Read the whole story this Black History Month
October is Black History Month - a time to remember, read, reflect and celebrate Black British history and tell the whole story of our city and the country.
There’s lots of ways residents can get involved, read and learn more thanks to what’s on offer by Brighton & Hove libraries.
They’ve made available a great selection of eBooks and eAudiobooks to borrow through Borrowbox eBook and audiobook collection and RBDigital. Suitable for all ages they can be found here:
On Borrowbox there are two titles with unlimited, simultaneous loans throughout October:
- Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker
You can look out for staff book recommendations and reviews during Black History Month by following Brighton & Hove libraries on Facebook and Twitter.
Library staff in Brighton & Hove have put together a blog for Black History Month with recommended reads and reviews.
Understanding Black History all year round
Councillor Steph Powell, joint chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Culture & Communities Committee said: “The council’s library services have made available a selection of books to mark Black History Month. I’m glad that people who aren’t able to get to a library this year will still be able to take part thanks to the eBooks and eaudiobooks that are available.
“Reading and remembering our Black History is an important part of learning about ourselves, diverse perspectives and lived experiences, historical injustices, and working towards being anti-racist.
"This follows our work to back a campaign to bring more multicultural books to Brighton & Hove schools.
“I’m encouraging all residents and council staff to read and learn from anti-racist resources and Black history, not just during October, but all year round as part of our collective effort to become an anti-racist city.”
Take part in Black History Month with our libraries
Brighton & Hove libraries are also hosting a range of virtual activities to celebrate Black History Month. You can read the full list here.
Jubilee Library window photographic exhibition 'How do you see colour?' 3 – 20 October
The works of five UK based artists whose socially engaged photographic practice explores the experiences of some of the Black and people of colour communities in Brighton and London. A sample of the work can be viewed in Jubilee library windows.
Story time Monday 19 Oct 10.15am
A special Black History Month story time sharing books from the Anti-Racist Children’s Booklist compiled by Writing Our Legacy.
Top Picks for Families Every Tuesday and Thursday 10.15am
This month’s collections are specially curated to celebrate diversity and Black History.
Top Picks for Adults Every Tuesday and Thursday 7pm
This month’s collection has been specially curated to celebrate Black History Month.
Storytime Saturday 17 October 3pm
Join renowned storyteller Grace Quansah, aka Akuba, for a one-off Story Club event inspired by Floella Benjamin's book, ‘Coming To England: a Child’s Perspective'. Be transported across the waves on the Empire Windrush from the sunny Caribbean to a new life in Britain, and let Akuba be your guide!
Black History Month Creative Writing Workshop with Olumide Popoola & Readings - Wednesday 21 October Workshop 7-7.45pm, Reading 8-8.30pm
Join a free Black History Month literature taster where you can try out creative writing with author Olumide Popoola (When we Speak of Nothing, Cassava Republic Press).
The workshop is open to people of all backgrounds, aged 16 and older. It is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced writers.