Release Date: 03/10/2008
Black History Month is once again being celebrated across the UK this month (October). The event has become part of the local events calendar for more than two decades, each year going from strength to strength.
To highlight and celebrate the achievements of the black community, Richmond upon Thames is hosting a number of activities and events throughout the month for residents to learn and discover more.
Council Leader Cllr Serge Lourie said:
“We hope this inspiring month of celebration and discovery will not only bring together people from all parts of our community for the events - but will spark a continuing interest in the legacy of Black history in our country and in this part of the capital.
“London is one of the most successful multicultural capitals in the world. And the more we understand about each other, the better we will get along.”
A packed programme has been compiled - from music, dance and film to storytelling, poetry and comedy.
Residents can also visit a number of exhibitions and social events throughout the borough during Black History Month – and will be fascinated to discover the legacy of Black history in Richmond Upon Thames, spanning more than three centuries.
Highlights of the month include an evening of live music and dance from some of the hottest new talents and companies on London’s dance scene at Queen Charlotte Hall, Richmond, on Saturday 18 October
Richmond Borough’s Black Workers Support Group, will be hosting its biggest ever event with theme of modern day Black Britain on October 14.
Guests visiting York House will be greeted with a collection of information exhibitions and stalls, Asian comedy, African story telling and dance, a Caribbean poet and song writer and Asian, African and Caribbean food.
Budding film-makers are challenged to make a short film about their black heroes or heroines, and traditional story-telling sessions for all ages will be held throughout the month at libraries across the borough.
The origins of the slave trade, Richmond people involved in the trade and its abolition, and the presence of black people in the borough in the 18th Century as a result of the trade is the theme of Trading In Human Lives: the Richmond Connection at Richmond Museum all month.
Schools and community facilities will also be staging events and mounting exhibitions for specific audiences.
For example, Whitton School and Sports College will be hosting a Pioneers Exhibition of Black Footballers, highlighting the history of Black Footballers in UK. As part of this exhibition, the school will be welcoming top footballer Leroy Lita from Reading F.C. and England on Wednesday 22 October at 2pm. Leroy will be talking about his career and achievements, issues he has faced as a black footballer, the importance of education and sport and how young people can get involved in football or any other sports.
All the events are detailed in the Black History Month programme, and are available to download from the following web page.