Black History Month celebrates and commemorates the contributions of Africans to the arts and culture throughout history.
Black History Month is about recognising that, for too long, the history of black people has been told by and through the lens of others, and doing something about it.
In the UK Black History Month was conceived by the Ghanian analyst and activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who came to the UK in 1984 as a refugee and was absorbed in community activism from the start. He saw that black children faced a crisis of identity because schools and institutions were not really teaching the true history of Africa and its people. In order to address this, he set out to produce “an annual celebration of the contributions of Africa, Africans, and people of African descent to world civilisation” (Adai-Sebo in an interview with the UK Black History Month organisation in 2017).
This year the theme of Black History Month is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, and it serves as an invitation to communities to tell the untold stories of unsung heroes throughout history and today and celebrate Black excellence in the arts, science, politics and everyday life.
Celebrate Black History Month in Manchester
This Black History Month in Manchester there are some great events where you can celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people to life in Manchester:
Black Creative Trailblazers - 3rd October at Aviva Studios: a glamorous black-tie event held during Black History Month to celebrate and showcase the work of Black creatives. features dynamic performances by Black musicians, poets and dancers, fashion shows by independent Black designers and an art exhibition showcasing work by Black artists. Click here for more info
Reclaiming the Narrative: Auto Trader's Black History Month Celebration - Tuesday 15th October at HOME Manchester: a one-day event featuring a great line-up of panelists from various business sectors (including from Auto Trader), spotlighting the stories and contributions of Black voices in industries across the UK and discussing the importance of representation and empowerment in communities. Click here for more info
7th Annual Black History Month Celebrations - 24th October at Rochdale Town Hall: Click here for more info
Lecture: Dr Jack Webb on The Caribbean Presence in Britain in the Second Half of the 20th Century - 26th October at Friends Meeting House: Click here for more info
Arts & Culture Events in Manchester
THEATRE: Box of Tricks Theatre: Danesha - 2-5 October at The Lowry: a new coming-of-age story which premieres at The Lowry before its UK tour. Danesha is a 14 year-old girl whose life and perspective is changed when she hear Black music in a nightclub - the show explores black culture, queer joy and finding and loving your authentic self. Click here for more info
THEATRE: Qudus Onikeiku: Re: Incarnation - 8-9 October at The Lowry: Ten young dancers and two musicians perform the cycle of life with explosive energy, marked by the urban chaos of the Nigerian city of Lagos. An ode to the riches of Nigerian culture, this dance, music, fashion and visual art fusion mixes ancient Yoruba philosophy with the rhythm and spirit of the country’s hyper-vibrant youth culture, bursting with pure and uncompromising joy. Click here for more info
THEATRE: Slave: A Question of Freedom - 9-12 October at The Lowry: This award-winning play returns to the stage to tell the inspirational story of Mende Nazer and her joyful childhood and subsequent enslavement. Set between the Nuba mountains of Sudan and London, the story is told by an outstanding cast of eight actor-musicians in a feast of storytelling ,music and dance.
MUSIC: AMC Gospel Choir - 12th October at Aviva Studios: Click here for more info
ARTS & CRAFTS: African Fabric Upcycling Workshop: Sunday 13th October at Manchester Craft & Design Centre: In celebration of Black History Month, join sustainable fashion designer Valery for an upcycling workshop using colourful African fabrics. Click here for more info
COMEDY: Mo Gilligan: In the Moment World Tour - 19th October at O2 Apollo: Mo Gilligan is a British stand-up comedian known for his observational comedy. Host of The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan, he is currently touring his new show In the Moment around the UK and then abroad. Click here for more info
COMEDY: COBO: Comedy Shutdown BHM Special - 20th October at The Frog & Bucket: COBO stands for Comedy of Black Origin, and for one night they are bringing together some of the most talented Black comedians on the UK circuit for a Black History Month special, featuring Prince Abdi, Limahl Germain, Kat B and Kyra Gray. Click here to book
MUSIC: Billy Porter: Black Mona Lisa - 24th October at The Palace Theatre: With the backing of a full live band, Billy Porter takes you through his musical journey and life story, celebrating his 90s R&B roots, his turns on Broadway and showcasig tracks from his latest album ‘Black Mona Lisa’. Sold out.