This page contains information about race equality and Black history cultural events organised and promoted by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
All events have now passed and are provided here as an information resource.
Black History Month 2023 events
Launch in Lyric Square
Saturday 30 September, 12pm-5pm, Lyric Square
Kicking off Black History Month with a bang we invite you to join us on Lyric Square on Saturday 30 September. The Black History Month launch will feature a market celebrating local Black history and culture.
There will be a steel band, stands selling Caribbean food, black authors and artisans selling their goods, and historians and council workers on hand to discuss the borough's history and the work the council has – and continues to do – to celebrate it.
Alongside this there will be performances by local artists and footage of the work local schools have been doing for the past year, as well as any archival or film footage on hand.
Discussion around Female Genital Mutilation
Join us on Wednesday 27 September, 6.30pm-8pm, as the Experience, Culture and Black History 365 group presents a discussion about female genital mutilation with Shamsa Araweelo.
- When: Wednesday 27 September, 6.30pm-8pm
- Where: Online (MS Teams)
Shamsa Araweelo is a passionate social activist and a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM). Shamsa will be speaking about her experience with FGM and this practice.
She's made a significant impact through her social media platforms, reaching 70million people worldwide and educating a range of professionals such as doctors, teachers, and social workers.
In addition to her online presence, Shamsa provides training for MET police recruits in London and speaks at public events across the country. She's collaborated with the Mayor of London, border control, Home Office and has been featured on the platforms Ladbible and HC Pod with Chuckie.
Ninth annual Curlytreats Festival 2023
Friday 6 October, midday-8pm, 245 Hammersmith Road
Join AfroEats Village Block Party – the ultimate destination for foodies, culture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking vibrant community vibes! Indulge in tasty African and Caribbean food, support Black-owned food businesses, and groove to the beats of Black music during UK Black History Month 2023. See you there for a mouthwatering celebration!
Saturday 7 October, 10am-7pm, 245 Hammersmith Road & Novotel London West
Visit us for a day of Black culture, celebration, creativity, and community at this year’s festival, where you can attend a combination of seven events, including the School of Afro Hair, Museum of Black Hair, Culture of Black Business Marketplace, Black Wellness Advancement, Black Maternal Well-being Check-in, and Black British Book Fair, and AfroEats Village.
More information on the Curlytreats website.
Free Guided Walk with Hammersmith BID
Saturday 7 October, 11am, meeting point is West Kensington station
Celebrate the lives of an Independence campaigner, a former president, a jazz singer and entertainer, and an artist’s model on this free guided walk for holders of Hammersmith BID’s free Privilege Card.
Find out more about the guided walks.
Inventors’ Craft
Saturday 7 October, 2.30pm-3.30pm, Shepherds Bush Library
Join us as we celebrate Black inventors with an afternoon of craft fun. We will be making traffic lights and mobile phones. For children aged 3-10 years old.
Building Brilliance – Black Britain & the West London Story
Guest Speaker: Diego Ife – Award Winning Author
Tuesday 10 October, 6.30pm-8pm, online
Diego Ifé is an avid and enthusiastic writer. Alongside his ongoing PhD Economics commitments, he writes books and blogs which reflect his interests. Through his lifelong pursuit of understanding Black identities and the Black experience in the diaspora, he has developed a strong desire to contribute to the topic.
Diego is inspired by influencing thoughts and opinions on Blackness – historically, presently, and what the future may hold for the diaspora.
In his book Ethnic Escapism and the Black Burden he covers the following: The diaspora's origins – including kidnapping and warfare that led to the Transatlantic Slave Trade; life on the plantation and the creation of creole cultures; Slave Rebellions and Outcomes; Abolition Movements; Return to Africa Movements; Pan-Africanism; 20th Century race politics; the deep relationship between Popular Culture and Black identities; and ultimately what the future holds for the diaspora.
Mini Banjo Craft
Saturday 14 October, 2.30pm-3.30pm, Shepherds Bush Library
Did you know that the banjo roots can be traced back to Africa? Join us as we create our own mini banjos. For children aged 3-10 years old.
African Mask Making
Tuesday 17 October, 3.30pm-4.30pm, Hammersmith Library
Suitable for children aged 3 and above.
Windrush 75 Recap
Tuesday 17 October, 5pm-6.30pm, Riverside Studios
Schools will showcase a series of performances to celebrate and honour the Windrush Generation.
