Mas Resistance, Dir. Alex Urquhart, screening by Through A Different Lens
1–31 October 2024
Black History Month was founded in the USA by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian, who designated February as a time for African Americans to celebrate and acknowledge their heritage and achievements. Dr. Woodson’s vision was to ensure that the contributions of Black individuals were recognised and appreciated, fostering a deeper understanding of African American history and culture.
In England, Black History Month was first celebrated in October 1987, during the African Jubilee Year, to promote racial harmony in London. Since then, it has expanded across the entire country, embracing and recognising the contributions and traditions of diverse Black communities. This celebration not only honours the legacy of African and Caribbean communities in the UK but also highlights the ongoing impact and achievements of Black individuals in various fields, including art, science, politics, and sports.
In Reading, the heritage of Black communities is rich and multifaceted. From early African and Caribbean settlers contributing to the town’s cultural and economic life to contemporary achievements in business, academia, and the arts, Black residents have shaped Reading’s identity. Black History Month in Reading celebrates these contributions through cultural exhibitions, educational workshops, and community gatherings, ensuring that the stories of Black residents are heard and honoured.
CultureMix Arts & Music Centre, 7 Queens Walk, RG1 7QF
Tuesdays 1, 8, 15 & 22 October, 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Steel Band Beginner Workshops
Join our weekly steel band beginner workshops where you can learn to play steel pan music with Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra - RASPO.
Our friendly music tutors will introduce you to the different steel pans and teach you to play some simple tunes together as a steel band. A great opportunity for some fun and learning.
Families and all ages (7+) are welcome and no previous music experience is needed. All instruments and equipment provided.
16s and under free, over 16s/adults £10 per class. Book tickets on Eventbrite: https://steelbandbeginnerscourse20.eventbrite.co.uk
Friday 4 October, 7pm to 11.30pm
CultureMix Arts & Music Centre, 7 Queens Walk, RG1 7QF
Reggae Collective Friday
Welcome to the Reggae Collective Friday event! Get ready to groove to the rhythm of reggae music on the first Friday of the month with UK sound system veterans spinning your favourite tunes. Presented by Shock Records and CultureMix Arts Over 18’s. Over 14’s accompanied by adult. Tickets £5. www.culturemixarts.co.uk/product/reggaecollective-friday-tickets/
Saturdays 5, 12 & 19 October,
Dance Classes
Bring your flag, a water bottle and comfortable clothes and get ready to practice your carnival dance moves to some Soca beats. This fun energetic dance class combines keep fit routines with simple dance steps for a fun dance workout to some of your favourite Caribbean music. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets £6.50 on https://socadanceclasses atculturemixarts.eventbrite.
Apollo, Silver St, RG1 2TD
Saturday 5 October, 12noon to 3pm
This is a round table event for the local community to discuss African and Caribbean art and culture in the local area. This will be a share point for artists to network, share details of where they will host their event, seek volunteers and define the future outcomes for their forthcoming project(s).
FREE EVENT FREE EVENT
FREE event Please bring a notepad, pen and any archives of past events.
Reading Biscuit Factory, 1 Queens Walk, RG1 7QE
Monday 7 October, 10am to 12noon
Join us to celebrate
Black History Month with a morning of creativity, community,and conversation.
What to Expect:
Paint beautiful Caribbean landscapes on canvas
Enjoy delicious refreshments
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coffee-morning-and-artworkshop-tickets-980254967997?aff=oddtdtcreator - Culture, Poetry, Writing, Art with My Word Poetry Group Arts
Engage in meaningful discussions about sickle cell awareness.
£10 per person (includes all materials and refreshments). Book on Eventbrite.
CultureMix Arts & Music Centre, 7 Queens Walk, RG1 7QF
Mondays 7, 14 & 21 October, 5.30pm to 7pm
Want to join the Jazzrobeat Collective? If you are 12-17 and want to play Afro Jazz, Funk and Reggae with a live band this FREE course is for you!
To join the Collective you will have some experience of playing a musical instrument so you can improve by playing in a band. During the course you will learn, develop and rehearse new songs with the group for a performance at the end. With regular attendance and practice, you can join the Collective for performances at events and festivals. So far in 2024, Jazzrobeat have performed live at Carnival of the World and Readipop Festival.
Bring your own instrument bass guitar, guitar, horns etc (drum kits and some keyboards provided).
