October is upon us and the annual celebration of Black history. Once again, this year we have a fantastic line up of events with film showings, poetry, top authors, historical talks, music (silent disco!), art exhibitions, loads of activities for children and much, much more… In Alex Wheatle, Patrice Lawrence, Diana Evans, Bernardine Evaristo and Tayari Jones we have most of the top prize-winning Black authors of the moment. Plus, there are celebrations of Race Today and Toni Morrison, Pegasus Opera, Reggae legend Dennis Bovell and a Q&A with David Lammy – so much to enjoy and learn. It’s going to be a busy month or two and you’re all invited!
Below are the highlights from the beginning of October with another bulletin to follow later in the month. For a full listing you can download the full brochure.
Homecoming: Voices of the Windrush Generation with author Colin Grant
Homecoming: Voices of the Windrush Generation
Tuesday 1 October 7pm.
Clapham Library
Homecoming draws on over a hundred first-hand interviews with the Windrush Generation, archival recordings and memoirs by the women and men who came to Britain from the West Indies. In their own words, we witness the transition from the optimism of the first post-war arrivals to the race riots of the late 1950s. Join Colin Grant, historian, author of four highly praised books and Associate Fellow of the Centre for Caribbean Studies to discuss his latest book.
Every Tuesday in October (5 weeks) 6.30pm (for a 7pm film start) Tate South Lambeth Library
Join Tate South Lambeth Library in celebrating the best in Black film on Tuesday nights throughout October. Each week the library will show a fantastic new film. For title and viewing details contact Tate South Lambeth Library on 020 7926 0705, email [email protected]
The African Experience in Lambeth: Success Story in Education
The African Experience in Lambeth
Wednesday 2 October, 6.30pm.
Brixton Library
Join us for an evening of discussion on the achievement of Black African students. Dr Feyisa Demie will share the historical evidence of the presence of African people in Lambeth and their success story in education. He will introduce new ground breaking ‘what works’ research evidence on what has helped Black African students buck the national trend including a discussion on the use of the Black and African experiences to enrich the history and geography curriculum.
The format of the session is interactive and includes a presentation, Q&A and open discussion. All welcome.
Djofray Makumbu – Emotion Picture. Art exhibition launch
Djofray Makumbu
Friday 4 October, 6pm.
Brixton Library
As part of Brixton Library’s visual Black History Month, Djofray Makumbu opens up his diary and invites audiences into the world of a young black man on a journey of self-expression. Join Djofray to launch his art exhibition Emotion Picture.
Emotion Picture. Exhibition Tuesday 1 October to Wednesday 16 October
The FEAST presents Drumming, Song and Poetry
The FEAST
Sunday 6 October, 1.30pm to 4pm. West Norwood FEAST, St Luke’s Church and West Norwood Library.
West Norwood FEAST is a community monthly market run by volunteers and includes 5 different hubs with over 70 stalls.
To celebrate Black History Month we will be hosting One Drum at St Luke’s Church providing an hour long free authentic African interactive drumming workshop for people of all ages and experience.
The afternoon will also include Poetry, Prose and Song in the Library, featuring poetry of the late Alexander ‘King’ Paul led by his mother, Joanna Brown and some fantastic young performers.
ABC Merriman-Labor: A Sierra Leonean in South London 1906-1919
ABC Merriman-Labor
Monday 7 October, 7pm. Minet Library
Take a journey around the South London Pan African scene 1906-1909 through the eyes of ABC Merriman-Labor, the Sierra Leonean lawyer and businessman. His 1909 book Britons Through Negro Spectacles shines a comic light on attitudes to Africans in Britain and lets us compare community relations in London now and then. An illustrated talk by S I Martin, one of the UK’s foremost researchers specialising in the experience of Britain’s Black communities.
Black Poppies with author Stephen Bourne
Black Poppies
Tuesday 8 October, 7pm.
