- Month-long celebration (October)
- Over 60 events across Birmingham
Birmingham’s annual Black History Month (BHM) celebrates the achievements, contributions and struggles of African, Asian and Caribbean people within the context of their diversity and heritage.
Running throughout October, the city-wide event features over 60 talks, exhibitions, performances, music, tours, discussions, spoken word, fashion, and visits.
Among the highlights are a new exhibition from famed photographic agency Autograph ABP Archive In Focus: Back In The Day (27 Sep-31 Oct, The Drum) spanning more than 30 years which illustrate the different experiences and struggles faced by Black and Asian migrants in their bid to settle in post-war Britain.
The Great Wyrley Outrages – where a Mason Science College student was accused of attacking horses near the Staffordshire village – is the subject of a University of Birmingham exhibition entitled Roots Of The University (1-31 Oct, UoB), and a talk by playwright David Edgar (17 Oct, Barber Institute), who used the story for his stage play, Arthur And George.
Other key events include appearances from veteran community organisers and former Black Panther party members JoNina Abron-Ervin and Lorenzo E. Ervin (12 Oct, The Drum; 15 Oct, UoB), the first UK visit from Dr. Julius Garvey MD, the son of civil rights icon Marcus Mosiah Garvey (2 Oct, UoB & The Drum), and an ‘urban sermon’ from writer, poet, performer and Peaky Blinders’ actor Benjamin Zephaniah (9 Oct, Birmingham Cathedral).
Look out too for an exhibition of paintings by Birmingham-born artist Hurvin Anderson (25 Sep-10 Nov, Ikon Gallery), an appearance from legendary Jamaican harmony trio The Mighty Diamonds (19 Oct, The Institute) and the prestigious Association Of Jamaican Nationals (Birmingham) UK Local Heroes Gala and Awards (19 Oct, Holte Suite, AVFC).
The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr’s game-changing ‘I Have A Dream…’ speech, delivered 50 years ago, is also explored in a variety of activities, including the official Black History Month 2013 Launch Event (27 Sep, The Drum).
“Throughout Black History Month organisations and individuals will be celebrating Black heritage through the lens of Dr King,” says Charles E Small, CEO of The Drum, the national centre for Black British arts and culture. “I do believe there is something for everyone.”
Sir Albert Bore, Leader Birmingham City Council, said: “It is important that Birmingham, as a multi-cultural city, celebrates its renowned diversity with communal events that include everyone in society.
“We are proud of our collaboration with The Drum, and the marvellous events that will take place to celebrate and reflect on black history.”
Further information about Birmingham’s Black History Month events can be found via: http://www.the-drum.org.uk or http://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk
MEDIA CONTACTS: For more information on BHM in Birmingham, including images and full listings, contact us.
LINK: Black History Month 2013 (Birmingham) brochure
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