Learn More About Black British history at These 9 Events
Although Black History Month is almost over, it’s never too late to celebrate our nation’s rich diversity as well as learn more about how those of Caribbean and African descent helped shape British culture and society in such a powerful way. In London, there are many events & exhibitions which celebrate and unpack what it means to be Black in Britain as well as be informed on the Black British Experience. So with that being said, here is a list of places and events to go to and learn more about Black British History in London:
Visit the Life Between Islands Exhibition at Tate Britain
Travel through 50 years of British history and look into the lives of Caribbean immigrants in Britain through their art. Running from December 1st – April 1st 2022, This exhibition will explore the works of Caribbean Artists who made their new home in Britain, as well as other British artists who have also made work addressing their Caribbean roots. It also celebrates how people from the West Indies have created communities and identities during post-war Britain and have transformed British culture by doing so.
Featuring 40 artists including Aubrey Williams, Sonia Boyce, and Donald locker to name a few, this exhibition is definitely isn’t one to miss. Tate Britain is also easily accessible; located in Millbank, Central London, and minutes away from Pimlico Station and not too far from Westminister Abbey.
Laught Out Loud at Laugh In The Box, Boxpark (Shoreditch)
With the help of presenter Aurie Styla, a group of comedians from all over the world gets together to try out material and have a good time with the audience. Throughout the evening, there will be games and prizes, as well as food available from all of the Boxpark vendors. Oh, and did I mention… it’s free!
This is a free event but capacity will be limited so make sure to be early to grab a seat.
Feeding Black: Community, Power & Place
London’s African and Caribbean food businesses aren’t solely about buying and selling but they also create a great sense of community. They are vitally important spaces – untangling life’s biggest questions around culture, politics, heritage, and resistance in an ever-changing city.
And so this brand new free display at the Museum of London Docklands spotlights four African and Caribbean businesses and their owners, exploring how they are so much more than the goods and services that they provide.
Entry to the display will be free as part of a general admission booking to the museum until Sun 17 July 2022.
Hear Reggie Yates speak about his brand new book at the Round Chapel – (Oct. 26th)
Reggie will be speaking at the Round Chapel in London on October 26th about his debut book, Unseen: My Journey, which takes us behind the scenes of his life so far.
Broadcaster and radio Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo will host the evening, talking to Reggie about his experiences, both on and off camera. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Reggie in conversation and ask your own questions during the Q&A.
UK Black Business Week (Oct. 25th – 30th)
Level up your finances, business, and careers at the UK Black Business Week events, hosted at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster for one week only.
The Black Business Week works to unify black professionals and entrepreneurs to create space to nurture talent, focusing on leadership, technology, finance, black-owned businesses, culture, media, sports, and allyship.
With this year’s keynote speaker being the legendary Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, listen to well-known experts in every industry as they teach you how to level up your skills. If you are new to anything business-wise these events will give you a great opportunity to learn from the best, network and collaborate with others, and support the community.
Black Owned Hackney Market (Oct. 29th – 31st)
This weekend market will exclusively be featuring black-owned businesses. Black Owned Hackney returns to celebrate this year’s Black History Month in collaboration with Black Eats LDN!
You can find them opposite Hackney Central Station, showcasing London’s best black-owned food, artisan traders, and many more. The market is FREE to enter and also pet and family-friendly. And yes, they’re Vegan-friendly too!
So what are you waiting for? Spread some love at the amazing Black Owned Hackney Market this Black History Month!
Take Black History Walk from St Paul’s to Bank (Oct. 31st)
Black History Walks offers walking tours, educational talks, and films screenings around London. They work with schools, museums, local communities, and government agencies to deliver fun and interactive educational experiences for students, sightseers, businesses, film fans, and anyone that’s interested in history and learning.
On Sunday, the 31st of October, Black history Walks will take patrons on a 2-hour guided tour through Central London. During the tour, your guide will reveal hundreds of years of history connected to Afro-Caribbean communities in the UK.
Listen in on tarana Burke in conversation with Steve McQueen (Nov. 1st)
Are you an avid film watcher? or maybe, just debates, discussions, and commentary on social issues, awareness, race, and they all play a part in our modern society? Well if you are, grab some tea because you’re going to want to sit down for this one.
Join Tarana Burke – activist, educator, and founder of the #MeToo movement – in a conversation with Oscar & Bafta award-winning Black British filmmaker Steve McQueen as they discuss the tremendous impact the #MeToo movement had on their careers in 2017, how the sudden mainstream popularity of social awareness is being reflected not just in films and media but society as a whole, and burke’s new memoir – Unbound.
This live stream event will be hosted by Guardian columnist Nesrine Malik.
Mo Gilligan and friends: The Black British Takeover at the O2 – (Dec. 8th)
As the first event of the O2’s ‘Welcome Back Shows’, Black British comedian Mo Gilligan is back and more hilarious than ever with an exciting lineup of some new, up-and-coming talent.
Mo said it himself – “I’m really proud of the Black British comedy circuit that I started on. The talent on this scene is exceptional, but all too often ignored by mainstream media, so what better place to showcase the culture than the most famous venue in the country? We’re ready to bring the Great British Public a show like you’ve never seen before!”
So be sure to buy tickets now for a once-in-a-lifetime event on Wednesday 8th December 2021.
Standard ticket prices start from £25.
