Black History Month
Knowledge is Power Stanmore College LRC Guide
Every year in the UK, during the month of October, the history and achievements of Black people are remembered and celebrated. The following guide highlights some of the library resources about and by those who may fall into this category, as well as listing Black History Month events happening in London. Unfortunately we can’t represent all those who consider the term “Black” to form part of their identity, or capture the way that two or more identities may overlap. However, the guide is divided according to particular themes or subjects that we hope represent a variety of Black “identities” and achievements.
Contents Islamic British American Lesbian/Gay/Bi African Asian Art & Culture Cultural Criticism BHM Events
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9-16
Islamic Illuminating the Darkness: Blacks and North Africans in Islam Habeeb Akande
This book treats the subject of race and racism, with reference to the Qur'an, Hadith and early historical sources. It explores the concept of race and racial discrimination, as well as highlighting significant Black and North African Islamic figures.
Malcolm X (DVD) - Spike Lee Denzel Washington stars in this critically acclaimed film about one of the most famous and controversial figures in the fight for civil rights. Washington delivers a magnetic performance and Spike Lee treats his subject with care and respect
The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on Life’s Journey - Muhammad Ali with Hana Yaseemi Three time boxing heavyweight champion of the world shares the beliefs and wisdom he lives by. He talks of his life, his conversion to Islam, boxing and his work as a peace ambassador. A poignant memoir which speaks of peace, love and unity. Ali has never given up hope despite huge challenges.
British Black Poppies - Stephen Bourne 2014 marks the 100th year anniversary of the start of the First World War. Black Poppies’ takes a look at the often forgotten contribution of black and Asian servicemen who fought in the Great War, focusing on the stories of individual soldiers from a variety of backgrounds and classes.
Black Britain: A Photographic History - Paul Gilroy This collection of photos, put together by Paul Gilroy, documents the history of Black people in Britain. With images that date back to the 19th century, this fascinating visual history contains photos which challenge ideas of the role that Black people have played in the history of this nation.
Small Island - Andrea Levy This emotionally charged novel by a winner of the Orange Prize, takes place around 1948, after the end of WWII. It centres around the experiences of Jamaican immigrants moving to England and the prejudices they face as they adjust to their new home and try to build themselves a better life.
American I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Maya Angelou The first book in Dr Maya Angelou’s autobiographical series concerns her early years up until she becomes a single mother aged 16. The book charts her struggles to overcome the trauma faced in her early life and escape the “cage” of oppression that she finds herself in.
Dreams from my Father – A story of Race and Inheritance – Barak Obama First published in 1995, 14 years before the former member of the Illinois Senate made history by being elected the first black president of the United States, this honest and refreshing memoir follows Obama’s journey from birth up until his entry into Harvard law school .
Great Speeches by African Americans - James Daley An anthology of inspirational speeches by some of the most influential African American historical figures. These include campaigners like Fredrick Douglass and Sojourner Truth who fought for human dignity and freedom during the era of slavery, as well as speeches from more recent icons such as President Obama.
Lesbian / Gay/ Bi Another Country - James Baldwin James Baldwin’s 1962 classic ‘Another Country’ explores a number of themes, centring on race, gender, sexuality and love. Set in 1950’s New York in the hip Greenwich Village suburb, a progressive area of the great city, Baldwin’s powerful novel is as relevant today as it was when it was written.
Sister Outsider – Audre Lorde Self defining as "black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet" , in this collection of 15 essays Lorde explores the idea of difference and “otherness” due to race, sex, sexuality and economic status, as she seeks empowerment and self understanding. Her writing is a call for women to reach towards each other and work together despite their differences.
The Color purple – Alice Walker The Color Purple (DVD) - Stephen Spielberg
Celie has suffered abuse her whole life; first at the hands of her father and then her husband. During the course of this classic novel she begins to understand herself and finds the courage to live truthfully. Controversially, the film plays down the lesbian relationship between Celie and singer Shug Avery, however it is remains a powerful story.