Booking is essential via Eventbrite - www.jazzrobeatcollective.eventbrite.co.uk
Council Chamber, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge St, RG1 2LU
Tuesday 8 October, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Berkshire Black Business Showcase
- business finance, strategy and mindset
Welcome to our annual business showcase where there will be talks, networking and a chance to display your business.
Listen to empowering speakers on business finance, strategy and mindset.
Meet service and product providers and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs who want to achieve success whilst improving the lives of their customers.
You don’t have to do it alone or burn yourself out.
Join our community; let’s connect and grow together. Come and experience our community and see how we can support you to reach the next step on your journey.
Email info@berkshireblackbusiness.co.uk if you would like a table to display your business.
Reading Biscuit Factory, 1 Queens Walk, RG1 7QE
Wednesday 9 October, 5.45pm to 8.30pm
LIFE IN YOUR BLOOD
docudrama screening by Cianna’s Smile
A special screening of our docudrama that captures the profound impact of Sickle Cell on individuals and their loved ones. This poignant short film not only shares their stories but also highlights the life-changing importance of blood donations.
The evening will commence with a red carpet drinks reception, followed by the screening of the docudrama, and will conclude with a post-screening celebration. This event offers a unique and moving portrayal of the lived experiences of inspirational and empowering young people and their families within our community affected by Sickle Cell. It underscores the critical need for more black blood donors, illustrating the vital message that ‘there is life in your blood’ and showcasing the profound difference that donations make. £5 per person. Book on Eventbrite. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/life-in-your-blood-premiere-tickets1009504754897?aff=oddtdtcreator
Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, RG1 3BQ
Saturday 12 October, 10.45am to 1pm
Black History Month Coffee Morning
Reading Biscuit Factory, 1 Queens Walk, RG1 7QE
Saturday 12 October, 11am to 3.30pm
FREE EVENT FREE EVENT
Reading Libraries invite you to the Welcome to Reading Coffee Morning. We are partnering with My Word Poetry Group to celebrate Black History Month for a morning of meeting new people, conversation, poetry and books. Please bring a notepad and pen.
Get ready for a day of creativity and fun at the Cianna’s Smile Children’s Literary Festival!
Event Highlights:
Writing Workshops for all ages – unleash your inner author!
Meet the Author sessions and book signings – get up close with your favourite writers.
Competitions with exciting prizes – show off your literary talents!
Book Sale – discover and buy amazing books by Black authors and creatives.
Tickets: only £5 per child, accompanying adult free!
Book now and join us for a day of literary magic: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/childrens-literary-festival-tickets-980274165417
Reading Museum, Blagrave St, RG1 1QH
Saturday 12 October, 2pm to 3pm
Black History Month talk‘What did diversity mean in the Roman world?’
The Roman world, which spanned three continents, from the deserts of Arabia to the rolling hills of the English-Scottish border, was dazzling in its diversity. Indeed, our word ‘diversity’ is from the Latin word diversitas. But what did diversitas mean for the Romans? And did the Romans understand their world as diversus, or diverse? This Black History Month, Dr Sam Agbamu, University of Reading, Classics Department, will explore with us the Roman roots of the concept of diversity to ask: is diversitas what we think it is?
The event is suitable for people aged 16+. Tickets £5.50 per person. Book online at www.readingmuseum.org.uk/black-history-month-talkwhat-did-diversity-mean-roman-world
The
Hexagon, Reading
Saturday 12 October, 7pm
Productions is back with a brand new musical, The Dreamer.
A young boy has a dream, that one day he will do something great. Loved dearly by his father, but hated and despised by his older brothers, he is sold into a life of slavery and eventually imprisoned and given a life sentence. Will his dreams come true? Join us for this brand new gospel musical as we blend the ancient and the contemporary to retell the amazing Joseph story.
Combining our characteristic blend of drama, humour and some great gospel music, with a live band and original songs and arrangements from Nicole Sanderson (Director, Reading Community Gospel Choir), Jermaine Sanderson & Roy Crisp (Vadé), Soul Thirst Music, Emmanuel Dadey (DadeyMusic), and more, this family friendly show is not to be missed!
