Black History Month events in Ealing

This year’s festival will highlight the contributions that people of African and Caribbean heritage have made to the arts, literature, sports and politics locally and around the world.

Younger residents will also be able to take part in activities held in libraries across the borough that include story-telling, drama classes and crafts.

Ealing’s cabinet member for community services and safety, Councillor Ranjit Dheer said: "The African and Caribbean communities have made a great contribution to the community, so it’s good we have always celebrated this by supporting Black History Month.

"The council’s library service and PM Gallery have put together a collection of entertaining and informative events, that can be enjoyed by everyone.  There are also events during half-term which are great for parents looking for ways to entertain and educate their children."

Black History Month events include:

ADULT EVENTS

From Florida to the First Cuckoo:  How did African-American music influence Delius?
Tuesday 2 October, Ealing Central Library, 5 – 6.30pm.
A talk by writer and performance artist, Grace Quansah aka Akuba and Dr Gillian Spraggs, cultural historian, that previews the Heritage Project.  The Heritage Project aims to highlight the profound impact of African-American music on English composer, Frederick Delius who lived between 1862 – 1934.  Tickets are £1.  Advance booking recommended, call 020 8825 9278 or email reading@ealing.gov.uk

BHM: The Olympic Spirit – Journey to Greatness
Thursday 18 October, Ealing Central Library,  6 - 7.30pm.
A literature review and debate of African and Caribbean Olympians presented by Black History and Culture West London.  Attendees are invited to recommend a book for the event by bringing one along or contacting Ealing Libraries to add it to the reading list. Free entry.  Advance booking recommended, call 020 8825 9278 or email reading@ealing.gov.uk

BHM: Victory
20 October – 3 November,  The Studio Gallery, PM Gallery & House, open Tue-Fri 1 – 5pm and Sat 11am - 5pm.
Black History and Culture West London’s 2012 exhibition ‘Victory’ presents and promotes the work of local artists, schools and community groups by showcasing in visual and spoken word the contributions made by young people about individuals who have travelled the long road to great achievements.  The exhibition will include video installations including a spoken word video contributed by the young people of Ealing. Free entry.

The Amazing History of Black People in London before 1948
Thursday 22 November, Ealing Central Library, 6.15pm.
The hidden history of London and the valuable contribution made by people of African and Caribbean descent to literature, politics, music, health and welfare from the 17th century until 1948.  The talk presented by social enterprise, Black History Studies, features answers to questions such as: Were black people here in Roman times?  What roles did Black people have in the 17th century?  What was the Black newspaper that operated out of Fleet Street in 1920?  Tickets are £2.  Please book in advance at Ealing Central Library or call 020 8825 9278 or email reading@ealing.gov.uk

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

African crafts and storytelling for children
Tuesday 9 October, Acton Library, 2.30 – 3.30pm.
Children’s crafts, making animal masks and African storytelling. Free entry.  Advance booking recommended, call 020 8825 7622.

Half-term activities

Stories from Africa: Interactive drama workshop for ages 5 – 11 years
Tuesday 30 October, Northolt Library, 11am – 12 noon.
Led by Freshwater Theatre Company children join in to create vibrant African scenes from the tales of ‘How Anansi became King of all the Stories’ and ‘How the Zebra got his Stripes.’ £1 per child. Places are limited.  Book and pay for tickets in advance at Northolt Library.

Akuba: Telling African tales for children and families
Tuesday 30 October, Southall Library,  2.30pm and Thursday 1 November,  West Ealing Library, 2.30pm.
An interactive session using drama and art to bring stories to life with storyteller, Akuba. Free entry.  No booking necessary.

A Caribbean Story: Interactive drama workshop for ages 5 - 7 years
Wednesday 31 October,  Ealing Central Library, 10.30am – 11.30am.
The landscape, culture and traditions of St Lucia are explained through the delightful story of a child and her fisherman grandfather.  Led by Freshwater Theatre Company.  £1 per child.  Places are limited.  Book and pay for tickets in advance at Ealing Central Library.

All children attending events must be accompanied by an adult.