Celebrate our Black Sisters this Black History Month

This year’s Black History Month is about Celebrating our Sisters, honouring the contributions of Black women throughout history and today, from mothers, care givers, businesswomen, doctors, scientists, and everything in between.

Black History Month, which falls in October each year, aims to improve people’s understanding of Black cultural heritage and the experiences, achievements, and diverse contributions of Black people around the world.

This year, Brent Libraries has an amazing line up of artists, historians, speakers, and workshops for people of all ages to enjoy and learn more about Black heritage.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said:

“In Brent, our diversity is our greatest strength. We are committed to working with the community to stand up against racism and create a fairer and more equal borough.

“We are proud to have a talented group of Black women working at all levels of the council, including in some of the most senior positions. Their hard work and dedication help to make Brent a better place for everyone. “Black History Month is a time to reflect on the contributions of Black people to our society and to celebrate our rich culture. It is also a time to learn about the challenges that Black people have faced and continue to face.

"I encourage everyone to join me in attending the many brilliant events planned in our libraries during Black History Month. These events are a great way to learn more about Black history and culture, and to show our support for Brent's Black community.”

Visit Eventbrite to register for these FREE library events, open to all.

The Library at Willesden Green

• Tracing Black Ancestry, Wednesday 4 October 6.30-8.30pm 
  
  Join author and researcher Paul Crooks as he shares his experience tracing his roots and the historical narrative that connects the histories of Caribbean and North American Black people enslaved during Britain's involvement in Transatlantic slavery.
  
  
• Women in Zoological Art, Friday 6 October 11am-12.30pm 
  
  In the wake of the British Library exhibition, Animals: Art, Science and Sound, join Daryl Stenvoll-Wells, a socially engaged Black artist based in Peckham, as she discusses the history of animal illustration and historical women artists who furthered biological science through their work.
  
  
• Bridget Jones vs Bridgerton: It’s Time to Diversify Romantic Fiction, Thursday 12 October 6.30-7.30pm 
  
  Author Frances Mensah Williams will discuss the multicultural heroines and heroes in her books and how the UK’s diverse cultures can be represented in our romantic fiction.
  
  
• Home from Home: Exploring the legacies of British-Nigerians in the UK, Tuesday 23 October 
  
  IROKO Theatre Company and Brent Libraries invite you to a day exploring the legacies of British-Nigerians in the UK. The event is part of IROKO’s ‘Home from Home project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
  
  12 noon –1pm: Arts and crafts workshop. Age 7+
  2.30 – 3.30pm: Home from Home performance. All ages.

• Black Ancestry for Beginners, Tuesday 24 October 2023 6.30 - 8.30pm
  
  Join author and researcher Paul Crooks as he shares his expert knowledge on tracing roots and overcoming barriers in family history research. Staff from Brent Archives will be on-hand to advise you how to start your research journey.
  
  
• Picture Perfect, Thursday 26 October 2.30 – 3.30pm
  
  Hand make a picture frame to celebrate your own inspirational Black History Month hero! For children aged 5 – 11.
  
  
• Brent, London, and the struggle against Apartheid, 31 October 2023 12 noon - 1pm
  
  Learn how London, and Brent, was a hub for the international opposition to apartheid South Africa. With Suresh Kamath then Vice-Chair of the Anti-Apartheid Movement and organising committee of the Wembley Mandela concerts.
  
  
• Rhythm and Moves: West African and Caribbean Dance Movement, Tuesday 14 November 11am-12 noon
  
  Take part in a lively and playful exploration of dance movement influenced by West Africa and the Caribbean. Workshop led by Tanya Campbell.
  
  
• 500 years of History: Building diversity, inclusivity, and equity, Tuesday 21 November 6.30-7.30pm
  
  Meet the author of History Through the Black Experience Simon Hudson, to discover stories and experiences from the worldwide Black community reflecting 500 years of Black history.

Harlesden Library

• Creative crafts, Saturdays, 2–3pm 
  
  Come and make ‘something kind of wonderful’ at these monthly story and craft workshops for ages 5 –11.
  
  Joyous jewellery, 14 October
  
  Make beautiful necklaces inspired by African designs.
  
  
• Brent: The Birth of Muslim Hip Hop, Saturday 14 October 5-7pm
  
  Join historian and writer Nadia Khan to meet Rakin Fetuga and Ishmael Lea South, founding members of Muslim hip hop act, Mecca 2 Medina.
  
  
• Somali Sideways: In conversation with Author, Mohamed Mohamud, Friday 20 October 6.30-8pm
  
  Join Nadia Khan as she interviews author Mohamed Mohamud about his book Somali Sideways: A Photobook in Changing Perceptions of the Somalis.

Ealing Road Library

• 3-D Map of Africa, Tuesday 24 October 11am –12noon
  
  In celebration of Black History Month create a 3D map of Africa featuring landmarks, animals, famous people and more! For children aged 5 – 11.

Kilburn Library

• The Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacole, Wednesday 25 October 7-8pm
  
  Discover the life and work of Mary Seacole - learn how she helped soldiers during the Crimean War, how she got the nickname ‘Mother Seacole’, and how she was almost forgotten in history. This 30-minute performance is suitable for all ages. and is presented by the Florence Nightingale Museum.

You can also celebrate the Black women who inspire you. It could be your mother, sister, grandmother, or a dear friend with #BHM2023EverydayExcellence.