.
St. Paul’s Church Hall, 7pm, Tickets should be pre-bought: Adults £15 Kids £7.50, 020 tel: 8959 2288, www.stpaulschurchmillhill.co.uk

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South Bank

Tue 2 Oct
Black Britain at BFI South Bank
Almost 100 films and television programmes exploring the histories, identities and representation of black Britons will be available to view free of charge at the Mediatheque at BFI Southbank.
How have black Britons been portrayed in film and TV? The Mediatheque welcomes Black History Month with the launch of a major new collection exploring a century of representation.
From the infrequent appearances of black Edwardians in the films of Mitchell and Kenyon to documentaries such as The Negro Next Door (1965), Black Britain charts changing attitudes and hidden histories throughout the 20th century and into the 21st. Here are the trailblazers, the icons, the stereotypes, the controversies – indeed, the collection comes right up to date with the BBC’s provocative Shoot the Messenger (2006).
Black Britain offers mainstream British feature films such as Sapphire (1959) and Flame in the Streets (1961) alongside the pioneering work of black British filmmakers including Horace Ové’s Pressure (1974) and Menelik Shabazz’s Burning an Illusion (1981). The collection also features the work of many other major writers and directors including Michael Abbensetts, John Akomfrah, Malorie Blackman, Isaac Julien, Ngosi Onwurah and Alrick Riley.
Working in collaboration with the 100 Black Screen Icons project, Black Britain highlights the work of actors who have become some of the most distinctive voices in British film and TV including Norman Beaton, Earl Cameron, Lenny Henry, Carmen Munroe, Sophie Okonedo, Rudolph Walker, Ashley Walters and Elisabeth Welch.
BFI Mediatheque, times vary, free, tel: 020 7957 4773, www.bfi.org/mediatheque, [email protected].

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Southwark

Wed Sep 26 – Tue Oct 30
Midnight Robbers: The Artists of Notting Hill Carnival
The history and roots of carnival.
City Hall, 10am-7pm, free, tel: 020 725 2000, [email protected], www.southwark.gov.uk.

Mon Sep 10 – Fri Oct 19
Don’t miss wire sculptures by carnival artist Carl Gabriel!
Unicorn Theatre, tel: 020 8930 2646, [email protected], http://theatre.osu.edu/carnival/.

Wed Oct 3 to Sun Nov 4
Goldfinger
Major new exhibtion of photographic-based work by established artist Faisal Abdu’Allah.
Café Gallery Projects, 11am to 4pm, tel: 020 7237 1230, [email protected], www.cafegalleryprojects.org.

Fri Oct 12 – Thu Oct 25
Freedom: Slavery Past & Present
An exhibition and community project to mark the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition
of the Slave Trade Act.
The Gallery at Morley College, 11am to 6pm (Mon to Fri) 12noon to 4pm (Sat), tel: 020 7450 1826, [email protected], www.morleycollege.ac.uk/slavery.

Mon Oct 15 to Fri Oct 26
Black 100 Exhibition
An exhibition of portraits of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) achievers, past and present. Booking for groups is essential.
London College of Communication, tel: 020 7514 7983, [email protected].

Tue Oct 25 – Thu Oct 27
Slaves Of Rapparree Exhibition
The Slaves of Rapparee is an untold true story of the politics, culture, and complexities of the British slave trade.
Clubland Daily, 10am-5pm, tel: 07947 119348, [email protected],
www.into.org.uk/ic2.

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Tate

Mon 30 Apr – Sun 28 Oct
1807: Blake, Slavery and the Radical Mind
A special exhibition entitled 1807: Blake, Slavery and the Radical Mind will open on 30 April to mark the bicentenary of the passing of the 1807 Parliamentary Act which abolished the British Slave Trade. Incorporating historical documents and works of art, and innovative interpretation and commentary, the exhibition will focus on William Blake (1757-1827) and the circle of liberal writers and artists associated with the radical London publisher Joseph Johnson (1738-1809), many of whose publications supported the emergence of socially and politically progressive ideas and causes.
Tate Britain, day-time, free, tel: 020 7887 4941, [email protected], www.tate.org.uk.

