Black History Season September 2018 – January 2019

Celebrating Black culture and achievement in Hackney

Search Hackney Archives and uncover more about Black history in the borough. Look through local documents and old newspapers, search through photographs and discover the heritage of Hackney and the people that make it. Hackney ArchivesDalston CLR James LibraryDalston SquareE8 3BQ020 8356 8925www.hackney.gov.uk/archives

For full listings and further informationwww.hackney.gov.uk/black-history

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Black History flag winner: Malaika Parillon Langlais Baron from Urswick School

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4 Oct 2018 – 16 March 2019Hackney Museum1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ020 8356 2509

www.hackney.gov.uk/museum

Free ExhibitionTues, Weds, Fri: 9.30am – 5.30pmThurs: 9.30am – 8pmSat: 10am – 5pm

@hackneymuseum

Roots, Rhythms & Records The sounds and stories of African & Caribbean

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Events at Hackney’s Youth HubsThe importance of drums in African traditions1st week October | 4.30pmA – 3 October, B – 1 October, C – 2 October, D – 5 October Have a go at different types of African drums and learn about the heritage of drumming in different African cultures.

Celebrating the past and embracing the future2nd week of October | 4.30pmA – 10 October, B – 8 October, C – 12 October, D – 11 October Children’s art workshops celebrating everyday heroes in their families, exploring their past and history.

Reading corner Throughout October Every Tues at D & every Wed at A, B, & C – 2pm/4.30pm Delve into a new book that celebrates diversity and be inspired.

Re-educating black boys?22 – 28 OctoberD – Tues, B – Weds, A – Thurs, C – Fri A – 25 October, B – 24 October, C – 26 October, D – 23 OctoberResetting our mind, from the 19th century, to the present. Celebrating the unique and colourful history of educating black boys. This will explore future education models through presentations, discussion, literature, exhibition and a fun quiz.

My art beats pop-up exhibition29 October – 4 November | 4.30pm Across all youth hubsHighlighting young children’s artwork. Family activities will happen on the day including a film club and creative workshops.

Black African book day22 – 28 OctoberD – Thurs, B – Fri, A & C – all day A – 26 October, B – 26 October, C – 26 October, D – 25 OctoberDress up as your favourite Black book hero or wear traditional clothing. Bring along your family and take part in book themed activities.

Is Black History Month still important for young people today? 22 – 28 October | 7pm | ADiscuss Black History Month and what it means to young people today with your peers.

Britain on film15 to 19 October | 6pm A – 15 October, B – 15 October, C – 17 October, D – 16 OctoberA selection of films showcasing the black experience in Britain.

Black history music wall of fameThroughout OctoberABCDHelp create a collage of musical inspirations past, present and future to be displayed at all hubs.

Afro beats nightsThroughout October | 6-8pmA – 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 October B – 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 OctoberHang out and listen to Afrobeats, West African music that combines styles such as highlife, fuji music with American funk and jazz influences.

Music production sessionsThroughout October | 6-8pmA – 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 October B – 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 OctoberWant to produce your own music? Then join these free sessions to learn how.

Music history walking tour24 October | 12noon | AWalk around Hackney on a guided tour to find out about the spaces and places that have influenced Hackney’s Black African and Caribbean music scene.

Black History before slavery22 October | 6.30pm | AWatch a documentary uncovering the history of Africa before the slave trade including the history of ancient kings and queens.

Black Superheroes15 – 19 October | 4.30pm A – 16 October, B – 17 October, C – 19 October, D – 18 OctoberFrom Wonder Woman to Mary Poppins, learn about inclusivity as well as female empowerment with this illustration workshop.

Suggested listening

To coincide with Hackney Museum’s ‘Roots, Rhythms & Records’ exhibition, resident archivist, Etienne Joseph and Head of Hackney Music Service, James Thomas, have pulled together recommended listening from some of the borough’s most inspirational musicians. Listen using the Spotify app at sptfy.com/18xH and visit Hackney Museum to find out more about the history surrounding Hackney’s music scene.

ParadiseJean Adebambo

Tarantula WalkRay Carless

TenderlyGinger Williams

Gimme Gimme African LoveAfrican Brothers

Addison LeeNot3s

Waiting All Night (ft Ella Eyre)Rudimental

Showing Out (Get Fresh At The Weekend)Mel & Kim

Many Rivers To Cross Jimmy Cliff

Suggested reading

Throughout October each of Hackney’s libraries will have a display of books by Black African and Caribbean writers as well as non fiction on Black British history and influential figures from across the globe.

The Lonely Londoners – Samuel SelvonAt Waterloo Station, hopeful new arrivals from the West Indies step off the boat train, ready to start afresh in 1950s London. Both devastating and funny, The Lonely Londoners is an unforgettable account of immigrant experience.