Adults storytelling workshop with Authentic Worth Publishing
Wednesday 18 October, 2-4pm, Shepherd’s Bush Library
There is power in storytelling. Join Esther Jacob and learn about the importance of owning your story and telling it to the masses as a confident storyteller.
While commemorating Black History Month we will reflect on those who not only left a legacy through their stories worldwide but triumphed despite the challenges they encountered to make a change.
Necklace and Mask Making
Wednesday 18 October, 4-5pm, Fulham Library
Join us as we make traditional African masks and jewellery at Fulham Library. This is suitable for children aged 5+
In conversation with Dr Velma McClymont
Thursday 19 October, 6pm-8pm, Shepherds Bush Library
Join Dr Velma McClymont on her London book tour. Velma is a published writer, literary activist, poet, international speaker and the publishing director of Womanzvue - founded in June 2020.
She will be discussing her recent historical novel, Little River (1731-1812), about the Scottish plantocracy in Jamaica.
African Mask Making
Saturday 21 October, 2.30pm-3.30pm, Shepherds Bush Library
Join us as we get creative in an afternoon of fun making African masks. For children aged 3-10 years old.
African Drumming Workshop
Monday 23 October, 11am-1pm, Fulham Library (in the hall)
Have you tried African drumming before? Come and experience a life-changing workshop, learn some traditional rhythms and songs and play in sync with your fellow drummers. All ages welcome!
In Conversation with Kamapala
Tuesday 24 October, 12pm at Hammersmith Library and 2pm at Shepherds Bush Library
Join children’s author Kamapala as she talks about her African heritage, the diversity in her books, and performs a reading.
In Conversation with Andreena Leeanne
Tuesday 24 October, 6pm-6.45pm, Hammersmith Library
Andreena Leeanne (she/her) 42, is a Black Lesbian Lived Experience Speaker, Wellbeing Workshop Facilitator and Poet who helps organisations with their inclusion and wellbeing strategy by speaking about intersectionality, authenticity, allyship.
Andreena writes and performs poetry to come to terms with and speak out about her personal experiences with homelessness, mental health, identity, childhood sexual abuse & the many other challenges she has faced in her life.
Her debut poetry collection CHARRED was published by Team Angelica in 2020 and was shortlisted for a Polari First Book Prize in 2021.
In Conversation with Makonnen Sankofa
Wednesday 25 October, 5.30pm-6.30pm, Fulham Library
Author Makonnen Sankofa has just released his new book "Experiences of Living Across Africa". This anthology covers the journey of 13 individuals who have lived in 14 different African nations. It's a must read for people looking to move or travel to Africa.
And, for those who have a general interest in seeking more knowledge about the culture, customs, and the societies across Africa. Countries covered in this book include Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia, South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, The Gambia, Ghana, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Suitable for ages 16+.
The Other Windrush Story
Guest Speaker: Dr Velma McClymont
Wednesday 25 October, 6.30pm-8pm, online
Born in rural Jamaica, Dr. Velma McClymont’s first children’s book, Hope Leaves Jamaica (1993), focuses on three children left behind when their parents come to England for “a better break”.
During her talk, she will discuss ‘the other Windrush story’, using her books (Birds in the Wilderness, the sequel to Hope Leaves Jamaica, is set in Battersea in the 1960s) to explore the emotional impact of migration to an ‘unwelcoming country’, the sense of ‘unbelonging’ and alienation experienced by many children from the British Caribbean during this period of mass migration.
African Drumming Workshop
Friday 27 October, 11am-12.30pm, Shepherds Bush Library
Have you tried African drumming before? Come and experience a life-changing workshop, learn some traditional rhythms and songs and play in sync with your fellow drummers. All ages welcome!
To book your free place, please email ShepherdsBushLibrary@lbhf.gov.uk
Mindful Colouring for Adults
Every Wednesday in October, 2.15pm-3.15pm, Shepherds Bush Library
Join us every Wednesday afternoon throughout Black History Month for some mindful colouring sessions featuring notable figures.