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Tower Hamlets

Sat 29 Sep
Black History Month Launch
A special free community event to launch Black History Month in Tower Hamlets where performers come together from across Tower Hamlets to provide an exciting afternoon of entertainment. The line-up includes performance poetry inspired by Senegal, carnival moves, a street dance performance and a thrilling display of African dancing and drumming.
Bring along friends and family, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the afternoon.
Whitechapel Idea Store, 1pm-4pm, free, tel: 0207 365 7905, [email protected], www.towerhamletsarts.org.uk.

Sun 30 Sep – Wed 31 Oct
Abolition/Freedom – A Collaborative Exhibition
CASA and SAFE Studios present work on the theme of Abolition/Freedom. Paintings, sculpture, stained glass, prints and mixed media by Caribbean, African, Asian and South American Artists.
Spitalfields Gallery - SAFE Studios, 9.30-5pm, free, tel: 0207 375 3933, [email protected],
www.safestudios.co.uk.

Mon 1 Oct – Mon 29 Oct
History Club
To commemorate the 200th year of the abolition of transatlantic slave trade, St Paul’s History Club has programmed a series of five visiting lecturers to give talks and hold discussions on this theme. New members are welcome to attend.
St. Paul’s Church, 1.30pm-3pm, free, tel: 020 8981 5050, [email protected], www.stpaulsartspace.org.uk.

Mon 1 Oct – Fri 30 Nov
Photomonth – The East London Festival of Photography
A wonderful opportunity to show and see new work and explore the diversity of photography with over 30 galleries and spaces in East London
Various galleries, times vary, free, tel: 0207 375 0441, [email protected], www.photomonth.org.

Tue 2 Oct
Little Canaries Story and Rhyme Time
Join the weekly story and rhyme-time for Under-5’s and listen to ‘Handa’s Surprise’ by Eileen Browne - a vibrant and colourful African story.
Idea Store - Canary Wharf, 10am-11.30am, free, tel: 0207 364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

Thu 4 Oct, Thu 11 Oct & Thu 18 Oct
St. Paul’s Church Girls Club
St. Paul’s Girls Club for 8 –14 year olds. Weekly sessions will include soca aerobics, traditional West Indian cookery, African jewellery making, carnival costume design and face painting. The workshops will end with a celebratory carnival parade.
St. Paul’s Church, 5pm-7pm, £2, tel: 020 8981 5050, [email protected], www.stpaulsartspace.org.uk.

Fri 5, Fri 12, Fri 19 & Fri 26 Oct
African Dance Classes
African dance, storytelling and drama for all the family. Led by Lisa Ogun from the Nubian Queen Dance Group. An adult must accompany children under 8 years old.
St. Paul’s Church, 5pm-6pm, £1 – kids free, tel: 0208 981 5050, [email protected], www.stpaulsartspace.org.uk.

Mon 8 Oct – Fri 12 Oct
IROKO Interactive Theatre
Performances in traditional African theatre using live music, dance, songs and games to bring traditional African fables, myths and legends to life.
Brady Arts Centre, 10.30am -1.30pm, free, tel: 0207 364 7906, [email protected], www.towerhamlets.gov.uk

Tue 9 Oct
Faustin Charles
Live entertainment from highly acclaimed storyteller Faustin Charles. The author of “The Selfish Crocodile” performs stories, songs and rhymes for children of all ages.
Idea Store - Whitechapel, 12pm-3pm, free, tel: 0207 364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

Wed 10 Oct
Crafty Canaries
An arts and craft morning for Under-5’s based on “Wriggle Piggy Toes” by John Agard.
Idea Store - Canary Wharf, 10am–11.30am, free,
tel: 0207 364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

Sun 14 Oct
Hotel Rwanda
2004 film directed by Terry George, starring Don Cheadle, based on true events during the Rwandan genocide.
Idea Store - Whitechapel, 1pm, free, tel: 020 7364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