The Emperor’s Babe – Bernardine EvaristoSet in Ancient Rome era Londinium, teenage bride Zeeks is none too happy about her groom-to-be. Part-song, part-verse, ‘The Emperor’s Babe’ is a celebration of what it means to be a young black girl on the cusp of womanhood.

Blackberry Blue and other fairy tales – Jamila GavinPrepare to enter a world of magicians, enchanted forests, talking animals and wicked witches. Here are six magical stories to thrill and enchant you. Watch Blackberry Blue rise from the bramble patch; follow Emeka the pathfinder on his mission to save a lost king; join Princess Desire as she gallops across the Milky Way on her jet-black horse.

E-booksResidents can now download thousands of audio and e-books for free, directly to their home devices. Why not read BBC TV historian David Olusoga’s book ‘Black and British’ a rich and revealing exploration of the extraordinarily long relationship between the British Isles and the people of Africa.

Visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/e-books

Read & Listen Hackney’s libraries offer an extensive range of books and music that residents can delve into for free. Pop into one of the borough’s eight libraries or check out the collection online.www.hackney.gov.uk/libraries

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Young HackneyYoung Hackney will be marking Black History Season across the borough’s youth hubs with a broad range of fun and informative activities, workshops, events and visits.

A – Young Hackney Forest RoadB – The Edge Youth HubC – Fellows Court Community CentreD – Guinness Estate Stamford HillYoung Hackney events are for those aged under 19, or under 25 with additional needs.

Roots, Rhythms and Rhymes: Hackney Black Women Writers Take The Mic.Thursday, 18 October6pm – 8pm, Hackney Museum

Age group: 13+

Hackney Black Women Writers Group formed in Hackney Museum early this year. Join them for the first public showcase of their work created in response to the ‘Roots, Rhythms and Rhymes’ exhibition. Bring your own short written pieces to share on the night (max 5 mins). Book at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/hackney-museum-7343973461

Celebrating Kayo Chingonyi’s Kumukanda PoetryThursday, 18 October5.30– 7.30pm,Homerton Library Age group: 11+Kayo Chingonyi was born in Zambia in 1987, moving to the UK in 1993 at the age of six. He is the author of two pamphlets, and a fellow of the Complete Works programme for diversity and quality in British Poetry. In 2012, he was awarded a Geoffrey Dearmer Prize, and was Associate Poet at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in 2015.

Diversity chain craft Friday, 19 October 3 – 4pm, Stamford Hill Library Age group: all Make a chain of colourful dolls celebrating the diversity of the world.

Forward (the Marcia Barrett story) with Lloyd BradleyFriday, 19 October6 – 7.45pm, Dalston CLR James LibraryAge group : 11+Find out more about the life of Marcia Barrett, singer in Boney M, her life before the band, a candid, laugh-out-loud story of survival, triumph and indomitable spirit.

The House of Amau: The Afrikan Heritage Writers & Friends: Verbalizing Hope, Despair & EverythingSaturday, 20 October 5 – 7.30pm, Homerton Library Age group: 15+ The Afrikan Heritage Writers & Friends: verbalizing hope, despair and everything.

What do you see when you look in the mirrorSaturday, 20 October 2 – 3.30pm, Shoreditch LibraryAge group: 6-13Express yourself through rhyme, rap or poetry.

Black History Season Exhibitions and events 2018

Black History Season flagMonday, 1 OctoberHackney Town HallAge group: all Malaika Parillon Langlais Baron, a pupil from Urswick School, will see her winning flag design flying from the top of Hackney Town Hall to celebrate the start of Black History Month.

Hackney’s Caribbean Tea PartyWednesday, 3 October12noon – 4pm, Hackney Town HallAge group: Over 60To celebrate ‘Windrush 70’, Hackney Council is hosting a tea party for local Caribbean elders.

Roots, Rhythms & Records launchThursday, 4 October5 – 7.30pm, Hackney Museum 8 – 10pm, Hackney Empire BarAge group: allJoin the launch of Hackney Museum’s new exhibition ‘Roots, Rhythms & Records: The sounds and stories of African and Caribbean Hackney’ which will be followed by live music inspired by the exhibition at the Hackney Empire bar.

Music makers and shakersSaturday, 6 October2 – 4pm, Hackney Central LibraryAge group: 5+Make your own musical instrument inspired badge.

Family film clubSaturday, 6 October2 – 4pm, Homerton LibraryAge group: allCome along to a Black History Month themed family film club.

Pan workshop with Lionel McCalmanSaturday, 6 October2 – 4pm, Hackney Central LibraryAge group: allLearn the basics on the steel pan.

