Celebrate Black History Month in Lewisham

    Black History Month is taking place between October 1-31. Pic: Creative Commons

October marks the start of Black History Month, which is celebrated throughout the UK every year.  

 The borough of Lewisham will be hosting a range of events to celebrate the culture and accomplishments of black and ethnic minority communities. 

 Speaking about the programme, the Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock said: “As ever we have some great events planned in Lewisham for Black History Month which everyone can get involved in and enjoy. It is always exciting to have the opportunity to celebrate the diversity in the borough and the contribution those communities have made”. 

The longest-running event, an art exhibition at New Cross Library, will begin on the third and show every day until the end of the month.  The exhibition showcases the work of Paris Batchelor, a self-taught artist who works in acrylics.  

Events range from film screenings to arts and crafts to discussions and more. See below for a full list of events taking place in Lewisham. Information on all the events can also be found on Lewisham Council’s website here. 

 

October 4

What: Contemporary film showing for young people and adults, 5-7pm 

Where: The Library at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ 

Cost: Free 

*This event will take place every Wednesday of the month  

 

October 6

What: Wikipedia editathon, 10-5pm 

“Make improvements and add references to Wikipedia articles relating to Black history and historical events in Lewisham.” Computers and volunteers will be available.  

Where: The Library at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ 

Cost: Free, get tickets here 

 

What: Under 5s craft session to make your own multicultural paper doll, 12-1pm 

Where: Lewisham Library, 199 201 Lewisham High Street SE13 6LG 

 

What: Is that what 25grams of plantain look like? 7-9:30pm 

“A demonstration, tasting, and talk about the foods African and Caribbean communities like to eat, its history and how they can be incorporated into a healthy eating plan.” 

Where: Torridon Road community library, Torridon Road SE6 1RQ 

Cost: To book, contact Barbara Gray at 07882 270159 or Barbara.gray@urbandandelion.co.uk  

 

October 7

What: Healing the wounds of slavery, 10:30am-12:30pm  

“A discussion group with Dr Gwen Rose and friends.” 

Where: Torridon Road community library, Torridon Road SE6 1RQ 

Cost: Free 

 

What: Children’s craft activities for ages 4+, 2:30-3:30pm 

Where: Torridon Road community library, Torridon Road SE6 1RQ 

 

What: Black History Month family film showing, 12:30-2:30pm  

Where: Downham Library, 7 9 Moorside Road BR1 5EP 

Cost: Free 

 

What: Black History Month film showing for children and families, 2:30-4:30pm  

Where: The Library at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ 

Price: Free 

*This event will take place every Saturday from 7 October until 28 October  

 

October 8

What: Black History month film showing, 1-3pm  

Where: Downham Library, 7 9 Moorside Road BR1 5EP 

Cost: Free 

*This event will take place every Sunday and Wednesday from October 8 until October 29

 

October 10

What: The Missing Chapter: Black Chronicles, all day  

An exhibition of photographs telling the stories of black people living and working in Britain during the decades following the birth of photography in 1839. The photos tell the stories of a diverse range of black people, including visiting performers, politicians, dignitaries, servicemen and women, royalty and missionaries as many as yet unidentified individuals, for the local community to explore.

Where: Lewisham Library, 199 201 Lewisham High Street SE13 6LG 

Cost: Free, to book call 020 8314 8430 or email lewishamlibrary@lewisham.gov.uk 

*This event will take place daily from October 10 until October 22

 

What: Film screening and panel discussion, 10am-1pm 

Where: The Library at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ 

Cost: Free 

 

October 12

What: The Missing Chapter: Black Chronicles exhibition discussion, 7-8pm 

Where: Lewisham Library, 199 201 Lewisham High Street SE13 6LG 

Cost: Free, to book call 020 8314 8430 or email lewishamlibrary@lewisham.gov.uk 

*This event takes place every day from October 12 until October 21

 

October 13

What: Friday Night Late: Talk by VAWG (Violence against Women and Girls), 7-9pm 

Where: The Library at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ 

 

What: Library Lates: Who do you think you are? 7-9pm 

A talk by Paul Crooks on African Caribbean Ancestry and this inspiration behind his acclaimed novel Ancestors.  

Where: The Library at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ 

Cost: Free, to book email deptfordlibrary@lewisham.gov.uk 

 

October 14

What: Craft Club with a Black History Month theme, 10:30am-12pm   

Where: Downham Library, 7 9 Moorside Road BR1 5EP 

Cost: Free 

*This event will be held every two weeks on Saturday from October 14 until October 28

 

What: Dancehall Dynamite fitness class, 1-2pm 

Where: Glass Mill Leisure Centre, 41 Loampit Vale SE13 7FT 

Cost: To book email dancedynamiteclass@gmail.com  

 

What: Multicultural writers group, 2:15-4:15pm  

Where: The Library at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ 

Cost: Free  

 

October 15

What: Caribbean Cultural Dance for Children with Nzinga Dance Age 5+, 1-1:30pm 

Where: Lewisham Arts Café, Manor Park SE13 5QZ 

Cost: £2, to book call 020 8050 1538 or email nzingadance@aol.com   

 

October 19

What: Storytelling session of a young girl’s adventures through Africa, 11am-12pm 

Where: The Library at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ 

Cost: Free  

 

October 20

What: Friday Night Late: Film screening of Music Talk, 7-9pm 

Where: The Library at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ 

Cost: Free  

 

What: History and original recipe of Caribbean rum cake, 7-9:30pm 

Where: Torridon Road community library, Torridon Road SE6 1RQ 

Cost:  Free, to book call 07882 270159 or email Barbara.gray@urbandandelion.co.uk  

 

What: Library Lates: Music Talk, 7-9pm 

Where: The Library at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ 

Cost: Free, to book email deptfordlibrary@lewisham.gov.uk 

 

October 21

What: Musical Workshop by Christina Carty-Houson of the Vocallective choir, 2:30-3:30pm  

Where: Torridon Road community library, Torridon Road SE6 1RQ 

 

What: Artist meet and greet with Junior Tomlin, 6-8pm 

Where: Place Ladywell, 261 Lewisham High Street SE13 6AY  

Cost: Free, book here   

 

October 23

What: An African Journey with Barbara Ellis, 2:30-3:30pm 

Where: The Library at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ 

Cost: Free  

 

October 26

What: Storytelling session of a young girl’s adventures through Africa, 11:15am-12pm 

Where: The Library at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ 

Cost: Free

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