African Half of a yellow sun Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Set in Nigeria, during the Civil War, the characters in this story find their lives changed irrevocably by the conflict. Focusing on characters from a political official to a houseboy, the novel highlights how the civil war affected the lives of Nigerians in ways that are still felt today
Makeba : my story - Miriam Makeba Makeba, a singer and Civil Rights campaigner who opposed Apartheid and made South African music famous worldwide, remembers her childhood and the injustices suffered because of her race. In this book she traces her career and her development into Anti-Apartheid activist.
Long Walk to Freedom - Nelson Mandela Written by the recently deceased South-African politician and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela, this autobiography details his childhood, young adulthood and the 27 years he spent in prison (most famously on Robben Island) after he was labelled a terrorist by the establishment for belonging to anti-apartheid party the ANC.
Asian Gandhi (DVD) - Richard Attenborough This film recounts the life of perhaps the most famous activist in India’s fight for independence from British rule. The film captures Gandhi’s insistence on non-violent activism, as well as his desire to reach out to Christians and Muslims despite being Hindu himself.
A Suitable Boy - Vishram Seth Set in 1950’s India with the backdrop of Indian independence, the nation’s first general elections and a time of economic and social turmoil, this book focuses on four middle class Indian families and the perils of finding a perfect match for young university student Lata.
The White Tiger - Aravind Adiga Winner of the Man Booker Prize, this novel aims to explore issues of poverty and class and portray a large but often marginalised section of Indian society. Set in an extremely class conscious India, The main character, a village boy, belongs to a “low-caste” but nevertheless embarks on a journey to financial success.
Art & Culture Caribbean Art - Veerle Poupeye This work celebrates the diverse artistic outputs from Caribbean countries including Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It highlights the influence that the Caribbean’s status as a melting pot of different cultures (African, Amerindian, Asian, European…) has had on the work of Caribbean artists.
Black Noise: rap music and black culture in contemporary America Tricia Rose Rose examines the cultural output of black Americans, particularly with regards to rap music. As well as exploring technical aspects of rap, she acknowledges it as the means of expression of a marginalised peoples, as well as its potential as a political tool that opposes the system and speaks to those in search of “truth”.
Harlem Renaissance - David C.
Driskell Driskell illuminates an important era of America’s cultural history in which Harlem became a centre of black cultural expression including writing, acting and composing. In this book, works of art are placed side by side with photos that capture this vibrant, creative period.
Cultural Criticism Outlaw Culture - Bell Hooks In these essays, drawing on examples from her own life, films such as “The Bodyguard” and popular music by artists like Madonna, Bell Hooks questions and examines how racism and sexism within wider society influence the cultural works it produces. She also highlights the importance of love in overcoming prejudice.
Fear of the Dark – Race Gender and sexuality in the cinema – Lola Young Young explores the portrayal of black female sexuality in cinema, focussing on films such as ‘Sapphire’, ‘Black Joy’ and ‘Playing Away’. She questions the ways in which ‘race’ and ‘sexuality’ are constructed in these films with particular regard to stereotypes of “Blackness”.
Black Feminist Criticism - Barbara Christian Christian explores the work of Black female writers, looking at images of black women, stereotypes and how those stereotypes are subverted . There is an essay on lesbianism in Black women’s literature where she mentions Alice Walker and Audre Lorde, both of whom appear in this guide.
Events - Book/Author Talks Black Poppies - Britain’s Black Community and the First World War Date/Time: Saturday 31 October - 2.30pm
Location: Imperial War Museum Details: Stephen Bourne presents an illustrated talk about his most recent book, Black Poppies – Britain’s Black Community and the Great War. The book spans WW1 to 1919 and explores the military and civilian wartime experience of black Britons. There will also be a nearby display linked to Stephen Bourne’s book and developed with Southwark Council and funded by the Heritage Lottery First World War grant scheme. The display will be open 31 October 1 November 10am - 6pm Cost: Free - Bookings essential
The West Indies – Simon Lister and Colin Babb Date/Time: Saturday 17th October - 3pm Location: Balham Library Details: Authors Simon Lister and Colin Babb will talk about the importance of West Indies cricket to the Caribbean community in Britain. Their recent books Fire in Babylon: How the West Indies Cricket Team Brought a People to its Feet, and They Gave the Crowd Plenty Fun: West Indian Cricket and its Relationship with the BritishResident Caribbean Diaspora will be available. This will also be an interactive event with fun quizzes and prizes. Cost: Free—Bookings essential
The Color Purple Date/Time: Tuesday 20th October - 6pm Location: Minet Library Details: On the 30th anniversary of the film version of The Color Purple, join the reading group to discuss the classic, Pulitzer prize-winning novel that made Alice Walker a household name. Set in the deep American South between the wars, The Color Purple is the classic tale of Celie, a young black girl born into poverty and segregation.
