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