Black History Month presents a programme of culturally diverse events throughout Brighton & Hove for all ages this autumn, many of which are free. From Diwali celebrations (October 27) and a Day of the Dead themed festival (November 2-9) to the hugely popular Rum n Bass reggae night (October 26) and
Black History Month presents a programme of culturally diverse events throughout Brighton & Hove for all ages this autumn, many of which are free.
From Diwali celebrations (October 27) and a Day of the Dead themed festival (November 2-9) to the hugely popular Rum n Bass reggae night (October 26) and Black History Month Family Day (November 17), this year promises to give the city a taste of sizzling live music, visual arts, film, literature, photography, food, fashion, debates, workshops right on its doorstep.
Brighton & Hove Black History Month (BHM) happens every year in October and aims to educate, highlight and celebrate the achievements, history and culture of people of African, Caribbean and minority ethnic descent.
This year’s programme is dedicated to Brighton artist, poet, and dancer Irene Mensah, who passed away on April 12, 2013, short of her 50th birthday. Irene was a dedicated member of the Black History Month group. A special event (October 15) and exhibition of her art work (October 5-25)) have been organised to celebrate her rich artistic life and contribution to the city of Brighton & Hove.
A riotous musical explosion is in store for Brighton with Congolese soukous and rhumba band Congo Dia Ntotila at African Night Fever (September 29), 70s reggae legends Black Slate at Rum n Bass, West African singer songwriter Rokia Traore at Brighton Dome (November 6), West African Roots AfroManding band YIRI BAA plus Kora Maestro Jali Burama Mbye at Brunswick Pub (November 2), Mbira player Linos Wengara at Inner Visions (October 8) and Lady Matto at Nigerian Independence Celebration (October 12).
Every year, Black History Month provides the city with some of the best family-friendly activity and days, all for free. Explore the worlds of Burma, India, Africa, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America with these free events: Kachin Day of Solidarity & Celebration (September 28), Eid ul Azha October 15, BHM Family Activities (October 19), Diwali Celebrations (October 27), Latin Voices Live! Festival (November 2-9), and Brighton & Hove Black History Month Family Day (November 17).
Other not-to-missed highlights include acclaimed poet Patience Agbabi (October 24), Caribbean writer Jacob Ross (November 30), Rwandan survivor and author Alex Mvuka Ntung (October 8) and Ink On My Lips book launch with Brighton publisher Waterloo Press (November 2).
There are many free workshops for all ages – creative writing with, drumming and dance workshop, children’s bilingual storytelling, and arts and crafts workshops and more.
Ebou Touray, Chair of Brighton and Hove Black History Month and promoter for African Night Fever, who’s coordinating the Rum n Bass launch and the Family Day event, says:
“I’m so happy that we have Brighton & Hove City Council’s, Brighton Dome’s and the local community support’s for this year’s Black History Month. There is so much rich talent and cultural diversity here in Brighton & Hove, it’s wonderful that our partners are recognising the skills, experience, and knowledge these communities offer the city.”
Cuthbert Williams MBE, Chair of Brighton Black History, member of Black History Month and Writing Our Legacy added: “It’s such a pleasure to see all of the different ethnic communities in the city taking part in this year’s programme. It’s a real testament to the hard work of the volunteers to make Black History Month as inclusive as possible, and I hope everyone in the city feels welcome to come to our events.”
This year’s Black History Month programme is supported by funding from Brighton & Hove City Council and several arts and cultural partners including Brighton Dome, Brighton Museum, and Brighton & Hove Library Services.
Brighton & Hove Black History Month programme takes place from September 18 to November 30 2013 in venues all across the city.
Brighton and Hove Black History Group is a small grass roots community organisation whose primary aim is to challenge racism by raising awareness of the multi-cultural history of Brighton and Hove.Black History Month has been celebrated in Brighton since 2003, where it was first held at the Old Market, organised by Bert Williams and Sarah Lee from Black History. Black History month has been celebrated in the UK since October 1987.
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