Black History Month is upon us and with that comes a multitude of initiatives and events to immerse yourself in throughout October.

From now until the 31st October we’ll be sharing ways in which you can celebrate the important people and events in the UK’s African and Caribbean history alongside commentary from our very own H+Kers. 

 

Whether you identify as BAME or are simply looking for an authentic way to support this month and beyond — we’ve listed a selection of events and actions to get you started… 

 

Ibrahim El-Salahi, Reborn Sounds of Childhood Dreams I 1961–5. Tate. © Ibrahim Salahi

 

Up your social game… 

One of the most effortless ways to ensure a steady flow of content that will last beyond October is to follow and engage with new accounts in our social feeds. 

 There are a host of different avenues if you’re looking for some inspiration – whether it’s a news resource like Black History 365 for the latest events and people or a collective like A Vibe Called Tech which looks at the intersection of technology and blackness. A Vibe Called Tech also hosts workshops and panel talks everywhere from the Tate to the Barbican.

Follow any one of these and you’ll add a welcome dose of inspiration to your feeds and be up to date on their latest events – perhaps you’ll even find one that suits your schedule.  

 

Fashion Advocacy 

Wear your advocacy on your sleeve this month on ‘Wear Red Day.’ 18 October is ‘Show Racism The Red Card’ day a national fundraising day which invites you to wear red and donate to the charity which facilitates ant-racism education across the UK. 

https://www.theredcard.org/get-involved 

 

The Arts 

From film screenings to artists talks you could potentially fill every night of October with a different activity. This week Peckhamplex will screen Rafiki -a groundbreaking lesbian love story set in Nairobi – as part of the Southwark LGBT Networks BHM agenda. Later this month Royal Albert Hall plays host to a one-night only performance of the 2019 Grammy Award winning Inala which coincides with World Ballet Day. Those with pack diaries can opt for an artist talk as the Tate offers up a series of unique Ten Minute talks on art from Black, Asian and Ethnic minorities from Tate staff and volunteers (more here https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/talk/ten-minute-talks-black-history-month). 

 

Literature 

No matter how busy your schedule there’s always time for a good book. Improve your morning commute and broaden your horizons. Pick up a book from a BAME author this Black History Month. We love the recently released Black, Listed: Black British Culture Explored by Jefferey Boakye or Don’t Touch My Hair by Emma Dabiri. The classic Small Island by Andrea Levy is also widely viewed as one of the best novels on being Black and British in the 20th and 21st century. 

 

 

Be sure to follow along this month as we reflect on the past of Black British history and look towards the future with our ongoing series of guest blogs, social content and exciting updates!