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Previous race equality and Black history cultural events
30 years on - Black Men's perspective and how they feel, and what has really changed
Date: 20 April 2023
Time: 6.30pm to 8pm
Where: Online
Registration: This will be held virtually on Teams and is open to all, so please register hereIn 1993 Stormzy was born, as well as a few members of One Direction, our Prime Minister was John Major, and Europe was deep in the Yugoslavian civil war. Meanwhile, another egregious murder occurred in the UK which was motivated by hate and ignorance. The victim was Stephen Lawrence a promising 18-year-old college student who wanted to be an architect and make a positive impact on his community. Tragically he did not get the opportunity as he was brutally murdered by a gang of racist youths on 22 April 1993.
Join us on Thursday 20 April 2023, 6.30-8pm, as we'll be hosting a panel and Q\A session to explore whether anything has changed over the last 30 years and how Black men felt then and how they are feeling now to cultural changes in attitudes to racism and police practice. We will be exploring what our Police Service are intending to do to improve relations between our young Black men, our H&F community, and our Police service.
National Stephen Lawrence Day is 22 April 2023.
A night with Professor David Olusoga – online talk
Date: Friday 11 November 2022
Time: 6-7pm
Where: Online
Registration: n/aWe are excited to announce this exclusive talk by Professor Olusoga, hosted jointly by Fulham Palace Trust and Hammersmith & Fulham Council's heritage team.
Professor Olusoga will be picking up on some of his key areas of interest: How we can all get involved in finding about our local history; the importance of teaching Black history as part of the national curriculum; and supporting teachers and pupils to get involved by highlighting resources that they can use.
He will then be turning to a new artist-led community project at Fulham Palace, focussing on the historic role of the Bishop of London in relation to colonialism and transatlantic slavery.
Finally, as we approach Remembrance Sunday, Professor Olusoga will touch on the role of Black people in both World Wars.
David Olusoga is a British-Nigerian historian, broadcaster and film-maker. His most recent TV series include Empire (BBC Two), Black and British: A Forgotten History (BBC Two), The World’s War (BBC Two), four seasons of A House Through Time (BBC Two) and the BAFTA winning Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners (BBC Two).
David is also the author of Black & British: A Forgotten History which was awarded both the Longman-History Today Trustees Award and the PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize. His other books include The World’s War, which won First World War Book of the Year in 2015, The Kaiser’s Holocaust: Germany’s Forgotten Genocide and the Colonial Roots of Nazism and Civilizations: Encounters and the Cult of Progress.
David was also a contributor to the Oxford Companion to Black British History and writes for The Guardian and is a columnist for The Observer and BBC History Magazine. He is also one of the three presenters on the BBC's landmark arts series Civilizations.
In 2020 he held an exclusive interview with former President of the United States, Barack Obama. David's most recent book Black and British: A Short, Essential History won the Children's Illustrated and Non-Fiction book of the year at the 2021 British Book Awards.
Ask the Superintendents!
Guest Speakers: Former Superintendent Paul Wilson and Chief Superintendent Gideon Springer
Date: Tuesday 24 May 2022 from 4.30pm to 6pm
The Metropolitan police have denied the force is plagued by a culture of racism, misogyny, sexism and homophobia after an official report revealed shocking details of officers sharing text messages sent as ‘banter’
Has anything changed?
Here is a chance to ask these former Superintendents their views in an open panel … so come and join us for an interesting discussion!
Gideon Springer From becoming a sergeant to working in Murder Investigation and running Golders Green Burglary Squad and then working in New Scotland Yard at the time of the Stephen Lawrence Enquiry as well as being promoted to Chief Inspector in 2002 he became Chief Superintendent in 2011 and in 2014 took up the post of Borough Commander for Hammersmith & Fulham, retiring from this post in 2018. He has also been a member of the Black Police Association for over 25 years and an Executive member for the last 5 years of his service.
Paul Wilson retired from London’s Metropolitan Police as a Superintendent after 31 years of public service. He played a pivotal role in the creation of the UK’s first Black Police Association and was responsible for a significant number of reports centred around the issue of institutional racism and police service delivery to Black and minority ethnic communities, as well as a plethora of media appearances and contributions on the topic. He currently has a published book called Rocking the Boat: A Superintendent's 30 Year Career Fighting Institutional Racism
Festive Songs from Jingle Bells to Marvin Gaye with Tiwa King
When: Wednesday 15 December, 6.30pm to 8pm
Where: This is a free online event
Its time bring the love and soul and a pinch of magic dust back into our lives with an end of year live performance of popular songs where Jingle Bells meets Marvin Gaye.
