These are our favourite choices for Celebrating Black History Month in Hackney:

Strike a Pose - Portraits from Gibson’s Photo Studio in Hackney

1 October 2014 - 17 January 2015, Hackney Museum, Free

This unique exhibition shows the many faces of Hackney during the 1970s, including wedding parties outside Hackney Town Hall from African, Asian and Caribbean families. The exhibition also includes formal studio portraits of nurses from the Caribbean; family portraits at home; university graduations and a wide variety of pictures depicting styles and fashion from the 1970’s.

What a Journey! - Retired Caribbean Nurses and the NHS

10 September 2014 - 31 January 2015, Hackney Museum, Free

This special exhibition in partnership with Black Women in the Arts shares the experiences of retired Caribbean nurses who served in Hackney and neighbouring areas from 1949 to 1970. The NHS was set up in 1948 in the aftermath of the Second World War during a shortage of labour. They recruited staff for this new service directly from the Caribbean. Thousands of people travelled to this country to be trained as nurses to help improve the health of others. Through this exhibition you will hear nurses' stories of commitment, dedication and life long friendships.

For more information email: info@retiredcaribbeannurses.org.uk

Tinga Tinga Time

Tuesday 28 October, 11am-12.30 or 2pm - 4.30pm, Hackney Museum, Free

For children aged 8 years and under. Come and enjoy the story of 'How the lion got his roar' based on the CBeebies animated Tinga Tinga Tales. Children also have the opportunity to make a lion mask to take home. No booking required.

Capoeira for Adults

Wednesday, 1 October - Monday, 27 October, 19:00 - 21:00, Brady Arts and Community Centre, £10

Capoeira is a Brazilian art which fuses martial arts with dance, music and acrobatics. It's a fabulous way to get fit, flexible and strong whilst having fun.

Here we Are: Black History in Tower Hamlets Creative Workshops

Saturday, 4 October, 11:00 - 16:00, Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives, Free

Two creative workshops for young people (everyone welcome) led by local black artists. Using the collections of THLHA we will make artwork inspired by the lives of black people in the area. The outputs from both sessions will be contributed to the archives.

Tell Me a Story: A ‘mini-zine’ workshop with Rudy Loewe (11:00 - 13:00) A ‘zine’ is a self-published magazine. During this workshop we will create mini-zines - using drawing, writing and collage – to document the true stories of local Black history. You can work from your own experience or use the THLHA material to explore the lives and history of Black people from the borough.

Black History Exhibition

Monday 20 October - Thursday 30 October, THCH Head Office, Free Entry

Display of arts, craft, books and information to celebrate Black History Month.

Lover’s Rock Exhibition

27 October - 2 November, 10:00 - 5:00pm, Lewisham Shopping Centre, Free Entry

Photographic portraits of Lewisham teenagers from the 1970s.  Where are they now?

In 1977, acclaimed photographer, John Goto, took a series of photographic portraits of young British African-Caribbean’s at Lewisham Youth Centre. Goto called the series “Lover’s Rock” in recognition of the music scene of the period.   However, a book of relevant photographs was not published until last year and both the publisher and photographer are trying to trace some of the young people featured.    From Monday 27 October to Sunday 2 November, there will be a display of a selection of portraits in Lewisham Shopping Centre. ​

London African Gospel Choir

4 October, 7:30pm - 10:30pm, The Broadway Theatre, £17.50 / £22.50

An Explosion of African gospel music and dance

Jamaican proverbs and the wisdom of elders

28 October, 6:30pm - 8:15pm, Torridon Road Library, Free

Celebrating the impact and inspiration of Jamaican proverbs.

Join Lorlett Hudson as she discusses her book 'Things Mama Used to Say'. Nadine Walker from ‘Yummi Design’ will also be reflecting on the impact and inspiration of Jamaican proverbs.

Talk on Vitamin D

Saturday 25 October, 11:00am - 12.30pm, South Norwood Library, Free

Vitamin D deficiency can be prevalent in those of African, Caribbean and Asian heritage. Presented by nutritionist Brenda Lee, get information and guidance on Vitamin D and its benefits.

Continuing Legacy

Friday 3 October, 11:00am - 2:00pm, Croydon Central Library, Free

An exhibition in honour of black history month and celebrating business owners. Free mentoring sessions for people interested in starting their own businesses there will be an opportunity to talk to business owners.

Belle (12A)

Thursday 30 October, 2:30pm and 7:30pm, Croydon Central Library, £7.50

This beautifully acclaimed feature film explores the unique position in Georgian society occupied by Dido Belle – who was born the illegitimate, mixed-race daughter of a naval officer, yet raised in the splendour of Kenwood House.