Black History Month is every month. We see October as a re-commitment to amplifying Black histories all year round.
The erasure of Black histories is inseparable from systemic violence towards Black lives. In honour of the Black Lives Movement, we emphasise Black Futures; centring Black joy, love, restoration, and healing as we envision and work towards building a world without white supremacy, racism and oppression. As Andrea Stuart says: "Black History Month can only be declared a success once it's redundant".
Every year we organise community-led events in Islington that celebrate and amplify Black, African and Caribbean heritage, cultures, legacies, histories and futures. In these strange and uncertain times, there has been a challenge to planning ahead this year. With the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 being faced by Black communities, our priority is safety, care, health and wellbeing.
This year we have brought you events that amplify local histories, centre wellbeing, and address systemic injustice. We hope you can join the following events that have been organised in collaboration with Black-owned businesses and Black-led initiatives.
The erasure of Black histories is inseparable from systemic violence towards Black lives. In honour of the Black Lives Movement, we emphasise Black Futures; centring Black joy, love, restoration, and healing as we envision and work towards building a world without white supremacy, racism and oppression. As Andrea Stuart says: "Black History Month can only be declared a success once it's redundant".
Every year we organise community-led events in Islington that celebrate and amplify Black, African and Caribbean heritage, cultures, legacies, histories and futures. In these strange and uncertain times, there has been a challenge to planning ahead this year. With the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 being faced by Black communities, our priority is safety, care, health and wellbeing.
This year we have brought you events that amplify local histories, centre wellbeing, and address systemic injustice. We hope you can join the following events that have been organised in collaboration with Black-owned businesses and Black-led initiatives.
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Black Mental Health Matters
– a conversation with Black Thrive Thursday 29th October 4-5pm - online Join us for a conversation with Black Thrive: a partnership for Black wellbeing working to create systems change that will see Black communities thrive. Black Thrive connect structural injustice, racism and mental health through their work around school exclusions, the use of the Mental Health Act, safe access to health and care services, access to employment and violence affecting youth. They are working between statutory services and community networks in Lambeth. Through this conversation we intend to amplify their work in Islington, share learnings and initiate action across boroughs of London. The presentation can be downloaded below |
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Writing for Healing & Self-Care Workshop
Saturday 17th October 1-2.30pm - online This inspiring workshop will help you explore creative writing as part of your self-care practice. The workshop will be part exercise, part discussion, and part laughter. You will explore new ways of writing poetry and prose. As well as writing, you will discover (and re-discover) works by Black women and Women of Colour writers. All materials and resources will be provided, just bring your pen and pads. The workshop is open to all levels and abilities. This workshop will be facilitated by REWRITE who run a series of creative writing courses designed specifically for Black Women and Women of Colour. From the selected texts to the recommended reading, all of their modules and resources are centered around the works of Black women and WoC writers. Each course offers a relaxing and encouraging environment for women to explore their creativity, nurture their writing skills, and network with key people in the industry. You can now find the workshop here |
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Black History of Islington Walk
Saturday 3rd October, Tuesday 6th October, Saturday 24th October. Meet at 10.45am, Walk 11am - 1pm A 2hr walking tour through some of Islington’s little-know landmarks and places of significance. Your professional guide Avril Nanton will reveal the abundance of Black history and the amazing things that have happened in the borough. Find out about the first Black cultural arts centre, the history of the African National Congress, Islington’s Egyptian links and the legacies of Black revolutionary politicians and activists, such as Claudia Jones and Angela Davis and their encounters in the borough. For safety, we will have a maximum limit of 10 attendees so please return your tickets if you can no longer attend for someone on the waiting list. Please bring masks, good walking shoes, umbrellas and water (though no toilets en route). To book your place please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/black-history-walk-of-islington-tickets-118443982139 |
CHECK OUT ACTIVITIES HAPPENING ACROSS ISLINGTON IN OCTOBER & BIOS OF INCREDIBLE LOCAL ORGANISATIONS