Carnegie Library
Stephen Bourne presents an illustrated talk about the recently published
2nd edition of Black Poppies, winner of the Southwark Arts Forum Literature prize. This critically acclaimed book explores the lives of black servicemen and Britain’s black community during the First World War. New information includes Camberwell’s George A. Roberts who served in the army and the previously unpublished wartime letters of the Jamaican siblings Norman, Vera and Douglas Manley.
Rising Above Brokenness
Rising Above Brokenness
Wednesday 9 October, 7pm.
Upper Norwood Library
What is mental health and how can we manage our mental health better? Join four authors whose books share themes of mental wellness. From ensuring we maintain good mental health in relationships to overcoming depression and using writing and expression as an outlet. The aim is to create a safe space to share, learn and discover.
Join Four Conscious Dreams Publishing authors, Daniella Blechner, Joanna Brown, Karen Holder and Jenessa Qua for a great night.
Celebrating Black Hair
Celebrating Black Hair Day!
Saturday 12 October, 11am to 6pm. West Norwood Library
Celebrating Black Hair Day is a day to be proud and share advice and tips. Featuring local hair dressers, barbers, talks, workshops – all with a little live music thrown in the mix. Author talks include Fola Solanke (Scarves) and Lorna Jones (If only Hair could Talk).
Picturehouse Cinema will also be showing a great hair related film to add to the day’s theme. Drop in to see historic styles from our Archive and talk to experts and bloggers for tips and advice on celebrating your natural beauty.
Pegasus Opera Company present: Legacy & Hope
Pegasus Opera Company
Saturday 12 October, 7.30pm.
Brixton Library
Join Pegasus Opera for a scintillating evening of splendid singing.
Let Pegasus Opera take you on a musical journey to celebrate Black History Month. We know you will love this unique and uplifting event! … and of course the evening will end with some audience participation so bring your best voice.
Join a panel of some of the most exciting Young Adult (YA) writers today, including Alex Wheatle (Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize winner), Patrice Lawrence(winner of The Bookseller′s YA Book Prize 2017 and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Older Children), Dean Atta and Alexandra Sheppard, as they discuss what inspires them to write the stories they tell, why they write for a YA audience and what makes UKYA so exciting.
Empress Jai Celebrates Black Women’s contribution to society
Empress Jai
Friday 18 October, 2pm and 7pm. Durning Library
Join Empress Jai in an exploration of world foods and their health benefits and finish with a celebration of Black women’s contributions to the enrichment and development of the world. There will be two sessions focussing on children in the afternoon and adults in the evening – A fantastic day for all the family. There will be light refreshments.
Flow Friday Poetry Slam
Flow Friday Poetry Slam
Friday 18 October, 6.30pm to 9.30pm Clapham Library 16+.
Flow Fridays is a spoken word poetry collective for young people living in UK cities. It’s a platform for the voices of the present generation to speak out on the issues that define them and the society they live in, primarily centring on the voices of young people of colour.
Flow Friday will take over Clapham Library for a night to answer: What does Black History month mean today? And should it have existed in the first place? A poetry slam to remember…
Ancestral or generational trauma manifests in many different ways but can appear as poor mental health, diabetes and other life threatening illnesses.
Many authors and presenters have commented on this and are in general agreement that it can adversely affect generations to come but very few have offered a solution to this issue. This presentation from Vasco Stephenson deals with ways of healing this trauma and helping future generations move forward.
Other events in Libraries…
Be Your Own Boss! Start Your Own Business
Be Your Own Boss!
Start-Up in London Libraries (SiLL) invite young people to free business start-up seminars. Come and learn how it can all be organised and you can get your business up and running. For people aged 16 to 20.
Course starts in October 2019 running from 5pm to 8pm. If you’d like more information, or to book your place, please contact [email protected]
The Berlin Blues Cabaret for National Poetry Day 2019
The Berlin Blues Cabaret
Thursday 3 October 7pm.