Tue 16 Oct
Jachtito Puppet Show
Fantastic storytelling with the aid of puppets that will entertain all ages.
Idea Store - Whitechapel, 2pm–4pm, free, tel: 020 7364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

Wed 17 Oct
Rocking Horse Playgroup for the Under 5’s
Exciting and fun filled session on the theme of African scenes using stories, rhymes, art and craft.
Idea Store - Whitechapel, 10am-12pm, free, tel: 020 7364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

Mon 22 Oct & Tue 23 Oct
Creative Writing Workshops with Catherine Johnson
Creative writing workshops with the co-writer of the screenplay for “Bullet Boy” based in Hackney with Asher D (So Solid Crew)
Idea Store - Bow, 2.30pm–4pm, free, tel: 020 7364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

Tue 23 Oct
Mask Making – African Animals
Using various craft methods, transform your self into a wild beast from the plains of Africa. Mask making for children of all ages (children under five must be accompanied by parent or guardian).
Idea Store - Chrisp Street, 2pm-4pm, free, tel: 020 7364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

Fri 26 Oct
Treasure Hunt
Try to find the celebrities in our BHM exhibition by following the clues hidden around the building. Children aged 5–15 can work alone or in groups to find the answers which will lead them to the prize.
Idea Store - Chrisp Street, 2pm-4pm, free, tel: 020 7364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

Sat 20 Oct
Black History Month – Health Promotion Fun Day
A family event to celebrate ‘Black History Month’ and to raise health awareness issues. This will include music, art workshops and children’s entertainment.
Poplar Harca Trussler Hall, Times TBC, free, tel: 020 7515 0978, [email protected], www.poplarharca.co.uk.

Wed 24 Oct
Black Women’s Health and Family Support - 25th Anniversary Celebration
A celebration of BWHAFS’ 25 years of success in campaigning against female circumcision including talks by founder members, a show of textiles by the Somali elder women’s group, poetry recitals, young women’s performance and an exhibition profiling the history of the campaign.
Oxford House, 3pm-8pm, free, tel: 0208 981 3503, [email protected], www.oxfordhouse.org.uk.

Wed 24 Oct
A Celebration of Black History Month
This will feature various performances, including music, dance and poetry plus a reflection on black history and heritage featuring spoken words and literature.
Skeel Lecture Theatre, 5pm–9pm, £5 concessions £3, tel: 07946 439 520, [email protected], www.qmsomalisociety.com.

Thu 25 Oct
Somali Dance
Somali Youth Welfare Centre brings Somali dance to life in the foyer. London Borough of Tower Hamlets Idea Stores
Idea Store - Whitechapel, 2pm–3pm, free, tel: 020 7364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

Fri 26 Oct
Caribbean Tea Dance for the Over 55s
Calypso rhythms and a taste of tropical sunshine, with special guests and DJ. Refreshments provided. Advance booking advised.
St. Paul’s Church, 2pm – 4pm, £3, tel: 020 8981 5050, [email protected],
www.stpaulsartspace.org.uk.

Sat 27 Oct
Fun Day with Storytelling by Anansi Arts
Celebrate BHM at the Idea Store Fun Day. Have your face painted with traditional designs based on African masks. Make African jewellery in the arts and crafts sessions. Join in the entertainment with stories about Anansi the Spider with storytelling, singing and music performed by Anansi Arts.
Idea Store - Chrisp Street, 10am-4pm, free, 020 7364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk

Sat 27 Oct
African and Caribbean Festival!
Family festival with traditional and contemporary African dance and drumming. Bring the family along at 3.15 for lots of fun and to get involved. From 7pm, all welcome, especially the young-at-heart who will surely enjoy this celebration of the dynamism of African and Caribbean culture - Alé Douvan.
Kingsley Hall, 3.15pm – 9pm, Adults £3 Concessions £1, tel: 0208 980 3232, [email protected], www.kingsleyhall.freeuk.com.

Sat 27 Oct
Capacity Building Event and 25th Anniversary Celebration
Capacity building event for small businesses and celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Black African Women’s Organisation in Tower Hamlets and the abolition of slavery. International cuisine and entertainment provided. African Woman’s Welfare Association.
Britannia International Hotel, 7pm – 11pm, free, tel: 020 89819603, [email protected], www.britanniahotels.com.

