Your guide to how Nottingham is celebrating Black History Month 2021

Black History Month is celebrated across the UK every October with BHM first being celebrated in the UK in October 1987.

Black History month was created to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements within the black community, including their socio-economic, political and cultural contributions to society.

Whilst the pandemic forced last years celebrations online, following the easing of lockdown restriction there are so many opportunities to join in the celebrations in person this year.

From comedy shows to film screenings to workshops, whether you seek thought-provoking discussion or are a budding gospel singer, here is your guide to what’s going on in Notts.

University of Nottingham

Starting on the 14th of October with the screening of White Riot at Lakeside Arts UoN will host a large variety of events.

If Black History Month Were Every Month, 18 Oct

One event which may prove to be an important tool for all regardless of race is the panel discussion, ‘If Black History Month Were Every Month’.  This event will be held on teams and discuss the need to ‘go beyond representation months’ in order to positively change the environment and conditions for staff and students in the long run.

UoN states that, ‘We will give space to interrogate the role of Black History Month and allow Black academics to reflect and imagine inclusive educational settings’.

Steel Drum Band – Hipps Café, 19 Oct

For those who regularly go to the Medical School in QMC or simply want to explore another part of the great maze, that is UP, Hipps Café located on Floor A of the medical school will have a steel drum band perform on Tuesday 19^th from 12pm-2pm. You will also be able to buy Caribbean food from the café!

For more information on what’s on offer, visit the University of Nottingham’s website.

Black History Month at Lakeside Arts, 14-27 Oct

Lakeside arts which is part of the University have created a program of events which ‘celebrate the talent, stories and contributions of black artists’.

The program includes the comedian, Loyiso Gola’s humours take on the differing impacts of pop culture globally and a performance of Josephine. This play shares the story of the dancer, activist, actress, spy and mother, Josephine Baker.

For more information, click here.

Nottingham Trent

Trent will be holding various ‘commemorative events and activities’ starting from 13^th October and running until the end of the month.

Critical Conversations: Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, 20 Oct

Following the release of Reni Eddo-Lodge’s highly read, Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, the department of Sport Science will be hosting a book club-style discussion regarding themes discussed within the book.

For more information, click here

Image Source: Nottingham Trent University

Meanwhile on the 27^th A Make your own Zine (a DIY magazine) online workshop with an emphasis on the need for diverse Zines. If Zine making is not your cup and tea, why not head to the Dance Studio within the Music Centre for a free Gospel Choir Workshop held by the award winning British gospel artist, Freddie Kofi!

For more information on what’s on offer, visit Nottingham Trent’s website.

What else is going in Notts?

Breaking the Silence on the Slave Trade, 21 Oct

With support of the Arts Council England, this free ‘immersive theatrical tour’ shows the fictional story of a meeting involving key figures within the 18^th and early 19^th century abolitionist movements. This show celebrates the work of the likes of Mary Birkett Card and Olaudah Equiano who worked to end the slave trade through personal speeches, narratives and song written in their own words.

For more information, click here.

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