Tiwa King, Singer, TEDx Speaker, Writer and Wellbeing Mentor returns to perform a live set of heart-warming and festive popular songs such as Silent Night, Oh Holy Night and Stevie Wonder’s love’s in Need of Love Today to name a few.
Everyone is welcome, join us for a soulful evening, you will not be disappointed!!
Booking your tickets
This is a free Teams event and we will send you a link to join when you register
- Twelve great Africans of the last two hundred years
- Was slavery a choice?
- A reply to Mr West Guess who's coming to dinner?
- Celebrating Black Voices in memory of George Floyd
- What did Early West Africa contribute to science and technology?
- George Floyd: A Year On...
- Q&A session about the impact that George Floyd’s death
- I can’t breathe: 8 minutes, 46 seconds that changed the world
- Queens of the Nile and Nigeria
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October 2022 is Black History Month.
We want to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people not just in the UK, but throughout the world and to educate all on Black history.
Join our celebrations! Many events take place online and require you to sign up and others are in person. Nearly all are FREE.
We are working to develop and promote a full calendar of events that are accessible and informative to residents, schools, academies, our staff and partners to enhance learning and education for all.
Representation Matters: An art display
Date: 30 September to 31 October
Where: Lyric Theatre, HammersmithWendell Park Primary School proudly presents an art display celebrating Black artists from across the globe. Using Black artists famous works as inspiration, pupils have created their own pieces of art to explore and express their own diverse lives.
Black History Trail launch
Date: Saturday 1 October
Time: 12-1pm
Where: Riverside Studios, HammersmithJoin us for the official launch of our Black History Trails. The trails are a series of walks around the borough that will take you to iconic landmarks and hidden gems where local and national heroes from the Black community lived, worked and died.
Black Tudors: Power and Politics
An introduction to the Black Presence in Tudor times by Michael I. Ohajuru FRSA
Date: Thursday 6 October
Time: 6-7.30pm
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
Registration: Join the talk by registering online (Microsoft Forms)Tudor time in England and Europe were a time of great change. Black folk played a part making that change happen. Black Tudors: Power and Politics introduces you to some of the Black characters whose presence influenced and reflected that change.
John Blanke the Black trumpeter to the courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII demonstrating the international connections of the Tudor. The Moroccan Ambassador negotiating with Elizabeth I about the possibility of a military alliance, combining English and African forces to conquer Spain. From South America escaped African slaves – maroons – looking to form alliances with the Spanish court. Black Tudors: Power and Politics introduces you to these characters and what they meant then and now.
Michael is an Art Blogger who writes and speaks regularly on the Black presence in Renaissance Europe. He has spoken at the National Gallery, Tate Britain, British Library, National Archives, and the Victoria Albert Museum. Founder of Image of the Black in London Galleries a series of gallery tours. Co-convener of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies What’s Happening in Black British History series of workshops and founder member of the Black Presence in British Portraiture network.
Island Records plaque unveiling and party
Date: Saturday 8 October
Time: 11am-1pm
Where: 22 St Peter’s Square, HammersmithFrom here, bands such as Toots and the Maytals, Aswad and Steel Pulse would conquer the mainstream – at first through ska, and later with reggae. But it was the presence of Bob Marley – who recorded some of his best-known works within these walls - that would cement the legend of Island.
Today we honour that history with a plaque unveiling including a tour of the building, entertainment and talks.
Read more about the Island Records plaque unveiling and party.
‘Everyday Things’ in White City: A photography and archives show and tell
Date: Saturday 8 October
Time: 11am-4pm
Where: Hammersmith Library, Shepherds Bush Road
Registration: Attend the show and tell by registering online (Eventbrite)‘Everyday Things’ is a geography (practice-related) PhD project led by Nathaniel Télémaque that collaboratively visualises the experiences of a kinship collective of young Black adults living in White City.
Exclusively using analogue photography formats as homage to the family photo albums, these contemporary photographs focus on creating original representations of Blackness in west London.
Talking About A Revolution
Date: 12 to 15 October
Time: 8pm
Where: Lyric Hammersmith
Booking: Book your tickets through the Lyric websiteJoin us for a triple bill of short plays and world premieres by Diana Nneka Atuona, babirye bukilwa and Malaika Kegode; three voices in British theatre who respond to the question, ‘What would a revolution look like in 2022?’.