Sat 27 Oct
Dreamgirls
Bill Condon’s 2006 musical film about the Detroit music scene set in the 1960s and 1970s starring Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles and Eddie Murphy.
Idea Store - Canary Wharf, 2pm, free, tel: 020 7364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

Sun 28 Oct
Dr Martin Luther King – A Historical Perspective
1994 documentary film directed by Thomas Friedman.
Idea Store - Bow, 11.30am-12.30pm, free, tel: 020 7364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

Sun 28 Oct
The Harder They Come
1972 Jamaican crime film directed by Perry Henzell. Reggae singer Jimmy Cliff stars and supplies the soundtrack.
Idea Store – Whitechapel, 1pm, free, tel: 020 7364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

Sun 28 Oct
The Three Dumas
Grandson of a slave, the writer Alexandre Dumas and his son experienced extraordinary times. Discover their story in this groundbreaking film.
Museum in Docklands, 3pm-5pm, free, 0870 444 3855, [email protected], www.museumindocklands.org.uk.

Sat 27 Oct
Running a 1000 Miles to Freedom
Discover the inspiring story of how Ellen Craft’s audacity and ingenuity led her to overcome many dangers to become a celebrated abolitionist.
Museum in Docklands, 12.30-4pm, free, tel: 0870 444 3855,[email protected], www.museumindocklands.org.uk.

Thu 8 Nov
Compensation for Slavery?
Why was state compensation paid to slave owners in the 1830s, and what are the implications today?
Museum in Docklands, 1pm-2pm, free, tel: 0870 444 3855, [email protected], www.museumindocklands.org.uk.

Sat 10 Nov
London, Sugar and Slavery Gallery Opening
Celebrate the opening of the Museum in Docklands new gallery, London, Sugar and Slavery, with stories, music and much more. Discover London’s hidden role in slavery and the stories of those who were affected by it.
Museum in Docklands, 10am-6pm, free, tel: 0870 444 3855, [email protected], www.museumindocklands.org.uk.

Sun 11 Nov, Sun 8 Nov & Sun 25 Nov
West India Dock and the Caribbean
Goods, produced by slaves in the Caribbean were imported to West India Quay, while ships sailing from this dock could have been used in the enslavement of Africans. This walk explores both what has been commemorated and what has been forgotten of the transatlantic slave trade.
Museum in Docklands, 2.30pm-3.30pm, Adults £7.50 Concessions £5, tel: 0870 444 3855,
[email protected], www.museumindocklands.org.uk.

Wed 10 Oct
Idea Store Book Group - Bow
Come and discuss “Anthills of the Savannah” by Chinua Achebe. Everyone welcome. Copies of the book available from the Idea Store in advance.
Idea Store Bow, 7pm-9pm, free, tel: 020 7364 4332, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

Mon 22 Oct
Watney Market Library Book Group
Come and discuss “This was the Old Chief’s Country” by Doris Lessing, the first volume of her collected African stories.
Watney Market Library, 6pm-7.30pm, free, tel: 020 7790 4039, [email protected], www.ideastore.co.uk.

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Victoria & Albert Museum

Throughout Autumn
Uncomfortable Truths
Throughout the autumn a series of events takes place at the V&A remembering slavery and its legacies, including a lecture series on the impact of the slave trade on art and design led by Peter Ashan, a discussion and theatre performance with the Shakespearean actor and abolitionist Ira Aldridge, Traces of the Trail gallery tours, family activities and the preview of an African interpretation of Handel’s Messiah.
V & A Museum, various times, free, tel: 020 7942 2000, [email protected], www.vam.ac.uk/uncomfortable_truths.

