Black History Season September – December 2013

Celebrating Black Culture and Achievement in HackneyINSIDE Celebrating 25 years of Black History Month as well as Oral Tradition and the Written Word

Special Guests at Hackney during Black History Season 2013

and many of the organisation’s project and administration programmes. See Ngoma at: C.L.R. James Appreciation Evening Tuesday 8th October 6 – 8pm Dalston C.L.R. James LibrarySongs and stories from Africa and the CaribbeanFriday 25th October 6.15 – 7.45pm Shoreditch Library

Sandra Agard was born in Hackney to Guyanese parents and is a Writer, Storyteller and Literature Consultant. Her repertoire includes stories from all over the world.

She runs regular storytelling, creative writing, reading and literature sessions throughout the country. Her poetry and short stories have been published in a Girl’s Best Friend, Watchers and Seekers, Tales, Myths and Legends, Time for Telling and Unheard Voices. She is currently touring the children’s play Treasures of the Rainforest with Flautist and Composer, Keith Waithe.See Sandra at: Telling TalesThursday 17th October 5 – 6pm Homerton Library Crick Crack Tales Tuesday 29th October 2.30 – 3.30pm Woodberry Down Library

Joy Francis is a journalist, editor, writer and Executive Director of Words of Colour Productions, a social

enterprise that ‘empowers writers and creates legacies.’ Joy has written, broadcast and been a pundit since 1992, from Community Care, The Voice, Pride, The Guardian and Channel 4 Online, to BBC Radio 5 Live, ITV, Sky News and BBC1’s Watchdog. She has been a diversity adviser to the BBC on its current affairs coverage and community engagement, and was a script reader and competition judge for BBC Drama’s Get Writing Programme

DirectoryHackney MuseumGround Floor, Technology and Learning Centre, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ

Hackney Central and London Fields30, 38, 48, 55, 106, 236, 242, 253, 254, 276, 277, 394, W15

Disabled access for wheelchair users

Clapton Library Northwold Road, E5 8RA

Clapton Station106, 253, 254Wheelchair access on the ground floor and lift to the first floor

Dalston C.L.R. James Library Dalston Square, Dalston E8 3BQ

Dalston Junction & Dalston Kingsland Station30, 56, 277, 38, 242, 149, 76, 243, 67

Disabled access for wheelchair users on the ground floor and lifts allowing access to all areas

Hackney Archives Dalston Square, Dalston E8 3BQ

Dalston Junction & Dalston Kingsland Station30, 277, 38, 242, , 149, 76, 243, 67Disabled access for wheelchair users on the ground floor and lifts allowing access to all areas

Hackney Central LibraryTechnology and Learning Centre, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ

Hackney Central and London Fields30, 38, 48, 55, 106, 236, 242, 253, 254, 276, 277, 394, W15Wheelchair access on the ground floor and lift to the first floor

Homerton LibraryHomerton High Street, E9 6AS

Homerton276, 236, 242, 308, 374, 425, 488Wheelchair access and lift to the first floor. There is also a car park and parking for blue badge holders nearby

Shoreditch Library80 Hoxton Street, N1 6LP

Old Street149, 243, 67, 242Wheelchair access and lift to the basement floor. There is also a car park and parking for blue badge holders nearby

Stamford Hill LibraryPortland Avenue, N16 6SB

Stamford Hill149, 243, 67, 76, 349Wheelchair access and there is also a car park and parking for blue badge holders nearby

Stoke Newington LibraryStoke Newington Church Street N16 0JS

Rectory Road, Stoke Newington73, 393, 476,Wheelchair access and parking for blue badge holders nearby

Woodberry Down Community LibraryRedmond Community Centre, Kayani Avenue N4 2HF

Manor House253, 254, 259, 279Wheelchair access and parking for blue badge holders nearby

Sandra AgardJoy Francis

Please note that all events are subject to change. You are advised to contact the relevant venue before you attend any event or to book your place where required by calling the Hackney Customer Service Centre on 020 8356 3000 and asking for the relevant venue by name.

