Black History Lewisham 365
Black History Month runs nationally every October to commemorate the history, achievements and contributions of black communities in the UK.
There are many events taking place in Lewisham that celebrate the history, learning, talents and ideas of our black communities during the month of October and beyond. Lewisham Council are proud to launch a year-round commitment which acknowledges the legacies and contributions of our black communities: Black History Lewisham 365.
Black History Lewisham 365 will explore Black history and culture during the month of October and beyond as we enter 2022 as London's Borough of Culture.
Proud To Be challenges
The theme for this year’s Black History Month is ‘Proud To Be’. To celebrate, we will set four challenges for Lewisham communities to take part in during the month of October.
Art challenge
We are joining forces with Be Seen Be Heard youth forum to give young residents the chance to tap into their inner Chris Ofili, with a lucky few chosen to have their masterpieces displayed in a public exhibition.
Submission criteria:
- Age 16-24
- Based in Lewisham
- Open to all art forms
- One artwork per artist. Group submissions and collectives permitted.
Deadline: Sunday 31st October.
Submissions received digitally at beseenbeheardse14@gmail.com.
For more information, visit the Be Seen Be Heard Instagram page.
Music challenge
Delivered in partnership with BeatsLab LDN, we are inspiring young people aged 10 and above to unleash their musical talents by making beats, rapping or writing songs with the opportunity to take part in a live performance.
Workshops will take place during October half term at Grove Park Youth Club, in partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation.
Sign up on the Rio Ferdinand Foundation website.
For more information, visit the BeatsLab LDN Instagram page.
Writing challenge
Primary and secondary aged school children will use poetry to explore the Proud To Be theme. Winning entries will receive a selection of new books for their school library.
Details of the competition will be shared with Primary and Secondary schools via the Lewisham Service for Schools website.
Cookery challenge
We are collecting recipes and encouraging residents of all ages to share their signature dishes, whether passed down through the generations, firm family favourites or new creations.
Do you have a recipe you'd like to share? Email it to proudtobe@lewisham.gov.uk
Deadline: 31st October 2021
Film challenge
Last but not least we are encouraging all Black residents to share their pride in their heritage and culture by uploading a short video clip. This challenge is for all ages to get involved in.
Tell us what you're proud of in one sentence.
Send your video to proudtobe@lewisham.gov.uk
Deadline 31st October 2021.
Entrees received permit for videos to be shared on Lewisham Council's website and social media channels.
Lewisham Libraries
Lewisham Libraries will be celebrating throughout the month with a range of free events including storytelling, arts and crafts packs, interviews and book recommendations.
Find out more and book tickets by visiting the Lewisham Libraries Facebook page, the Lewisham Libraries Youtube channel or the Lewisham Libraries Instagram.
Crafting for the family
Saturday 2 October, 2pm–3pm
Deptford Library
Enjoy outdoor games and crafts at this family friendly activity suitable for children aged 3+.
Andreena Leanne poetry reading
Saturday 16 October, 2pm–3pm.
Deptford Library
Andreena Leanne speaks about her journey and raises awareness of her poetry collection CHARRED.
Storytelling for under 5s
Saturday 16 October, 11am–11.30am
Downham Library
Songs, rhymes and stories that celebrate Black History. Suitable for under 5s.
Interview with Jody Burton, co-author of Black London
Saturday 30th October, 2pm–3pm.
Deptford Library
Jody is a resident of Lewisham who, with co-author Avril Nanton, has produced a Black History tour guide. Black London: History, Art and Culture in Over 120 Places was published on Windrush Day 2021.
Events and activities in the community
Blue History Month
Sunday 3rd October, 11am–5pm
Goldsmith's University
Blue History Month celebrates the legacy and contributions of black talent in Lewisham during the day with live music, fashion, art and a Q&A with Saxon Sound.
View the flyer here or visit the Blue History Month Instagram.
Black Third Sector: The Legacy
Monday 4th October, 9.30am–1pm
Online
Stories of buildings, African and Caribbean trailblazers, their services and activities back in the day and their legacy. Share yours too.
Breakfast Clubs Against Racism
Every Saturday, 25 September–4 December
St Laurence Community Centre, Catford
Lewisham residents aged 10-13 are invited to these sessions that explore anti-racism, black history and empowerment. In each session, young people will be encouraged to discuss and reflected to help them digest big topics such as ‘How To Be a Leader’ and ‘Exploring Privilege’
Parents and students can register their interest by emailing hello@breakfastclubsagainstracism.co.uk
SING A BOOK Celebrates Black History Month
Saturday 28 October, 6.30pm–9.30pm
Goldsmiths Community Centre
SING A BOOK invite you to celebrate Black History Month at this fundraising performance show.
Buy tickets or reserve a performance slot.
Mary Martin London exhibition
Throughout October
Broadway Theatre, Catford
Multi award winning fashion artist, Mary Martin London displays her couture dresses in Lewisham's Broadway Theatre. Inspired by history and ancestry, Mary's dresses tell stories of African queens, music and the environment.
View Mary Martin's work on her website or Instagram page.
Ryan Hawaii exhibition
Throughout October
Broadway Theatre, Catford
Catford-born artist, musician and designer Ryan Hawaii creates a bespoke piece of art to be displayed in Lewisham’s Broadway Theatre.
Alternating between fashion, visual art and music, Hawaii’s world is full of symbolic forms and candid self-expression. Known for his iconic illustrations, colourful one of one clothing and an ever present one eyed figure, Hawaii is as authentic as his artwork suggests. From exhibitions and collaborations, to linking up with the likes of Skepta and Virgil Abloh, Hawaii’s recognisable style will be shared with Lewisham’s public.
View Ryan Hawaii's work on his website or Instagram page.
Projection on the Broadway Theatre Catford
Film footage, photographs and stories celebrating our diverse community will be projected on the Broadway Theatre management office window for the month of October, from dusk till late.
Other online events and resources