Brixton Library
A celebration of poetry, cabaret and music. Poems set to music and sung by the celebrated Brixton composer and performer Andreas Demetriou with musician friends. Event includes an introduction and readings by Stephen Duncan from the poetry of Beata Duncan, including Berlin Blues (Green Bottle Press) and the launch of Beata’s sequel Breaking Glass (Writesideleft Press). Free event- all are welcome!
FGM in the 21st Century information
Forward
Tuesday 8 October, 11am to 3pm. Streatham Library Thursday 17 October, 11am to 3pm. Brixton Library
Information stalls hosted by FORWARD (Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development).
Female Genital Mutilation is a serious problem in the London Borough of Lambeth. Many women first present during pregnancy and childbirth. Many girls and young women are taken abroad to have this operation performed (which is illegal in this country). Come along to the stalls at Streatham and Brixton Libraries where you can find out more information and show your support in ending this practice.
The Friends of Harry Perkins with Chris Mullin
The Friends of Harry Perkins
Monday 21 October, 6.45pm.
Durning Library
Former MP Chris Mullin talks on his book The Friends of Harry Perkins, published in March this year. In the long-awaited sequel to his best-selling A Very British Coup; Chris offers a tantalising human drama woven around the big issues of the day: Brexit, the rise of English nationalism and the looming confrontation between America and China.
Talk organised by the Friends of Durning Library. 6.45pm for 7.15pm start. All welcome, light refreshments, suggested donation £2.
Clapham’s distinctive Book Festival Programme has now been announced. Award-winning TV historian Kate Williams explores the rivalry between Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I, award-winning journalist Ursula Buchandiscusses her grandfather the author of The Thirty-Nine Steps, John Buchan. New York Times best-selling writer Henry Hemming reads from his latest work Our Man in New York and Guardian journalist Aida Edemariam talks to novelist Michèle Roberts … and much more
Autumn is here, and Brixton Bookjam are welcoming it in with a brilliant line-up of writers for you this time around, including Alyson Rudd, Kate Morrison, Diana Skelton, Deirdre Shanahan, Kaethe Cherney, Sophia Jai, Nick Cox, Bobbie Darbyshire and Marianne Kavanagh…presented by up and coming standup Donnette Brown.
Black Writers Challenge
Have you read a book by a black author this year? Maybe you’d like to discover new writing and authors?
For Black History Month, Lambeth Libraries challenges you to read as many black writers as you can by the end of 2019. Choose from a curated list by the Black Girls Book Club (BGBC) and Lambeth Libraries that covers everything from children’s books to YA, non-fiction and genres.
On Twitter? Follow BCBG at @BG_BookClub and @LamLibs and join the conversation using the hashtag #BlackWritersChallenge. Melissa and Natalie of BGBC will lead a mass book group discussion about the books you have read in the New Year.
Exhibition: The Coldharbour Project
Friday 18 October to Sunday 27 October Brixton Library
The Coldharbour Project is a 360˚ VR film that takes viewers on an alternative tour of Brixton, meeting people along the way who have shaped Brixton’s strong and symbolic cultural fabric over several decades. Produced by the Independent Film Trust and Booted and Rooted, the project has involved local people at every stage of the production process.
Exhibition: Quarks, Elephants & Pierogi – the Polish community in south London
A display of illustrations from the awardwinning book Quarks, Elephants & Pierogi: Poland in 100 Words will be on show in the Library’s Main Hall. The Exhibition will be curated by graphic artist Magda Burdzynska.
Black History Month in Lambeth Libraries
Black History Month in Lambeth Libraries
October is upon us and the annual celebration of Black history. Once again, this year we have a fantastic line up of events with film showings, poetry, top authors, historical talks, music (silent disco!), art exhibitions, loads of activities for children and much, much more… In Alex Wheatle, Patrice Lawrence, Diana Evans, Bernardine Evaristo and Tayari Jones we have most of the top prize-winning Black authors of the moment. Plus, there are celebrations of Race Today and Toni Morrison, Pegasus Opera, Reggae legend Dennis Bovell and a Q&A with David Lammy – so much to enjoy and learn. It’s going to be a busy month or two and you’re all invited!