Prod

uced

by

Hac

kney

Des

ign,

Com

mun

icat

ions

& P

rint •

Sep

tem

ber

2013

• P

J516

06

For more informationwww.hackney.gov.uk/black-history-month Please note that all events are subject to change, please contact the venue before you attend any event.

and the BBC’s New Writing Division. She is a module leader on the University of Westminster’s MA in Diversity and the Media, which she helped to establish, and is a mentor for the Southbank Centre’s Women of the World (WOW) project.See Joy at: How to write an effective press releaseWednesday 16th October 5pm – 7.30pm Clapton LibraryFrom the Margins to the Mainstream? The State of Black British PublishingThursday 24th October 6.30pm – 7.45pm Dalston C.L.R. James Library

Other highlights at Hackney Libraries during Black History Season 2013 include:Feeling the Spirit Hackney Central Library Tuesday 22nd October 5.30 – 7.30pmSandra Agard will deliver a creative writing and storytelling workshop that explores the importance of stories, spirituals and songs in The Underground Railway.

Is Our Lifestyle Killing Us? A Health Seminar and DiscussionStoke Newington Library Wednesday 30th October 5 – 7.30pmDouglas Williams leads a panel discussion and seminar session on what makes for a healthy lifestyle. What are the risks that face us? And what are the active choices we can make to improve and health and wellbeing?

Segun Magbagbeola discusses his book Black EgyptiansShoreditch Library Tuesday 15th October 6.30pm – 8pm Black Egyptians sets out to prove once and for all that Black Africans started and inhabited the Ancient Egyptian civilization. Is this the book to finally solve the Ancient Egyptian race controversy? Drawing on a wealth of sources including Nuwaupu, genetics and archaeology, the author combines conventional and unconventional Egyptology to form an unique record of Egyptian history.

For more information www.hackney.gov.uk/Black-history-month *Please note that all events are subject to change. You are advised to contact the venue before you attend any event*

SANKOFAExhibition at Hackney Museum

26 September 2013 – 4 January 2014

March against police brutality, Harlesden 3 July 1976. Copyright Angela Phillips. George Padmore Institute Archive

Sankofa is the African Adinkra symbol meaning the wisdom of learning from the past to build the future. We look back over the past 75 years of the history of African and African Caribbean people in this country and the rise of Black History Month, from its 1926 American origins as Negro History Week to its beginnings and development in UK 25 years ago.

On display will be rarely seen archival material relating to grassroots, national and global campaigns from groups such as the Black Parents Movement, Teachers Against Racism and Hackney Black People’s Association.

Find out how people came together and rose up against the injustice of discrimination; how individuals set up organisations to educate, empower and inspire a new generation of British youth, especially those of African heritage. Alongside this you can see changes in style, fashion, music and technology from Sugar Minott to Ms Dynamite, from Hip Hop to Dubstep, from Afro’s to

Locs, from Super NintendoTM to iPhoneTM. Tell us your thoughts on the next 25 years of Black History Month and how to build a future without racism or discrimination.

FREE workshops for schoolsWednesdays and Thursdays during October and NovemberAge Group: Hackney Primary Schools Celebrate 25 years of Black History Month and the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech with Hackney Museum. Book now for KS1 and KS2 class visits to our exhibition and take part in a free storytelling, spoken word or speech writing workshops. Celebrate the spirit of Black History Month, its connection to Hackney and explore identity, belonging, roots and the meaning of Sankofa.

Sharing Hackney Carnival Memories – call to get involved!A new digital archive is being set up to capture the history of carnival in Hackney. Devised by local carnival group Tropical Isles, the archive will help to preserve Hackney Carnival’s heritage and its street celebrations from its earliest inception. The archive plans to launch in 2014 and aims to inspire a deeper level of understanding, enjoyment and interest in the heritage of Hackney Carnival and raise the profile of the borough’s current carnival arts and carnival artists.

Have you got a story or images of Hackney Carnival from 1995 onwards you would be willing to share? If so, Tropical Isles would be very interested in hearing from you. (All items will be returned to their owners). Please contact Marva Antoine or Maureen Philogene: tropicalisles@btconnect.com or phone 07956386903