Tickets £17.50. Book at www.whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on/dreamer
Box Office 0118 960 6060
Parabolē
Battle Library, 420 Oxford Road, RG30 1EE
Monday 14 October,
10am to 3pm
Exhibition
Celebrating the Legacy of Windrush Generation
‘Enigma of Arrival’ Exhibition celebrates the history of the journey and legacy of the Windrush Generation, from their arrival in 1948, highlighting the challenges they experienced, and how they overcame them. The event is held by Alliance for cohesion and racial equality (Acre) in partnership with Reading Windrush & Cllr W. Griffith, Battle Ward. Please email info@acre-reading.org for more information.
Reading Biscuit Factory, 1 Queens Walk, RG1 7QE
Thursday 17 October, 6.15pm to 8.30pm
Creative ConnectionCelebrating Black Filmmakers
Through A Different Lens welcomes you to the Creative Connection evening supported by the University of Reading, celebrating independent film made by the Black community. They’ll be screening a selection of short films including Mas Resistance by Alex Urquhart - an exploration on the Notting Hill Carnival which is often misunderstood and misrepresented featuring one of the Carnival’s founding families, as they express the culture’s creative excellence and community collaboration. Plus they’ll be screening The Nod: Tell Me You Got Me directed by Richard Ampeh - a short film exploring the black male experience of living in the UK.
18+. £5 per person, book on Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-connection-celebrating-blackfilmmakers-tickets-1007867176857
Council Chamber, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge St, RG1 2LU
Thursday 17 October, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
CultureMix Arts & Music Centre, 7 Queens Walk, RG1 7QF
Friday 18 October, 7pm to 11.30pm
Open Jam Night with
Reading Reggae Collective
Acre AGM‘Black Lives Matter’
Discussion
Explore the rise of the political Far Right in Europe, and the impact of Hate Speech on minoritised communities in the UK at the Acre Annual General Meeting. Join the ‘Black Lives Matter’ Discussion with an opportunity to ask questions. Free event.
Please email info@acre-reading.org for more information.
Come and join the Reading Reggae Collective at our FREE Open Jam Night featuring musicians, vocalists artists and YOU for an evening of uplifting reggae music.
The CultureMix Arts & Music Centre welcomes musicians and singers who want to play reggae in a live band. Book your ticket and join the jam or the audience for an entertaining evening of live music with our professional Reggae Collective team of musicians and producers.
We supply drum kit, amps, keyboards, PA and some percussion. Please bring your own instrument if you play guitar, bass guitar or horns.
Just like our popular Open Mic nights invited singers, rappers and spoken word artists to practice and perform with a live band, Open Jam nights opens up to include talented musicians looking to play with the Reading Reggae Collective live house band. Booking is essential at:
www.culturemixarts.co.uk/entertainment/events-showcases/reggaecollective-open-jam-night/
The Atrium Health Club, Scours Lane, RG30 6AY
Friday 18 October, 8pm to 1am
Reading Dub Club
Black History Month special
Reading Dub Club presents a special roots n dub session –Jah Lion Movement soundsystem, playing conscious reggae music from the 70s to here and now.
Tickets £9 in advance, £12 on the door. Book on Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ reading-dub-club-black-historymonth-specialtickets-1014675701337
CultureMix Arts & Music Centre, 7 Queens Walk, RG1 7QF
Saturday 19 October, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
The Meadow Suite, Park House, University of Reading, RG6 6UA
RASPO Showcase
RASPO Showcase - an evening of cultural steel pan music to celebrate UK Black History month.
Award winning steel orchestra
RASPO is established as one of the UK’s leading steel bands with many prestigious performances of note from appearing at the London 2012 Olympics, and at The Royal Albert Hall to taking part in the London Notting Hill Carnival procession of floats.
Tickets £5. Free entry for children under 12. Tickets on Eventbrite: https://rasposhowcaseoct24. eventbrite.co.uk
Wednesday 23 October, 3pm to 7.30pm
BHM Flagship: Celebrating Reading’s Black Excellence
Visit the University of Reading for a Community Fete celebrating and honouring Black History Month. Join us for the University’s Black History Month
Flagship event that unites Reading’s community. Experience black-owned businesses, art, music, workshops, and seminars. Honour the significance of Black History Month as we embrace this year’s theme - ‘Reclaiming Narratives’.