Below are the highlights from the beginning of October with another bulletin to follow later in the month. For a full listing you can download the full brochure.
You can also keep up to date by following us on social media Twitter @BHMLambeth, Facebook/BHMLambeth.
Homecoming: Voices of the Windrush Generation with author Colin Grant
Homecoming: Voices of the Windrush Generation
Tuesday 1 October 7pm.
Clapham Library
Homecoming draws on over a hundred first-hand interviews with the Windrush Generation, archival recordings and memoirs by the women and men who came to Britain from the West Indies. In their own words, we witness the transition from the optimism of the first post-war arrivals to the race riots of the late 1950s. Join Colin Grant, historian, author of four highly praised books and Associate Fellow of the Centre for Caribbean Studies to discuss his latest book.
Book now
Black History Month Film Club
Black History Month Film Club
Every Tuesday in October (5 weeks) 6.30pm (for a 7pm film start)
Tate South Lambeth Library
Join Tate South Lambeth Library in celebrating the best in Black film on Tuesday nights throughout October. Each week the library will show a fantastic new film. For title and viewing details contact Tate South Lambeth Library on 020 7926 0705, email [email protected]
The African Experience in Lambeth: Success Story in Education
The African Experience in Lambeth
Wednesday 2 October, 6.30pm.
Brixton Library
Join us for an evening of discussion on the achievement of Black African students. Dr Feyisa Demie will share the historical evidence of the presence of African people in Lambeth and their success story in education. He will introduce new ground breaking ‘what works’ research evidence on what has helped Black African students buck the national trend including a discussion on the use of the Black and African experiences to enrich the history and geography curriculum.
The format of the session is interactive and includes a presentation, Q&A and open discussion. All welcome.
Djofray Makumbu – Emotion Picture. Art exhibition launch
Djofray Makumbu
Friday 4 October, 6pm.
Brixton Library
As part of Brixton Library’s visual Black History Month, Djofray Makumbu opens up his diary and invites audiences into the world of a young black man on a journey of self-expression. Join Djofray to launch his art exhibition Emotion Picture.
Emotion Picture. Exhibition
Tuesday 1 October to Wednesday 16 October
The FEAST presents Drumming, Song and Poetry
The FEAST
Sunday 6 October, 1.30pm to 4pm.
West Norwood FEAST, St Luke’s Church and West Norwood Library.
West Norwood FEAST is a community monthly market run by volunteers and includes 5 different hubs with over 70 stalls.
To celebrate Black History Month we will be hosting One Drum at St Luke’s Church providing an hour long free authentic African interactive drumming workshop for people of all ages and experience.
The afternoon will also include Poetry, Prose and Song in the Library, featuring poetry of the late Alexander ‘King’ Paul led by his mother, Joanna Brown and some fantastic young performers.
ABC Merriman-Labor: A Sierra Leonean in South London 1906-1919
ABC Merriman-Labor
Monday 7 October, 7pm. Minet Library
Take a journey around the South London Pan African scene 1906-1909 through the eyes of ABC Merriman-Labor, the Sierra Leonean lawyer and businessman. His 1909 book Britons Through Negro Spectacles shines a comic light on attitudes to Africans in Britain and lets us compare community relations in London now and then. An illustrated talk by S I Martin, one of the UK’s foremost researchers specialising in the experience of Britain’s Black communities.
Black Poppies with author Stephen Bourne
Black Poppies
Tuesday 8 October, 7pm.
Carnegie Library
Stephen Bourne presents an illustrated talk about the recently published
2nd edition of Black Poppies, winner of the Southwark Arts Forum Literature prize. This critically acclaimed book explores the lives of black servicemen and Britain’s black community during the First World War. New information includes Camberwell’s George A. Roberts who served in the army and the previously unpublished wartime letters of the Jamaican siblings Norman, Vera and Douglas Manley.