Produced by fearless British African heritage contemporary theatre company tiata fahodzi. Tickets from £10.
Ex and current TfL employees tell their stories
With George Rhoden and Domonic Armstrong
Date: Thursday 13 October
Time: 6-7.30pm
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
Registration: Join the talk by registering online (Microsoft Forms)After World War 2, London Transport experienced problems recruiting British workers. As a result, it looked further afield for workers.
London Transport became the first organisation to operate a scheme recruiting staff directly from the Caribbean. Between 1956 and 1970, thousands of new recruits came to London to work for the network.
The recruitment scheme became a model for other large public-sector employers, such as British Rail and the National Health Service.
George Rhoden, an ex-TfL employee, and Dominic Armstrong who currently works for TfL share their experiences, thoughts, and adventures.
Star Chamber feat. Louella Lucas
Date: Thursday 13 October
Time: 7.30pm
Where: Riverside Studios, Hammersmith
Booking: Get 'pay what you can' tickets from the Riverside Studios websiteTo help celebrate Black History Month, we’re delighted to be joined by Star Chamber, a five-piece band from London whose members are united by their love of Black music of all kinds, from jazz to neo soul.
Featuring stunning vocals from Louella Lucas, this special evening of live music pays tribute to some of the greatest funk and soul artists of the past and present. Expect to hear from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock and Diana Ross, as Star Chamber and Louella Lucas take you on a journey through the pioneering work of Black musicians.
Star Chamber are Mark Cannon, Anthony Quinn (guitars), Gordon Shepherd (keys), Neil Titman (bass), Rich Valencia (drums).
Louella Lucas is a singer/songwriter based in London and Cambridge. Influenced by the sounds of Laura Marling, Beabadoobee and Celeste, her songs are equal part confessional lyrics, warmth and wit.
Hair styling and storytelling workshop
Date: Thursday 13 and Friday 14 October
Time: 4pm
Recommended age: 5-9 years old
Where: Riverside Studios, Hammersmith
Booking: Get free tickets from the Riverside Studios websitePerfect for children aged 5-9, we’re hosting two after-school black hair styling workshops, plus storytelling to help celebrate Black History Month.
Actor and writer Nadine Gray will be reading from children’s books which seek positive, empowering representation of black characters, and there will be a pop-up, black hairstyling salon alongside it.
With thanks to the Hammersmith and Fulham Library for providing the books for these workshops.
Revolution: Where Do We Begin?
Date: Friday 14 October
Where: Lyric HammersmithJoin writer babirye bukilwa, co-directors Chinonyerem Odimba and Campbell X, and cultural historian Sofia Akel for a post-show discussion on Friday 14 October.
The panel will explore what it looks like to care for ourselves and each other in the revolution, what accountability looks like in the revolution and what activism looks like today.
Admission included in tickets for Friday’s performance of ‘Talking About a Revolution’.
Pressure (15): Special online BHM film screening
Hammersmith & Fulham Council in association with Kush Films presents a special online BHM film screening
Date: Saturday 15 October
Time: The stream will be available from 6pm
Where: Online via MyScreen Hub
Registration: Watch the special screening by registering online (Microsoft Forms)Don’t miss Britain’s first Black feature film! Watch the Pressure trailer on YouTube.
Made by Trinidadian director Horace Ove, Pressure is widely acknowledged to have kick-started Black British cinema.
Set in 1970s London, the story highlights the struggles of Tony, a young black school leaver who, despite having good academic qualifications, finds it all but impossible to find a job. His growing frustration with the institutional racism that prevents him from gaining employment leads him to open up to radical ideas – and question a system that denies him opportunities and benefits.
Starring: Herbert Norville, Oscar James, Sheila Scott -Wilkenson, Ram John-Holder, Lucita Lijertwood, Norman Beaton, Ed Devereaux, Alfred Fagon, Corinne Skinner-Carter and Frank Singuinea.
Director: Horace Ove.
UK | 1976 | 120 mins | 15Follow these steps to register:
- Sign up and register your interest (Microsoft Forms).
- Over the next two weeks we will send you further information on how to access the event on the day.
- Go to the MyScreen Hub website on the day using a device of your choice... courtesy of Kush Films.
- You will just need your email address and our ‘private access password’ to log in.