Music and historical tales from Afrika and the diasporaSaturday, 6 October4 – 8pm, Homerton Library Age group: 11+Join the Black and Minority Ethnic Arts Network to hear music and historical tales.

Babylon (1980) film screeningSaturday, 6 October5.30 – 7.30pm, Dalston CLR James LibraryAge group: 15+ Watch the story of Blue, a young man of Jamaican descent living in Brixton in 1980, as he hangs out with his friends, fronts a dub sound system, loses his job, struggles with family problems and has his friendships tested by racism.

Grand Union Orchestra Open WorkshopSaturday, 6 October11am – 4pm, Shoreditch Town HallAge group: allLed by charismatic Candomblé expert Ricardo Axé (singer/drummer/dancer) from North East Brazil, this workshop will explain traditional Yoruba culture and explore percussion and chant celebrating the orixas (spirits).Book at: www.grandunion.org.uk

Make a carnival headdressTuesday, 9 October4 – 5pm, Clapton Library Age group: 5+ Get into the carnival spirit and make your own headdress with feathers and glitter.

Under 5s storytime & make your own carnival maskTuesday, 9,18 October11am – 12noon, Homerton Library Age group: under 5Under 5s can listen to carnival inspired stories and make a carnival mask.

Britain & Reggae: A Special 50 Year HistoryWednesday, 11 October5.30 – 7.30pm, Hackney MuseumAge group: 13+As part of marking 50 years of reggae in the UK and International Reggae Day, join history and music consultant Kwaku, as he presents a personal reflection of Britain’s pivotal role in the development of reggae music. Book at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/britain-reggae-a-special-50-year-history-tickets-48446296176

Poetry jam and workshopWednesday, 11 October5.30 – 7.30pm, Hackney Central LibraryAge group: 11+ Learn about writing poetry and bring some of your own work to share out loud.

Musical shaker workshopWednesday, 11 October4 – 5pm,Stoke Newington LibraryAge group: 8-12Make your own musical shaker and learn to shake out a beat.

Burning Inferno live performanceThursday, 12 October5 – 6pm / 7 – 8pm, Dalston SquareAge group: allListen to Burning Inferno perform live, playing soul, reggae and funk.

Great Black History storytimeThursday 12 & 26 October2pm – 4pm, Hackney Central LibraryAge group: under 5Join Lydia to learn about Black History through stories and rhymes.

Pan workshop with Lionel McCalmanThursday, 13 October6 – 7.30pm,Dalston CLR James LibraryAge group: allLearn the basics on the steel pan and play as a group.

Lionel McCalman live performanceThursday, 13 October4pm, Dalston CLR James LibraryAge group: allListen to reggae and ska music live in the Dalston Library foyer.

Under 5s storytime & make your own carnival headdressMonday, 15 October11am – 12noon, Clapton Library Age group: under 5 Come on a special adventure through African folktales and be inspired to create a carnival headdress.

‘Sounds Like London’ a discussion with Lloyd Bradley & Jazzy BTuesday, 9 October6 – 7.45pm, Homerton LibraryAge group: 15+Black music has been part of London’s landscape since the First World War, when the Southern Syncopated Orchestra brought jazz to the capital. Following the waves of Commonwealth immigration from the 1940s onwards, its sounds and styles took up residence to become the foundation of the city’s youth culture. Lloyd Bradley discusses his book ‘Sounds Like London’ with Jazzy B.

Under 5s Black History Month funWednesday, 10 October2 – 3pm, Shoreditch LibraryAge group: under 5Enjoy the sounds, stories and fabrics of Africa in this interactive under 5 Black History workshop.

Grand Union Orchestra singing workshopWednesday, 10 October11am – 4pmShoreditch Town HallAge group: allExplore the songs and chants of African peoples as they migrated from West Africa to North East Brazil, Cuba, the Caribbean and southern USA, where with work songs and spirituals, they also fertilised the roots of the blues and jazz. Book at: www.grandunion.org.uk

Doing It For Ourselves: Independent Jazz History in HackneyThursday, 1 November7 – 9pm, Hackney ArchivesAge group: 13+

Explore Hackney’s extraordinary Jazz history from Sun Ra’s drummer Clifford Jarvis to the mighty Jazz Warriors - one of London’s first all-black Jazz collectives. Learn how Hackney provided the seeds, and the spaces for musicians of African and Caribbean heritage to rise to the top of their profession through film, archive, audio and discussion. Guests include founding members of the Jazz Warriors plus filmmakers Winstan Whitter and Anthony Collins who will show an excerpts of their in-production documentary on Clifford Jarvis.Book at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/hackney-archives-15351928484Call: 020 8356 6044; or email: archives@hackney.gov.uk

Paint me a poemMonday, 22 October2 – 4pm, Hackney Central LibraryAge group: 5+ Be inspired by works of art and poetry to paint your very own pictures.