Rising Above Brokenness
Rising Above Brokenness
Wednesday 9 October, 7pm.
Upper Norwood Library
What is mental health and how can we manage our mental health better? Join four authors whose books share themes of mental wellness. From ensuring we maintain good mental health in relationships to overcoming depression and using writing and expression as an outlet. The aim is to create a safe space to share, learn and discover.
Join Four Conscious Dreams Publishing authors, Daniella Blechner, Joanna Brown, Karen Holder and Jenessa Qua for a great night.
Celebrating Black Hair
Celebrating Black Hair Day!
Saturday 12 October, 11am to 6pm. West Norwood Library
Celebrating Black Hair Day is a day to be proud and share advice and tips. Featuring local hair dressers, barbers, talks, workshops – all with a little live music thrown in the mix. Author talks include Fola Solanke (Scarves) and Lorna Jones (If only Hair could Talk).
Picturehouse Cinema will also be showing a great hair related film to add to the day’s theme. Drop in to see historic styles from our Archive and talk to experts and bloggers for tips and advice on celebrating your natural beauty.
Pegasus Opera Company present: Legacy & Hope
Pegasus Opera Company
Saturday 12 October, 7.30pm.
Brixton Library
Join Pegasus Opera for a scintillating evening of splendid singing.
Let Pegasus Opera take you on a musical journey to celebrate Black History Month. We know you will love this unique and uplifting event! … and of course the evening will end with some audience participation so bring your best voice.
Book now
The Stories We Tell – Young Adult Author Panel
The Stories We Tell
Thursday 17 October, 6pm.
Waterloo Library
Join a panel of some of the most exciting Young Adult (YA) writers today, including Alex Wheatle (Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize winner), Patrice Lawrence(winner of The Bookseller′s YA Book Prize 2017 and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Older Children), Dean Atta and Alexandra Sheppard, as they discuss what inspires them to write the stories they tell, why they write for a YA audience and what makes UKYA so exciting.
Book now
Empress Jai Celebrates Black Women’s contribution to society
Empress Jai
Friday 18 October, 2pm and 7pm. Durning Library
Join Empress Jai in an exploration of world foods and their health benefits and finish with a celebration of Black women’s contributions to the enrichment and development of the world. There will be two sessions focussing on children in the afternoon and adults in the evening – A fantastic day for all the family. There will be light refreshments.
Flow Friday Poetry Slam
Flow Friday Poetry Slam
Friday 18 October, 6.30pm to 9.30pm Clapham Library 16+.
Flow Fridays is a spoken word poetry collective for young people living in UK cities. It’s a platform for the voices of the present generation to speak out on the issues that define them and the society they live in, primarily centring on the voices of young people of colour.
Flow Friday will take over Clapham Library for a night to answer: What does Black History month mean today? And should it have existed in the first place? A poetry slam to remember…
Booking essential: [email protected]
Healing Ancestral Trauma
Healing Ancestral Trauma
Saturday 19 October, 2pm.
Streatham Library
Ancestral or generational trauma manifests in many different ways but can appear as poor mental health, diabetes and other life threatening illnesses.
Many authors and presenters have commented on this and are in general agreement that it can adversely affect generations to come but very few have offered a solution to this issue. This presentation from Vasco Stephenson deals with ways of healing this trauma and helping future generations move forward.
Other events in Libraries…
Be Your Own Boss! Start Your Own Business
Be Your Own Boss!
Start-Up in London Libraries (SiLL) invite young people to free business start-up seminars. Come and learn how it can all be organised and you can get your business up and running. For people aged 16 to 20.
Course starts in October 2019 running from 5pm to 8pm. If you’d like more information, or to book your place, please contact [email protected]
The Berlin Blues Cabaret for National Poetry Day 2019
The Berlin Blues Cabaret
Thursday 3 October 7pm.
