An opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black Britons and support the Black community.
Black History Month has never been more important. The Black Lives Matter movement has highlighted the continued racism in the UK and around the world. It’s galvanised, motivated and inspired on a global scale.
Black History Month is about more than shining a light on the struggles that have been overcome, it’s about the ones we all still need to address. We know that we have lots more to do and lots more to learn. To demand change and turn over the deep-rooted racism and racial bias in our society.
Liverpool has the oldest Black community in Europe and we’re a city that should both be proud of the achievements of our Black community – the sporting legends, political leaders, activists, musicians and entrepreneurs – and not afraid to talk about the past.
This month there are loads of ways to get involved, show solidarity and learn more. Here are some highlights:
Outdoor exhibition at the Bluecoat
The Bluecoat is celebrating Black History Month with a new outdoor display of work from 5 Black Liverpool artists. Using billboard style pasting the project features work from Amber Akaunu, Sumuyya Khader, Kiara Mohamed, Salma Noor, and Millie Toyin Olateju, and is a response to a lack of visibility for Liverpool’s Black artists. Head to Blundell Lane to check it out. This is part of the ‘Liverpool Without Walls’ project and is funded by Liverpool City Council, Arts Council and Culture Liverpool.
Writing on the Wall’s online programme
Writing on the wall are staging a massive online events programme throughout October focused around the question ‘What’s Next?’. Highlights include US Man Booker Prize Winner Marlon James in conversation with Nigerian author Irenosen Okojie, US Krip Hop activists and stars of the Netflix documentary Phoenix Rising: George Doman, Toni Hickman, Keith Jones and John Barnes joining a discussion on athlete activism. You can see the whole programme here.
Support local Black businesses and causes
There are so many incredible local businesses that need your support and so many causes and charities to learn from and get involved with. We’ve put together a list of them here. Have a read and stick it in your bookmarks.
BLM Digital Soundscape from Blackfest
This live online digital performance will be a creative response in solidarity to the Black Lives Matter movement that explores what it means to be Black. Developed by writers, singers and poetry from Liverpool, the UK and across the world, expect a backdrop of Afro beats, jazz tones and an immersive experience. Find out more: https://www.blackfest.co.uk/
Journeys to the Underworld with LUMA Creations
The 12 October is the Day of the Human Race, designated by indigenous peoples of South America. Inspired by a poem written by Francisco Carrasco that focuses on the lives of indigenous people LUMA creations will be staging a performance of spoken word, music and dance across the city. Catch them at Central Library at 8.30am and 8pm or watch the event online from Saturday 24 October.
National Museums Liverpool programme
From a brand-new audio tour devised by Root-ed e-zine at the Walker Art Gallery to a new display of Black Lives Matter placards at Museum of Liverpool, a digital feature on Black seafarers to a fresh look at the role Canning Docks played in the slave trade, there’s lots of really interesting stuff going on across the NML venues and online. Also look out for a new artwork from emerging artist Shane D’Allessandro that is an ode to the Windrush generation and will be on display at the International Slavery Museum this month.
Yemen in Conflict from Liverpool Arab Arts Festival
Yemen in Conflict is a programme that explores how Yemeni literature and poetry can further understanding of the situation in Yemen. This month four poem films by Olivia Furber, Mariam Al-Dhubhani, Diyala Muir and Noor Palette will be premiered online. The films are a response to original poems by contemporary Yemeni poets Ahmed Alkhulaidi, Liverpool-based Amina Atiq, Hamdan Damaag and Dr Abdul Hakim Al-Qazi. Whether they evoke the iconic streets of Sana’a in Yemen, or Liverpool, they are a ‘living archive’ that speaks to the experiences of Yemenis living in Britain today. Find out more here: https://www.arabartsfestival.com/yemen-in-conflict/
Granby Market Day
This Saturday Get Down to Beaconsfield street 10-3pm Granby Triangle Table Sale. Peoples selling their stuff – it’s not Granby Market but something like that. Akoma Arts are selling art, cards and plants, Liz Fashions selling stylish clothes, Rosa’s Unique will be there with designer bag and more.
Let’s Talk About Race Equality lecture
Liverpool John Moores University are hosting the first ever virtual Roscoe Lecture titled: Let’s Talk About Race Equality – “Are We Missing the Point – Diversity or True Inclusion?” This in conversation event with Sky News Presenter Gillian Joseph will be live-streamed and you can find out more and register to attend here.
The Goddess Projects Festival
Meet Mandela8’s Latest Patron
English International and LFC star Trent Alexander-Arnold is the newest patron for local charity Mandela8. The announcement comes as Mandela8 – the organisation behind the new Nelson Mandela memorial in Princes Park – are preparing their next ‘Roots and Wings’ community programme, designed for young people who lack positive role models and are at risk of criminal exploitation or violent crime. Over 12 weeks, participants in the programme will be guided through possible solutions to prevent them re-engaging with crime and violence, building their resilience and strength to ‘say no’ and not get involved in situations that could put them at risk.
Donate To Granby Street Market’s GoFundMe
Granby Street Market is Liverpool’s most original and friendly community market, run entirely by volunteers and they need your help. At the beginning of September, a fire destroyed nearly all of their market equipment. So now they need to replace some of their gazebos, all of their tables, chairs and even the sound equipment to get the market going again. They’re so close to hitting their target – donate here.
Get Ready For The New Root-Ed Zine
The new Root-ed zine for October is due to be released: ‘Issue 12: QTIPOC’ and has been funded by the amazing Homotopia Fest. In order to bring you the freshest zine full of amazing, inspiring and talented QTIPOC creatives from the whole of the UK. Due to be released (digital AND physical) on the 21st October, 2020. Put this date in your diaries! This zine will include exclusive interviews, poetry, opinions, new perspectives, discussions and just overall support for QTIPOC creatives. Visit www.rootedzine.co.uk/shop on the 21st to grab yours.
Tune In To The Latest Go Off, Sis Podcast
“A pod for the people” by Rach and Mimi. They’re real people talking about real life issues and sparking necessary conversations. They’ve recently rebranded to the Gos Hub and are well worth following. Link to podcast can be found here.
Black History Month at University of Liverpool
A celebration of Black history, arts and culture throughout the UK. Read blog posts from academics, discover our research projects, find out about our upcoming events and see how we are celebrating at the University of Liverpool. Keep checking back for more events, podcasts and blogs which are coming soon. Information here.