FREE EVENT FREE EVENT
Booking is essential at reading.ac.uk/events
The Outlook, 76 Kings Road, RG1 3BJ
Thursday 24 October, 6pm to 7.30pm
Black History Month Spoken Word‘Reading in Reading’
Local poets will take the stage to share their works. Come and listen to the poets give rhyme and reason on topics as: lifestyle, identity, family, love and more… 16 years + For reservations email mywordpoetry@gmail.com
Saturday 26 October, 8pm to 11pm
The Rising Sun Arts Centre, 30 Silver St, RG1 2ST
Satin Beige is an R&B cellist and singer songwriter. Her cello-infused, lyrically soulful R’n’B has drawn comparisons to a “lovechild of Ed Sheeran and Alicia Keys”, captivating audiences across the UK. She has performed for Sir Paul McCartney, appeared in the critically acclaimed production of An Octoroon at The Abbey Theatre, Dublin (2022), has featured on tracks spun on Rinse FM, BBC 6 Music and 1Xtra, and continues to captivate audiences across the UK appearing at venues such as Liverpool’s Tung Auditorium, and Pizza Express Live, Holborn, with her cello, Kije. Immerse yourself in the sensuality of her performance, where each note is a caress and each lyric a whispered promise.
Tickets £9.40, book at www.wegottickets.com/event/632801
Boardroom, Oxford Road Community Centre, 344 Oxford Road, RG30 1AF
Monday 28 October, 4pm to 9pm
Acre Community Engagement Exhibition
Come along for the showcase of the output of the activities at the Community Wellbeing Hub, including an exhibition of Artwork, literary publications, and photographs produced in the last 12 months. Exhibition will be available until Thursday 31 October 2024. Free event.
Please email info@acre-reading.org for more information.
Tuesday 29 October, 5.30pm to 6.30pm CultureMix Arts & Music Centre, 7 Queens Walk, RG1 7QF
Steel Band
Ever wanted to have a go at playing steel pan? Join our steel band taster workshop in October. Explore the different types of steel pans, rhythms and learn to play a simple song together.
Led by our specialist Steel Pan Music Tutors, this fun and interactive workshop is ideal for all the family and guarantees to be lots of fun.
All instruments and equipment provided. Suitable for ages 7 and over. No previous music experience needed.
Tickets from £7.50 for adults, children 16 and under free. Limited capacity so booking in advance is recommended: https://steelbandtasterOct24.eventbrite.co.uk
Taster Workshop
South Street Arts Centre, 21 South St, RG1 4QU
Tuesday 29 October, 8pm to 10pm
The inspirational story of the legendary pioneering hero Walter Tull, is brought to the stage in a new musical drama by award winning playwright Dougie Blaxland and celebrated composer Chris Anthony. Commissioned by Show Racism
The Red Card and produced in association with Live Wire Theatre, this profoundly moving new work explores how Walter Tull - grandson of a Barbadian slave, orphaned at eight years old - rose to prominence against all odds.
Combining a power packed drama with hauntingly original music, Our Little Hour comes hot on the heels of huge critical acclaim for On The Ropes - Dougie Blaxland’s most recent musical drama - which enjoyed a sell out run at The Park Theatre London last year.
Age Guidance: 11+. Tickets £17.50 (£15.50 South Street Members). www.whatsonreading.com/our-little-hour
South Street Arts Centre, 21 South St, RG1 4QU
Saturday 16 November, 4pm
Cruella, Pretty & Richie Again
by Doris Allimadi
Is this the end of the greatest love story?
‘Cruella, Pretty & Richie Again’ is a play about love, unity, resilience, and the quest for peace, freedom and justice.
Malika, an Afro-Palestinian woman falls in love with Ezra, an Israeli man at a UK university. Amid fierce objection to their union and against all odds, their love blossoms into marriage, officiated by their best friends Cruella, Pretty and Richie, the Brexiters.
But now, Malika wants to go to Gaza as an activist. Ezra is opposed, because he thinks it is far too dangerous, especially in her ‘condition’.
‘If you walk out the door’, he tells Malika, ‘I might not be here when you walk back in’.
‘You can’t be serious’.
‘If you leave now, this marriage is over’.
Will Malika stay or does she still go to Gaza? Does she come back to Ezra or is she lost in the struggle for freedom?
Tickets £12.50 including ticket fee. Book at www.whatsonreading.com/ venues/south-street/whats-on/cruella-pretty-richie-again-doris-allimadi