Curly Treats Festival: Black hair stories
Date: Saturday 15 October
Time: 11am-7pm
Where: Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, HammersmithLet's celebrate Black hair, history, and heritage together. Our carefully curated programme of events includes creative workshops, hair care seminars, hairstyling workshops, engaging discussions, film screenings and pop-up shops.
For more information visit the Curly Treats website.
How Black people were disproportionately treated historically in the NHS (part 1)
With Professor Herbert Sewell and Marcia Stewart
Date: Thursday 20 October
Time: 6-7.30pm
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
Registration: Join the talk by registering online (Microsoft Forms)A 2020 survey commissioned by MPs and peers on the Joint Committee on Human Rights as, part of its inquiry into Black people, racism and human rights in the UK found two-thirds of Black Britons believed the NHS gave white people better care and that Black women felt unequally treated by the health service. These findings are stark, especially, as so many Black people work in the NHS yet still feel that it does not value their lives equally.
On the 28 August 2022, a report in the Guardian newspaper, sponsored by Cancer Research UK found that over a 10-year period in 126,000 cases Black and Asian people wait longer for cancer diagnosis than their white counterparts.
Professor Herb Sewell and Marcia Stewart will be examining thematically examples of diseases that afflict the Black population disproportionately and how by education, advocacy, and engagement with the NHS, we can give pointers on how to improve our experience in the NHS. In this session we will be focusing on fibroid, prostate, bowel, and breast cancer.
Marcia Stewart has been an as academic and practicing social care worker for more than four decades. Her practice has been on the frontline in Scotland and England. Marcia holds several honorary academic appointments including senior academic appointment at De Montfort University, Principal Lecturer. Marcia has led on and collaborated in the development of Inter-disciplinary health & Social work in the East Midlands.
Professor Herb Sewell is a professor of immunology and has been an honorary consultant at the University of Nottingham and at the Queens Medical Centre & Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) for 28 years. He was also Pro-vice-chancellor for Research at the university for 6 years and a Clinical Director for pathology at NUH for 7 years. He is currently Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Medicine since 2019, University of Nottingham and Vice Chairman/Non-Executive Director of the NUH NHS Trust and was Chairman of the NUH Quality Committee between 2015-2019.
Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes + Q&A and live music
Date: Sunday 23 October
Time: 6pm
Where: Riverside Studios, Hammersmith
Booking: Buy tickets from the Riverside Studios websiteTo help honour 60 years of Jamaican independence, Riverside Studios is hosting live music in their cinema foyer before and after the screening of the music documentary Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes. Plus, there will be a special live Q&A with the director Mark James and the producer Wael Kabbani.
Located in downtown Kingston, Studio 17 became a legendary recording studio right at the heart of the music revolution that began after Jamaican independence from Great Britain in 1962. Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes tells the compelling story of the Chin’s – the Chinese Jamaican family behind ‘Studio 17’.
Hidden resistance: The history of invisible defiance during transatlantic slavery
Date: Tuesday 25 October
Time: 11am-3pm
Where: Fulham Palace, Bishop's Avenue, FulhamAfrican mask making workshop and poetry workshop with spoken word poet Adisa.
If you also wish to join 'a tour for the curious', an immersive family tour of Fulham Palace for all ages, there is a small additional charge.
The event must be pre-booked via the Fulham Palace website.
How Black people were disproportionately treated historically in the NHS (part 2, mental health)
Dr Stefan Brown and Dame Elizabeth Anionwu
Date: Wednesday 26 October
Time: 6-7.30pm
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
Registration: Join the talk by registering online (Microsoft Forms)There is a new Prime Minister, but the same challenges remain for Britain. Tackling inequalities goes to the heart of many of them. The evidence continues to stack up those racial inequalities in health and social care, housing, and many other areas of day-to-day life and combined with the current cost of living crisis, are making life unmanageable for thousands of people.
Black people are disproportionately more likely to experience mental health issues and social stigma. Historical adversity, which includes race-based exclusion from health, educational, social, and economic resources, translates into socio-economic disparities experienced by black people today. African and Afro-Caribbean mental health statistics show that socio-economic status, in turn, is linked to mental health: People who are impoverished, homeless, imprisoned or have substance abuse problems are at higher risk for poor mental health.
Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, colour, gender, or identity. Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness regardless of their background. However, background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. Ongoing cultural stigma and lack of access to Health Care Act, as barriers for anyone with a mental health condition, but experts argue there is a particular disparity when it comes to minorities, especially Black people, which can contribute to individuals not receiving proper support or treatment to feel better.