Mother Country and The Motherland Calls Date/Time: Saturday 24 October - 1pm Location: Imperial War Museum Details: Stephen Bourne presents an illustrated talk about his books Mother Country and The Motherland Calls, focusing on the period 1930-45. The books document the participation of Britain's black community on the home front and in the armed services during the Second World War. Cost: Free - Bookings essential
The Afghans Date/Time: Thursday 15th October - 11am Location: Plumstead Library Details: Writer Nadeem Akbar, now living in London, was born in Afghanistan. Her latest novel The Afghans, follows the story of a prominent family from the invasion by USSR, followed by take over of the state by Taliban government and American peace keeping forces. The withdrawal of foreign forces left behind a shattered, war torn but a free Afghanistan. Nadeem will also explore some of the Afghan culture which has been around for over two millennia. Cost: Free - bookings essential
Events - Films Stormy Weather (1943) Date/Time: Friday 9 October - 2pm Location: Minet Library Details: The relationship between an aspiring dancer and a popular songstress provides a retrospective of the great African American entertainers of the early 1900s. This American film, directed by Andrew L. Stone, is considered the best African-American cast Hollywood musical. Starring: Lena Horne, Bill Robinson, Cab Calloway, Katherine Dunham, Fats Waller,
Sing Your Song (2011) Date/Time: Friday 23rd October - 2pm Location: Minet Library Details: Sing Your Song surveys the life and times of singer/actor/ activist Harry Belafonte. From his rise to fame as a singer, inspired by Paul Robeson, and his experiences touring a segregated country, to his provocative crossover into Hollywood, Belafonte’s ground breaking career personifies the American civil rights movement.
Looking For Claudia Jones Date/Time: Friday 23rd October Location: Brixton Library
Details: When her political beliefs became too hot to handle in Cold War-era America, the government branded Claudia Jones an “enemy of the state”, imprisoned and deported her. This compelling documentary profiles a dynamic civil rights activist whose legacy of politics, culture and Black self-development in Britain remains unmatched to this day. The film screening will be followed by a Q&A.
Eddie Noble: A Charmed Life (2009) Date/Time: Sunday 25 October - 3pm Location: Imperial War Museum Details: This Documentary is about the Jamaican born London resident Eddie Martin Noble (1917 – 2007), who influenced author Andrea Levy’s award-winning novel Small Island. The documentary provides a historical perspective on issues around the colonisation of the Caribbean, racism in the RAF during the Second World War and racial inequality in post-war Britain. Director Patrick Vernon will introduce his documentary and take part in a Q&A after the screening.
Burma Boy (2011) Date/Time: Sunday 25 October - 1pm Location: Imperial War Museum Details: This documentary is about the 100,000 African soldiers who fought in Burma during the Second World War, a forgotten group within ‘The Forgotten Army’ itself. The documentary was made by reporter Barnaby Phillips, who also wrote a book on the subject entitled Another Man’s War. Filming took place in Nigeria and Britain as well as Myanmar (formerly Burma) and the film was awarded a CINE Golden Eagle in 2012. Barnaby Phillips will introduce his documentary and take part in a Q&A after the screening.