Thu 13 Sep – Thu 15 Nov
Recordi ng the Heritage of Culturally Diverse Theatre
Do you think that it is important to record and preserve the story of culturally diverse performance in the UK? Would you be interested in learning more about how to do it?
The V&A Theatre Collections is running a special evening course on the issues surrounding the recording of contemporary culturally diverse theatre. The course examines different methods of recording performing arts, the reasons why relatively little material is in public archives, and possibilities for the future. A key element will be recording Yellow Earth Theatre’s double bill of writing from Korea and Singapore at the Oval House Theatre. We also aim to record the Young Vic’s Christmas show, a South African version of A Christmas Carol.
V & A Theatre Museum, Thursday evenings, free (must register), tel: 020 7943 4715, [email protected], www.vam.ac.uk.

Sun 14 Oct
Celebrating Africa – Family Activity Day
This family activity day includes performances by African cultural groups and artists from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa; a film screening of ‘The Story of Saharawis’; toy-making and textile-making workshops and a round table discussion on modern day slavery.
V & A Museum, 12pm-5.30pm, free, tel: 020 7942 2000, [email protected], www.vam.ac.uk.

Mon 22 Oct – Fri 26 Oct
Africa Experience - V&A Museum of Childhood
Families are given the opportunity to step into the beauty of African culture with Experience Africa workshops. The workshops give meaningful insight into African music and craft.
V & A Museum, 12.30pm-3.30pm, £3, tel: 020 7942 2000, [email protected], www.vam.ac.uk.

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Waltham Forest

Sat 20 Oct
Best Of Black Comedy
Comedy with the UK’s best known black comedians.
Waltham Forest Theatre, 8pm-12am, £5-£8, tel: 08700 600 100, www.ticketweb.co.uk

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Wandsworth

Mon 1 Oct
We Were There
Ron Lewis will talk about the little known contribution made by ethnic minorities in the British forces over the last 250 years
African Caribbean Community Library, 7pm-8.30pm, free, tel: 020 8871 7456,
[email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

Fri 5 Oct & Sat 6 Oct
Black Mango Photography - A Journey of Infinite Possibilities
A photographic exhibition by local artist Maxine Ma’at Sankofa which documents a 14,610 mile journey to legendary Timbouctou in Mali. The images capture and celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Mali’s noble people, including the fascinating Dogon and Fulani tribes. Come along to meet the artist on the Friday evening.
The Gallery at SOKO, 7pm, free, tel: 020 8870 7277,
[email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

Sat 6 Oct
A Journey Through African Lives
Join in this yearly celebration of African culture with Alex Pascal and friends. Alex is a father of the Notting Hill Carnival, activist, writer and a musician. Enjoy the attractions, including the exhibitions, African craft stalls, live Afro-jazz with the funky 70s band Osibisa and some spiritual music with Hands of Praise. African and Caribbean food and refreshments to savour at lunchtime. Supported by the Clapham Junction Town Centre Partnership Board.
Peabody Estate - St John’s Hill, 11.30am, £3, tel: 020 8871 7456, [email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

Tue 9 Oct
Black People in 18th Century London
Sue Bishop will talk about how Black people were perceived in London at the end of the eighteenth century between 1772 and 1807.
African Caribbean Community Library, 7pm–8.30pm, free
tel: 020 8871 7456, [email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

Fri 12 Oct
A Journey through Senegal, Gambia and South Africa
Maureen Roberts from London Metropolitan Archives, Jason Young and Susan Jarrett will provide an interactive illustration of travels through Africa. Enjoy the ride and bring your own travel log.
African Caribbean Community Library, 7pm, free, tel: 020 8871 7456, [email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

Fri 12 Oct & Sat 13 Oct
One Culture
Aren’t we all the same? Made the same way, think, play and feel the same way. One Culture explores the ramifications of two people’s collision and shows how communication, trust and honesty can bring people together. We all have the same needs, desires, wants and loves. Devised by the young people from the Katherine Low Settlement Drama Group.
Putney Arts Theatre, 7.45pm, £4-£6, tel: 020 7622 9060, [email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

Sat 13 Oct
Alex Wheatle
Local author Alex Wheatle, best known for his novels Brixton Rock and East of Acre Lane, talks about his journey through the turbulent 80s, his experiences and his writings. His new book is due out in March 2008.
Battersea Park Library, 10.30am – 12pm, free, tel: 020 8871 7468, [email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