Dr Stefan Brown and Dame Elizabeth Anionwu will be discussing and providing their opinion on the history and treatment of mental health amongst Black people, as well as how we can better support Black communities, as well as discussing the following areas and strategies that would help Black families going through mental health issues:
- Black mental health in the UK – history, current themes, future outlook
- barriers and challenges including stigma and how this affects Black people
- self-help and self-awareness, barriers and challenges, including case examples.
Music Night: Finale – Playing music of Black origin through the decades
Performed by DJ Smiley
Date: Thursday 27 October
Time: 7pm till late
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
Registration: Join the event by registering online (Microsoft Forms)Keith Simpson aka DJ Smiley will be bringing the vibe at our finale event!! As part of our celebration of Black History Month, we wanted to trace the Black music history of some of our favourite music genres from calypso to hip hop, reggae, soul, R&B to Afrobeat.
Come and party with us but in the comfort of your own home as DJ Smiley will come thru! It will be a musical MASHUP, an event not to be missed!
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October 2021 is Black History Month. We want to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people not just in the UK, but throughout the world and to educate all on Black history.
To join our celebrations, sign up for any of these FREE online events.
All events will be held online, either via Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
We are working to develop and promote a full calendar of events that are accessible and informative to residents, schools, academies, our staff and partners to enhance learning and education for all.
The Rise and Fall of Black Wall Street
Monday 4 October, 6pm to 7.30pm
Presented by Robin Walker
Black Wall Street memorial. PICTURE: GETTY IMAGES Known as America's "Black Wall Street", the Greenwood district in Tulsa, Oklahoma was one of the wealthiest Black communities and home to a prominent concentration of African-American businesses in the United States.
However, on 31 May and 1 June 1921, mobs of white residents attacked Black residents and destroyed their homes and businesses. The attacks burned and destroyed more than 35 square blocks of the neighbourhood with some members of the mobs deputised and given weapons by city officials.
Alternatively known as the Tulsa race riot or the Black Wall Street massacre, the event is considered one of "the single worst incidents of racial violence in American history."
Art and Reparations
Thursday 7 October, 6pm to 7.30pm
Presented by Michael Ohajuru
Michael Ohajuru Michael Ohajuru is a fellow of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies and holds honours degrees in Physics and Art History.
The session focuses on how the Black Lives Matter movement has impacted, enlivened and refocused the debate on repatriating stolen, sacred African treasures on display in the V&A Museum, British Museum, Wallace Collection and other venues in America and the far east.
Michael is an art blogger who specialises in the Black African presence in Renaissance Europe in particular the Black Magnus in Adoration images from the period. He regularly writes on these matters and also speaks on those themes at the V&A Museum (where his work is referenced), the British Library and other institutions.
History of Black Classical Music
Monday 11 October, 6pm to 7.30pm
Presented by Robin Walker
The Kanneh-Mason family With the success of the Kanneh-Mason family and the rise of the Chineke Orchestra, it is time to review the history of Black people in the world of classical music.
There were Black composers, conductors, performers and opera divas.
Robin Walker 'The Black History Man' revisits this history with musical excerpts and great performances. With music from Le Chevalier De St Georges, Florence Price and William Grant Still, this session promises to be a delight for the ear.
A Performance of Classical Music Written by Historical Black Composers
Thursday 14 October, 6pm to 7.30pm
Performance by Rhiannon Diamond
Rhiannon Diamond By the age of 12 years old, Rhiannon Diamond had participated in 5 performances in the Royal Albert Hall as well as a tour of Brittany (France).
Since obtaining her BMus (Hons) degree, Rhiannon has worked as a freelance violinist internationally with companies such as Burberry and Polydor Music, at venues including the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth and Ronnie Scotts, in studios including Elstree Studios and BBC Maida Vale Studios, and in festivals including the EFG London Jazz Festival.
She is the proud youth ambassador for the company Black Women in Arts and is now the leading violinist of Tomorrow's Warrior's String Ting - the only exclusively jazz string quartet in the country and one of the few in the world. Rhiannon currently teaches violin and viola for the Tri-Borough Music Hub, as well as privately.
We have the honour of having Rhiannon perform classical music written by historical Black composers.