Music making: make some noiseTuesday, 23 October11am – 12noon, Hackney Central LibraryAge group: under 5Music and fun for under 5s.

Under 5s storytime & make your own musical instrument Tuesday, 23 October11am-12noon, Homerton Library Age group: under 5 Get musical and make your own musical instruments out of recycled materials.

Get Up, Stand Up: Sounds of Hackney Wednesday, 24 October1 – 2.30pm, Hackney MuseumAll ages Join Hackney Museum’s resident artists from Advance UK for an afternoon of music, songs and art inspired by the ‘Roots, Rhythms & Records’ exhibition at Hackney Museum. Advance UK supports adults with learning disabilities to explore identity and use Hackney Museum’s collections about Black British history and heritage to create original artworks and music.

Carnival mask makingWednesday, 24 October2 – 4pm, Hackney Central LibraryAge group: 5+ Design and wear your own carnival mask.

Voice of AfricaThursday, 25 October2 – 4pm, Dalston CLR James LibraryFamily event with Mama Tina featuring stories and songs from Nigeria .

Annual Autumn Holiday Course23– 25 October, William Patten Primary School.Celebrating Black History Season, the course will include African drumming and dancing, creative music making, instrumental groups, singing and sessions influenced by music of black origin such as jazz. Contact Hackney Music Service for details and to apply: 020 3076 1534 or musicservice@learningtrust.co.uk

Black British Pioneers: zine making workshopThursday, 25 October2 – 4pm, Hackney Central LibraryAge group: 8+Learn about the pioneers of Black British history and make your own zine,-inspired by different stories.

Black Orpheus (PG)Thursday, 25 October5.30 – 7.30pm, Homerton Library Age group: 13+A retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, set during Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro.

Xenia Women Black History Month celebrationSaturday, 27 October10am – 1pm,Hackney MuseumSuitable for all women and children (childcare will be provided).

Join Xenia for a very special morning of exploring music, writing songs and sharing stories inspired by the ‘Roots, Rhythms & Records’ exhibition at Hackney Museum. Xenia brings migrant, refugee, asylum-seeking and British women together for workshops that encourage English language practice and fun, meaningful two-way social integration.

Black History Quiz ClubSaturday, 27 October2 – 4pm, Hackney Central LibraryAge group: 5+Join in the fun and test your knowledge.

Blood Sister: The Q&A with Ruth TrossWednesday, 31 October 6 – 7.45pm, Dalston CLR James LibraryAge group: 15+Editor Ruth Tross talks through the novel ‘Blood Sister’ by Dreda Say Mitchell.

Under 5s storytime & songs4, 11, 18, 25 October11am – 12noon, Dalston CLR James LibraryAge group: under 5 Mamma Tina will bring to life the folk songs and stories of Nigeria with interactive storytelling and song.

Black History Month book clubThroughout OctoberAll librariesAge group: 15+Get involved in the big Hackney read and join the book club through October. Pick up a copy of ‘Blood Sister’ by local author Dreda Say Mitchell and send your thoughts on the book to @Hackneylibraries on Twitter or Facebook.

Black History Month is a UK-wide annual celebration of the contribution that Black African and Caribbean communities have made both on a local level and across the globe.

In 2018, Hackney Council will be celebrating the borough’s internationally renowned music scene with ‘Roots, Rhythms & Records: The sounds and stories of African and Caribbean music in Hackney’ at Hackney Museum.

There will also be film screenings, art workshops, discussions, live music and more. All events are free, but sometimes you will need to book in advance, so check details and keep an eye on the website for new events and additions:

Here in Hackney we celebrate Black culture and achievement all year round, so don’t forget to keep checking out the web page above and follow @HackneyCouncil on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date on events throughout the year.

Roots, Rhythms & Records: The sounds and stories of African and Caribbean music in HackneyHackney Museum | 2 Oct 2018 -16 March 2019From making beats in bedrooms, to performing on stage, enjoying sounds in shebeens, to looking sharp for the club, this exhibition explores the history of African and Caribbean music in Hackney.

Workshops for Hackney schools: Roots, Rhythms & RecordsThroughout October and NovemberOver 2,000 local primary school children will visit the ‘Roots, Rhythms & Records’ exhibition at Hackney Museum to explore the sounds and stories of African and Caribbean Hackney. Has your class missed out this year? Join Hackney Museum’s mailing list to be the first to find out about 2019’s programme for schools. To join the mailing list, or for more information email: museumbooking@hackney.gov.uk

Events can be subject to change, so contact the relevant venue before you attend by calling Hackney Customer services on: 020 8356 3000.

www.hackney.gov.uk/black-history