Mon 15 Oct
From Black Joan to Harbens Gulati
Did you know that since the early 17th century there have been people of African origin in the borough? Sean Creighton, the well-known local historian, will provide you with an introduction to Wandsworth’s Black and Asian Heritage. Sean will also talk about slavery and the local abolitionists
African Caribbean Community Library, 7pm-8.30pm, free, tel: 020 8871 7456,
[email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

Thu 18 Oct
It’s Showtime!
Members from the Age Activity Centre will entertain and inform you about the history of their centre. The organisation has won awards and helped many people. Learn about what they can offer and enjoy the performance.
York Gardens Library, 2pm, free, tel: 020 8871 7471,
[email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

Fri 19 Oct
Colour and Movement Arts Collective -New Images in 2007
An exhibition of prints, cards and original artwork by the Colour and Movement arts collective. Preview of new nature study and children series by artists Alvin Kofi; sensitive portraits and mellow moods by Jennifer Lewis; valuing our past by Ken McCalla Sankofa; and contemporary African imagery by Louisa Andre.
The Gallery at SOKO, 6pm-8.30pm, free, tel: 020 8870 7277, [email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

Fri 19 Oct
When We Ruled
Robin Walker, author of ‘When We Ruled’ will recount the story of the origin and development of the civilizations across Africa; describing the wealth of documentary materials available. He will explain how many topic areas have traditionally been ignored, such as Black Women’s history, or early African science and technology. He will also examine the two-way influences between Africa and Europe.
African Caribbean Community Library, 7pm, free, tel: 020 8871 7456, [email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

Tue 23 Oct
Levi Roots – A Journey of Music and Food
Local legend, Levi Roots, famous winner of Dragons’ Den sponsorship for his Reggae
Reggae sauce, (grandma’s secret recipe), leads you on a journey of music and food exploring aspects of traditional cooking and culture, passed down through the generations - suitable for all ages.
York Gardens Library, 5pm, free, tel: 020 8871 7471, [email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

Mon 29 Oct
Afro-Caribbean perception of self preservation: How do we keep ourselves healthy?
Michelle Robinson will talk about the African Caribbean perception of health and the seeming reluctance to take up health services. Michelle is an educationalist and experienced nurse and is passionate about this subject. She will surely inspire you to action...
African Caribbean Community Library, 7pm - 8.30pm, free, tel: 020 8871 7456, [email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

Tue 30 Oct
Early Black Britons
Hands of Praise in association with Steven Zeen, will enact and celebrate the life of Walter Tull, through a musical performance. Walter Tull was the Tottenham Hotspur footballer and hero during World War One.
York Gardens Library, 7pm - 8.30pm, £3, tel: 020 8871 7471, [email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

Wed 31 Oct
Nubian Golden Age Theatre: Alone with Myself and I
A memorable and heartfelt true-life story, based on tale of a soldier who returns to England at the end of the Second World War with amnesia, told by his love ones.
Civic Suite, 2pm & 7pm, £4-£5, tel: 020 8871 8711, [email protected], www.wandsworth.gov.uk.

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Westminster

Mon 15 Oct
The 4th National ‘Breaking Through’ Conference
The fourth national conference will build upon the success of last year’s event and will focus on how Breaking Through will support David Nicholson’s challenge of there being many more Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) people at the most senior levels in the NHS. With nearly 10% of the UK population coming from BME backgrounds, the NHS must be seen to be an institution that is indeed patient led and accessible to all.
This conference outlines the business case for employing people from BME backgrounds at all levels of the NHS but particularly at senior levels where representation is poor.
The conference will be hosted by Niall Dickson, Chief Executive of the King’s Fund, and Juliet Alexander, a respected Media and Communications Consultant. Key note addresses will be delivered by David Nicholson, Chief Executive of the NHS plus a number of other eminent speakers.
QEII Conference Centre, registration essential, tel: 01772 767 731, [email protected], www.glasgows.co.uk/breakingthrough.

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