October is Black History Month in the UK.
To mark this occasion, we’ll be flying the Black History Month flag from Hove and Brighton town halls throughout the month.
This year’s Black History Month is dedicated to ‘reclaiming narratives’, marking a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture.
The theme shines a brighter light on Black stories, allegories, and histories, ensuring they are told with the respect, dignity, and accuracy they deserve.
It also underscores the commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories, making sure that future generations grow up with a richer, more accurate understanding of Black history and the full complexity of Black heritage.
Throughout Black History Month and beyond, Brighton & Hove Libraries will be highlighting and celebrating Black stories, history and creativity.
We can look forward to vibrant exhibitions, talks and activities with inspiring Black artists and authors.
All events are free, with the option of making small donation.
Visitors are also encouraged to explore Black stories by picking up a book from a specially curated selection in their local libraries, browse the online Brighton & Hove library catalogue, or download an eBook or eAudiobook from BorrowBox.
Councillor Leslie Pumm, Cabinet member for Communities, Equalities and Human Rights, said: “This year, like every year, we’re proud to show our unwavering support to Black History Month and everything it stands for.
“This year’s theme is a firm reminder that every person deserves to grow up and live fully connected to their culture, heritage and history in all their breadth and complexity.
“Our stories, our culture and our heritage are something that makes us who we are, and it is our responsibility that next generations don’t grow up with their stories narrated by others, their contributions diminished, and their history misrepresented and distorted.
“I invite everyone to celebrate Black stories this Black History Month, whether it’s by attending an event in our libraries, picking up a book by a Black author or sharing your story and reclaiming the narrative.”
To learn more about the events taking place in our city in honour of Black History Month, visit Black History Month’s listings webpage.
During Black History Month, EuroMernet Film Club will screen over a dozen films from the UK and around the world. EuroMernet Poetry Club and Radio EuroMernet will also host sessions. For more information, email info@euromernet.org or follow the regular posts on their social media pages.
Covert Literary Magazine Issue 4: Handmade/Made By Hand Launch Event
3pm to 4.30pm, Jubilee Library community space
Join us for the launch event of Covert Literary Magazine Issue 4, where you'll be able to hear from contributors and purchase a copy of the magazine. The editorial team of Covert includes Zita Holbourne, Akila Richards, Tammye Huf and Amy Zamarripa Solis. They will welcome guest editors Sean Wai Keung and Titilayo Farukuoye, who are both based in Glasgow, Scotland, and Elaine Chiew, who is based in the South East of England.
Learn more and book your free ticket at the Writing Our Legacy website.
The BPOC Photographers Collective in conversation with Dr Gil Mualem Doron
11.30am to 12.30pm, Jubilee Library community space
Historically, the English countryside has often been depicted as an overwhelmingly white, rural, and exclusive space. For many BPOC communities, the countryside may still feel inaccessible due to historical and cultural exclusion but also to other socio-economic factors, as depicted in various research. Join members of the BPOC Photographers Collective who will be discussing their experiences and thoughts.
No need to book, just drop in.
Film screening (Rating 15+)
2pm, Jubilee Library conference room 2
We are celebrating Black History Month at our regular film screening by showing the recent film by Jordan Peele. The film explores Hollywood's black legacy and the story of the first man filmed in moving pictures. It's a rejection of modern Hollywood, re-addressing the balance for voices who wouldn't typically get a say in the Hollywood machine, to star or be authors of the narrative.
No need to book, just drop in.
Family activities with Afrori Books
10am to 12 noon, Jubilee Library children’s area
Join us for a fun-filled craft morning! Our friends at Afrori Books will be hosting an exciting mask-making craft session, followed by a lively storytime and interactive singing session with singer, songwriter and actress Adriana Lorde. This free event is perfect for kids and families, but please register in advance to ensure we have enough materials for everyone. Don't miss out on this creative and engaging experience!
Book your free ticket via Eventbrite.
Suitable for children up to 11 years and their grownups.
Writing Our Legacy presents “Black History Month: Sussex Literature”
5.30pm to 6.30pm, Jubilee Library
Join Writing Our Legacy and Jubilee Library for an event showcasing Sussex literature talent, with Akila Richards and Sea Sharp, co-Editors of Covert Literary Magazine Issue 5, along with other poets and writers from Writing Our Legacy's Creatives' Network.
No need to book, just drop in.
Storytime
Local libraries, 10.15am
Libraries share stories that promote equality and celebrate diversity at their Storytime sessions for pre-school children and their families. Drop in to one of our regular sessions across the city. Find your nearest ‘storytime’ event on our what’s on listings.
Unchain My Narrative/Exhibiton
Monday 30 September to Monday 14 October
Jubilee Library community space
This exhibition, curated by Umit Ozturk of the Euro-Mediterranean Resources Network, features illustrations and short biographies of artists, literary figures, academics, politicians and activists from the UK and global Black communities who challenged the twisted historical colonial narratives as well as contemporary stereotypical mindsets about the identity, history and cultural heritage of the Black communities.
Outlooks on the English Countryside/Exhibition
Monday 14 October to Sunday 27 October
Jubilee Library foyer gallery
The BPOC Photography Collective, who are first or second generational migrants to the UK, took a day trip to Devil's Dyke to explore through photography and conversations our thought and feelings towards the English Countryside.
From the first conversation about the project, we recognised that while we are all part of the BPOC community and the LGBTQAI+ one, our outlooks, as with our photography practices and ideas, might differ due to unique lived experiences and perspectives. Subsequently, what unites us is not so much our identities [grouped under problematic terms such as BME, VME, global majority, BPOC, etc) but more our belief that photography is a powerful tool to challenge dominant narratives and attitudes. This project serves to counter the ideas of who belongs in the English countryside and even to question Englishness. We can testify on the power of socially engaged photographic practices to create more inclusive and diverse spaces, especially in the countryside.
Exhibition is curated by Gil Mualem-Doron of The Socially Engaged Art Salon & BPOC Photographers Collective.
We want to make sure that everyone can benefit from the library service.
If you love our libraries and wish to lend your support, consider donating online to our Legacy Fund or making a cash donation in any library.
Brighton & Hove Libraries Legacy Fund, managed by Sussex Community Foundation, supports our events and activities across the city.
October is an exciting month in our libraries, find out what’s on near you on our libraries events page.
