October is Black History Month, celebrating and commemorating the contribution made to our society over many years by the African and Caribbean communities. We've found 5 free events around London that we think you should check out. For full listings, including all the great theatre that's going on, head on over to Black History Month.
Monday 3 October, 11pm
BBC Glassbox, Riverside Terrace Cafe
Southbank Centre
This live broadcast features new music by vibraphonist Ralph Wyld, featuring his sextet Mosaic. Ralph, who won the 2014 John Dankworth Award and the 2015 Kenny Wheeler Prize for composition, is joined by a line-up of London’s brightest young jazz talent, including trumpeter James Copus, clarinettist Sam Rapley and cellist Celia Bignall. Also on the bill is the brilliant pianist Jason Rebello, a veteran of the bands of Sting, Jeff Beck and Tim Garland.
This event is free but tickets are required so please book your free ticket online, by phone or in person (no fees apply).
Africa on the Square
Saturday 15 October, 12 - 6pm
Trafalgar Square
Westminster
Africa on the Square returns to Trafalgar Square for the third time on Saturday 15 October. This popular event celebrates African arts and culture. There’ll be a range of activities highlighting communities from across the continent.
You can expect a fantastic line-up of entertainment on the day including live music, DJs, dancing and a talent show. Plus an African market, food stalls, fashion show and lots of fun stuff for kids.
Africa on the Square is organised by the Mayor of London for Black History Month 2016
Celebrating Black History & Craft Fair
Saturday 22 October, 3- 7pm
St Mary and George Hornsey Parish Church
Cranley Gardens
This event is open to the community, to come together, to learn and celebrate black history. There will be local businesses, organisations, charities designers and artists providing community information, stalls, illustrative arts, crafts and decorative items.
There will also live entertainment from unsigned artists.
Back in the Day: Reggae vibes and memories with David Katz
Tuesday 25 October, 7.30 - 9pm
Rye Wax, CLF Art Café
Peckham
Author and journalist David Katz will discuss his books Solid Foundation: An Oral History of Reggae and People Funny Boy: The Genius of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, in an illustrated reading featuring the music covered in those books.
Further musical support will be provided by fellow journalist Angus Taylor, playing original reggae vinyl style.
Rye Wax bar and Taco Queen food facilities available. Signed copies of books available on the night.
BLACKwordsMATTER
Friday 28 October, 7.30pm
Brixton Library
Brixton Hill
‘Mother, mother. There's too many of you crying. Brother, brother, brother. There's far too many of you dying…’ (Marvin Gaye, What’s going on)
Black History Month couldn't be complete in 2016 without reference to the Black Lives Matter movement happening in both the US and here. There are many ways to examine and rage about the reality of racism in society, whether through protest, song or the written word. Brixton Library is therefore throwing the microphone open to a poetic response to examining what's going on. Poets and performers are coming together to speak through spoken word. If you would like to add your poem do get in touch.
For further information contact Tim O’Dell.
So get stuck in and enjoy as much of the upcoming month as you can!
"Black History Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the myriad of contributions Black people have made to our country and to London."
Sadiq Kahn, Mayor of London
