Celebrate Black history in Hackney
Hackney Council is celebrating Black history and culture with a two-month long season of free events and activities, including an exhibition exploring Black art and activism in Hackney between the 1960s-2000s.
The Council’s Black History Season has something for all ages, including a theatre workshop for young people, a screening of the film Belle, history talks, as well as music, story, and craft workshops for children.
One of this year’s highlights is a performance from world renowned Jamaican poet and social commentator, Mutabaruka. Not only will he be revisiting excerpts from his radio show and poetic repertoire but will also be taking part in a discussion on the social issues affecting us all today.
Another key event to look out for is the International Sporting Legends workshop for five to nine year olds, which will look at some of the world’s most famous black athletes including Champion Boxer Muhammed Ali and Alice Coachman, the first black women to win an Olympic gold medal.
Black history season is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the history and significant cultural contributions of the African and Caribbean communities in Hackney. From local history talks, craft workshops and film screenings, there is something for everyone, and I would encourage all residents to come along, take part, and help celebrate Black history.
Black History Month is a national annual celebration of the contribution that African and Caribbean communities have made both locally and across the globe.
Events are free and will take place at Hackney Museum, Hackney Archives, and at libraries across the borough, until the end of December 2016. Some events require advance booking. For more information, pick up a programme of activities from libraries and other venues across the borough or visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/black-history-month