Brixton Library
A celebration of poetry, cabaret and music. Poems set to music and sung by the celebrated Brixton composer and performer Andreas Demetriou with musician friends. Event includes an introduction and readings by Stephen Duncan from the poetry of Beata Duncan, including Berlin Blues (Green Bottle Press) and the launch of Beata’s sequel Breaking Glass (Writesideleft Press). Free event- all are welcome!
FGM in the 21st Century information
Forward
Tuesday 8 October, 11am to 3pm. Streatham Library
Thursday 17 October, 11am to 3pm. Brixton Library
Information stalls hosted by FORWARD (Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development).
Female Genital Mutilation is a serious problem in the London Borough of Lambeth. Many women first present during pregnancy and childbirth. Many girls and young women are taken abroad to have this operation performed (which is illegal in this country). Come along to the stalls at Streatham and Brixton Libraries where you can find out more information and show your support in ending this practice.
The Friends of Harry Perkins with Chris Mullin
The Friends of Harry Perkins
Monday 21 October, 6.45pm.
Durning Library
Former MP Chris Mullin talks on his book The Friends of Harry Perkins, published in March this year. In the long-awaited sequel to his best-selling A Very British Coup; Chris offers a tantalising human drama woven around the big issues of the day: Brexit, the rise of English nationalism and the looming confrontation between America and China.
Talk organised by the Friends of Durning Library. 6.45pm for 7.15pm start. All welcome, light refreshments, suggested donation £2.
From our friends…
Clapham Book Festival
Clapham Book Festival
Saturday 5 October, 2pm to 8.30pm
Omnibus Theatre
1 Clapham Common Northside
London SW4 0QW
Clapham’s distinctive Book Festival Programme has now been announced. Award-winning TV historian Kate Williams explores the rivalry between Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I, award-winning journalist Ursula Buchandiscusses her grandfather the author of The Thirty-Nine Steps, John Buchan. New York Times best-selling writer Henry Hemming reads from his latest work Our Man in New York and Guardian journalist Aida Edemariam talks to novelist Michèle Roberts … and much more
For ticket information contact Clapham Book Festival
Brixton Bookjam
Brixton Bookjam
Monday 7 October, doors 7.30pm
The Hootananny, 95 Effra Road, SW2 1DF.
Autumn is here, and Brixton Bookjam are welcoming it in with a brilliant line-up of writers for you this time around, including Alyson Rudd, Kate Morrison, Diana Skelton, Deirdre Shanahan, Kaethe Cherney, Sophia Jai, Nick Cox, Bobbie Darbyshire and Marianne Kavanagh…presented by up and coming standup Donnette Brown.
Black Writers Challenge
Have you read a book by a black author this year? Maybe you’d like to discover new writing and authors?
For Black History Month, Lambeth Libraries challenges you to read as many black writers as you can by the end of 2019. Choose from a curated list by the Black Girls Book Club (BGBC) and Lambeth Libraries that covers everything from children’s books to YA, non-fiction and genres.
On Twitter? Follow BCBG at @BG_BookClub and @LamLibs and join the conversation using the hashtag #BlackWritersChallenge. Melissa and Natalie of BGBC will lead a mass book group discussion about the books you have read in the New Year.
Exhibition: The Coldharbour Project
Friday 18 October to Sunday 27 October
Brixton Library
The Coldharbour Project is a 360˚ VR film that takes viewers on an alternative tour of Brixton, meeting people along the way who have shaped Brixton’s strong and symbolic cultural fabric over several decades. Produced by the Independent Film Trust and Booted and Rooted, the project has involved local people at every stage of the production process.
Exhibition: Quarks, Elephants & Pierogi – the Polish community in south London
28 September to 28 October. Clapham Library, Mary Seacole Centre, 91 Clapham High Street, SW4 7DB
A display of illustrations from the awardwinning book Quarks, Elephants & Pierogi: Poland in 100 Words will be on show in the Library’s Main Hall. The Exhibition will be curated by graphic artist Magda Burdzynska.