Events - Theatre Othello Dates: Tuesday 20th October - Saturday 24th October Location: Greenwich Theatre, Greenwich Details: Produced by all-female Shakespeare company Smooth Faced Gentlemen, the iconic lead role of the black general overcome with jealousy is played by Anita-Joy Uwajeh. “There is something very special about watching a Shakespeare play performed in a way you’ve never seen before – it makes the language come alive all over again.” Tickets: £15, Concessions £10
Hannah and Hanna Dates: Tuesday 29th September - Saturday 3rd October Location: Greenwich Theatre Details: Greenwich Theatre is taking a unique stance in the company’s programming for this year’s Black History Month, by celebrating the achievements of, and opportunities for, black women in the arts. For Hannah and Hanna, Greenwich Theatre took a play written in 2001 and for the first time they’ve changed the ethnicity of one of the key characters from white to black, exploring what it means to be British in the twenty first century. Telling the story of a teenage girl from Kosovo struggling to befriend a teenager from Margate at the height of the Kosovan asylum-seeker crisis in 1999, the play is directed by Greenwich Theatre’s Artistic and Executive Director, James Haddrell. Tickets: £13.50, Concessions £11
Events - Festivals Africa on the Square Date/Time: Saturday 10th October - 12-6pm Location: Trafalgar Square Details: Launched in 2014, this new festival proved a big hit with 20,000 people coming on the day. This year’s packed line-up of entertainment includes live music, DJs, dancing and a talent show. There’ll also be an African market, food stalls, a fashion show and lots of activities for kids. Africa on the Square is organised by the Mayor of London for Black History Month 2015. The event is sponsored by Lebara and Air France, with media partner support from The Voice. It is programmed by Open the Gate. Cost: free
African Heritage Edutainment Festival Date/Time: Sunday 11th October - 12-7pm Location: Kennington Park Details: Whether you are interested in furthering your knowledge about African and Caribbean heritage, or you are simply looking for an entertaining day out, the African Heritage Edutainment Festival 2015 is for you! Bring the whole family along, we guarantee that there is something for everyone. We have hand- picked some of the most inspiring local artists, musicians, poets, performers, and fashion designers to showcase their talent and provide you with a truly unforgettable experience. You will be spoilt for choice with a diverse selection of delicious traditional African and Caribbean food stalls as well as an African arts and crafts market.
Events - Music 2000 Years of British Black Music – Kwaku Date/Time: Tuesday 13th October - 6.30pm Location: Battersea Library Details: This audio-visual assisted presentation of black music making in the British Isles over two millennia, will also show its engagement with patronage and the music industry. Kwaku is a music industry and history consultant, author/ editor of a number of books, educator around African British history and runs an online resource on British and black music.
Women of Kampala Date/Time: Wednesday October 14th - 7.30pm Location: Greenwich Theatre Details: Greenwich based Global Fusion Music and Arts will bring five female African singers – including two soap stars from their native Uganda – to the stage at Greenwich Theatre in the concert The Women Of Kampala. The singers – Milly Namuksa, Essence Kasozi, Barbara Wamala, Sarah Ndagire and Rachel Nabudde – will be backed by a seven piece band for an evening of new music and rich East African rhythms.
Three the Hard Way Date/Time: Thursday 15th October - 7.30pm Location: Free Word Centre, Farringdon Details: Three the Hard Way features Shruti Chauhan, Lydia Towsey and Jean Binta Breeze MBE; three female artists, of diverse backgrounds, who welcome people from all backgrounds and ages to explore our times and varying experiences, from the personal to the political.
Events - Art
No Colour Bar: Black British Art in Action (1960-1990) Dates: 10th July 2015 - 24th January Location: Battersea Library Details: An innovative look at Black British cultural identities, heritage and creative voices – and the struggle Black British artists faced to have their voices heard – from the 1960s to the 1990s… The realisation that Britain was changing forever is no better articulated than through the lens of the pioneers of what was to become Black British cultural heritage.
Events Other On Active Service: What Were Black People Doing in the First World War? Date/Time: Sun 1 November - 11.30am Location: Imperial War Museum Details: Join Tony Warner in this talk exploring the role of black servicemen during the First World War. This illustrated talk will use recorded interviews with First World War veterans – including those who served in the West India Regiment in Palestine – and other conflicts across the globe.
Black Veterans from the Second World War Date/Time: Sun 1 November - 2.30pm Location: Imperial War Museum Details: Come along to this interactive talk by Tony Warner to find out about the African and Caribbean war effort during the Second World War. The talk will feature filmed interviews revealing the experiences of black veterans from Spitfire and bomber pilots to Nigerian and Somali troops who fought in Burma.
Produced by Stanmore College LRC