October’s not over yet so in case you missed it – here’s a list of events celebrating Black History Month in southeast London.
Catford
Broadway Theatre is hosting a night out for all the family and connoisseurs of music with two shows in one night.
To celebrate the 75th Windrush anniversary but also coinciding with Black History Month – Catford’s theatre presents back-to-back shows. First is a play about a Windrush family, followed by a concert by The Freedom Band UK who will be playing songs from that era.
Guests are encouraged to wear something from the ’60s or ’70s. Everyone is welcome and there is full wheelchair accessibility.
When? Saturday 28 October, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Where? Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, Catford, SE6 4RU
Admission: £27.50 – £34.50
Click here for tickets.
We Are Windrush Reggae Choir
Another Windrush-themed performance at the Broadway – this time told through the warm vibrations of reggae.
Reggae Choir presents We Are Windrush, a captivating and soul-stirring event that showcases this musical ensemble, honouring the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Windrush Generation.
The show will also incorporate elements of storytelling, spoken word, and captivating visuals, creating an immersive experience that will leave a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of the audience.
When? Saturday 21 October, 7:30 pm
Where? Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, Catford, SE6 4RU
Admission: £20 – £25
Click here for tickets.
Peckham
Black History Month quiz
Test your black history knowledge with this quiz at Jumbi in Peckham.
As well as testing There will be prizes to be won.
When? Thursday 19 October at 7 pm.
Where? Jumbi Peckham, 133 Copeland Road, Unit 4.1, SE15 3SN
Admission: From £3
Click here for tickets.
A photo exhibition
See thirty portraits that capture the history of local black heritage communities.
One Picture My Story is an oral history and pictorial project – a collaboration between Southwark Archives and The London College of Communication.
When? Until Friday 29 December; 9 am-8 pm
Where? Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR
Admission: Free (no booking required)
Portraits of Peckham
Enjoy an exhibition detailing the untold stories of school students in Peckham.
A UAL (University of the Arts) exhibition based at Peckham Levels during Black History Month, that seeks to provide space for the often unseen stories, narratives and histories from the local community of Peckham.
Conceived by artist and UAL academic Sharon Bertram, the show brings together projects she has worked on with local schools in Peckham.
Throughout the month of October, locals are invited to visit and spend time in the space, view some of these projects, and add your memories, thoughts and portraits to an ever-growing display over the course of the exhibition.
They have also been running free workshops every Friday since the start of October. Check out the next one coming up on October 20 – Portrait Drawing Workshop.
Where? Peckham Levels, 95a Rye Ln, SE15 4ST
Admission: Free
Camberwell
Black Joy: On Stage
A community arts project is hosting performances of the show they’ve been working on, as part of a series of workshops funded by the council’s Black History Month Fund.
Different generations of women within one family recall their great-great grandmother’s famous chicken soup. As they recount the tale as they remember it, from the origins of the recipe to fond memories of family, they lovingly put together the recipe for the soup.
When? Friday 20 October and Saturday 21 October at 8 pm
Where? Blue Elephant Theatre, 59a Bethwin Road, Camberwell, SE5 0XT
Admission: Free
Click here for tickets.
Lagos, Peckham, Repeat
A free exhibition that explores Peckham’s identity as ‘Little Lagos’.
When? Until 29 October
Where? Camberwell’s South London Gallery, 65 Peckham Rd, SE5 8UH
Admission: Free
Brixton
Brilliant Black British History
For families and history enthusiasts, there’s a free exhibition currently on at Brixton’s Black Cultural Archives.
Coinciding with the release of Atinuke and Kingsley Nebechi’s book Brilliant Black British History, it’s an opportunity to introduce young minds to the diverse heritage that makes up Britain.
When? Until Sunday 28 January 2024
Where? Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush Square, Brixton SW2 1EF
Admission: Free
Opening Times
Thursdays – Saturdays: 10:00 – 18:00
Sundays: 12:00 – 17:00
New Cross
Goldsmiths in New Cross hosts the Black Book Festival, celebrating writers and publishers from the African Diaspora.
This grassroots festival is a platform to showcase the books, talents, services and initiatives that the black community is making to the book industry throughout the world.
The event provides an opportunity for the global community to listen to new and exciting black writers and publishers, learn about the global Black book industry and more.
There are also seminars and workshops on topics such as writing, marketing and publishing your own book.
When? Saturday 21 October from 11 am
Where? Goldsmiths University, 8 Lewisham Way, SE14 6NW
Admission: Free entry to book expo with 40 stalls. Paid entrance to seminar presentations and book expo.
Click here for tickets.
Walworth
Explore the history of some of Southwark’s black communities with this exhibition in Walworth.
The Windrush 75 Exhibition at Walworth Library aims to commemorate the Windrush pioneers through a personal collection of objects that speak to a lived experience.
When? Until Tuesday 31 October from 12 pm – 8 pm
Where? Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library, 145-147 Walworth Road, SE17 1RW
Admission: Free