Now That's What I Call Music (music timeline)
Monday 18 October, 6pm to 7.30pm
Presented by Simone Ishmael
With over 20 years experience working in the entertainment industry, Simone aka Monesi LDN brings the vibe to any and all events.
Last year she smashed the World Dance Fusion Party for Black History Month, which was so good, we had to get her back for a musical journey from the 1960s all the way through to now!
It's going to be a party and musical mashup, an event not to be missed!
How to Get Black History Taught Within the National Curriculum
Wednesday 20 October, 6pm to 7.30pm
Presented by Robin Walker
With the rise of Black Lives Matter many have asked a key question: Do we need to decolonise the curriculum to get Black history into schools?
Robin Walker ‘The Black history man’ says this is not necessary. His presentation will show how it is possible to get real Black history into the classroom all year round and stay within the narrow confines set by Michael Gove.
The scope is massive. All parents and educators need to see this presentation.
Adult Learning and Skills Honouring Black History and Culture
Thursday 21 October, 6pm to 8pm
Enjoy an evening with the H&F Adult Learning and Skills team and guest speakers.
Schedule:
- Welcome message from Kim Smith, chief executive of Hammersmith & Fulham Council
- Rendition of 'A Change is Gonna Come' by Sam Cooke, performed by Tiwa King
- Introduction to Black history and culture by esteemed lecturer and author Robin Walker
- African drumming and dance performance by AkomaAsa Performing Arts Academy
- Origins of Caribbean cuisine presented by Lynn Fleary and guests
- Slam poetry written and performed by Careen Lawrence
The History of Black Children in Barnado Homes
Friday 22 October, 6pm to 7.30pm
Presented by Avril Nanton
Born of Good Intentions: The Life and Times of Black Victorian Children in a Dr Barnardo’s Home
This presentation looks at the life and times of Black Victorian children who were taken in by Dr Barnardo's, one of the first people to take in Black children during the Victorian era (1863).
Why did they end up there? Where were their parents? What happened to the children? Each child is looked at and their life is discussed by historian and tour guide, Avril Nanton.
The History of Mindfulness and its Origin
Monday 25 October, 6pm to 7.30pm
Presented by Karen Mitchell
Mindfulness is a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment.
After a few successful wellbeing sessions at H&F, Karen Mitchell has returned to help us to build our resilience and a positive sense of wellbeing. Both of these are tools that can expand the window of tolerance or aid with dealing with life stressors in positive ways.
Karen is a mindfulness meditation teacher and founder of wellbeing space Omm Office. She has practiced meditation for over 13 years through world-renown meditation communities. She cultivates meditation spaces that are supportive, positive and compassion-based.
Karen will be providing us with a guided meditation that includes prompts inviting participants to release stress, relax and allow for a sense of ease.
No prior training is required. There will be a 10 minute introduction followed by Karen’s calming meditation which will last for 40 minutes. After the meditation, there will be around 10 minutes for questions or comments.
In addition, Karen will be introducing a class series she is promoting called Black Mindfulness 101. It's an introduction and discourse on mindfulness through the lens of the diaspora, particularly the African diaspora. The course is a celebration and integration of how Black people meditate as compared to western and Asian-based models, which are most routinely discussed in westernised mindfulness spaces.
The Impact of Climate Change and Race Inequality
Wednesday 27 October, 6pm to 7.30pm
Presented by Emily Tulloh, Jessica Chai and guests
Did you know that Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are more likely to be exposed to unacceptable levels of air pollution in London? Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health and can be responsible for chronic illnesses such as asthma.
Emily Tulloh and Jessica Chai, along with special guests, will explore forms of environmental injustice, from air pollution to access to green space. They will also look at the links and show how tackling racial inequality needs to be at the heart of solutions to climate change.
The UK's Black Civil Rights Movement
Thursday 28 October, 6pm to 7.30pm
Presented by Andrew Mohammad
Andrew Muhammad (aka The Investigator) is one of the UK’s leading Black history and culture specialists. His lively energetic presentations are designed to bring forth history and culture to the spectator allowing for a more enriched awareness of the universal contributions and achievements of a culturally diverse society.
In this presentation The Investigator will explore the:
- roots of the UK’s Black civil rights movement starting with 1948 Windrush arrivals
- origins of the Notting Hill Carnival
- uprising, protests and demonstrations of solidarity and so much more.
One not to be missed!!
This event will be streamed using Zoom and requires advanced registration.