The truth behind Black History Month 1926 – 2013

In the 1990s, Sunnie performed live with Courtney Pine, UK R’n’B Stax performer Luddy Sams and toured Italy with Benjamin Zephaniah and

the Union Dance Company. She sang lead vocals with big bands such as The Happy End Big Band, performed songs from Brecht and Kurt Weill’s Three Penny Opera and sang with the 22 women’s big band Sax Machine. In 2003 she created a project ‘Sing it to the Rhythm’, a collection of plantation work, field songs, Spirituals and folk songs from the Caribbean & USA. Her workshop is aimed at schools and the community to preserve Caribbean folklore. Visit www.singit.org.uk for more information. Sunnie has an album of her performances of Jamaican Folk Songs Linstead Market, Dandy Shandy & Other Jamaican Folk Songs available for purchase.See Sunnie at: Jamaican Work & Field Songs, Rhythms & Tales - the preserved works of Dr Olive LewinWednesday 23rd October 5.45 – 7.45pm Stoke Newington Library (Gallery)

Local performance artist, novelist, poet and arts campaigning activist Ngoma ‘Silver’ Bishop is a founder member of the I-Storians Partnership - poets and edutainers.

As well as being Chief Officer of the House of AMAU, Ngoma Bishop has been Chair of the Black and Ethnic Minority Arts Network (BEMA) since its inception10 years ago. During that time he has been instrumental in developing the organisation’s core governance and policy documents, as well as developing the BEMA Cluster Development Project

Ngom

a Bishop

Courttia Newland is the author of seven novelsBorn and bred in West London, his first novel, The Scholar, was published in 1997 to instant success. Newland was short listed for the CWA Dagger in the Library Award 2007, the Alfred Fagon Award 2010 and long listed for the Frank O’Connor

Award 2011 for A Book of Blues. His latest book, The Gospel According to Cane, was published in February 2013.See Courttia at: In Conversation with Courttia NewlandWednesday 9 October 6.30pm – 7.45pm Hackney Central Library

Evelyn is a highly entertaining, professionally trained performer of Jamaican dialect poems, Anansi stories, folk songs and dub poetry. Referred to by The Gleaner as “The new Miss Lou”, she had the

privilege of being educated at the Edna Manley School of Performing Arts in Jamaica, and now teaches full-time, in an inner city sixth form college.See Evelyn at: Jamaica Speak WorkshopTuesday 29 October 12.30 – 2pm Stamford Hill LibraryJamaica Speak Performance Wednesday 30 October 6 – 7pm Shoreditch Library

Courttia New

land

This year you will meet these creative and artistic talents during events at Hackney Libraries.

Sunnie Dae

Evelyn Chronicle

Special late night opening on Thursdays, please check online at www.hackney.gov.uk/museum

Pict

ure

by L

ee T

owns

end

Not a library member yet? Join at www.hackney.gov.uk/libraries-membership-and-joining or pop into your local branch. FREE to join and borrow books.Just bring some ID with you to pick up your card and start borrowing books, DVDs, music and using our public access computers.Can’t get out and about? Our Community Library Service can deliver to your door – find out more at www.hackney.gov.uk/community-library-service or by ringing 020 8356 5238

PJ51606_Black History Month Foldout A5 leaflet.indd 1 30/08/2013 14:25

Hackney Council will be celebrating 25 years of Black History Month in Britain as well as Oral Tradition and the Written Word by highlighting contributions made by the Black community in these areas.

There will also be a wide range of events for children and young people and schools will be hosting events throughout the season supported by Hackney Learning Trust.

Most events are free but sometimes you may need to book in advance, so please check relevant details in the programme and keep an

eye on the website for new additions and events.

Here in Hackney we celebrate Black Culture and Achievement all year round, so sign up to our mailing lists at the events to keep you in the loop.

Last year’s events attracted our biggest ever turnout and we’re confident that this year’s programme will continue to build on that success.

Join us and celebrate Black History Season, Oral Tradition and the Written Word in Hackney!

Black History Season Exhibition and Events 2013

SEPTEMBER

Hackney One CarnivalDate: Sunday 15 September Time: 2.00pmHackney One Carnival brings the borough’s streets alive with spectacular costumes, dance and music. Hackney One Carnival is all about involving Hackney’s communities, including a street parade starting at Ridley Road, a judging point at Hackney Town Hall and a celebratory stage event at Gillett Square, a food court in Ridley Road and an African market in Bradbury Street. www.hackney.gov.uk/carnival

OCTOBER

Cross Currents Workshop at Hackney Central Library*(*For schools, youth groups and home tutors only. Adaptable for both for primary and secondary ages)Age group: Available for booking from schools, youth groups and home tutors.Throughout October, make a collage of immigration, emigration and crossings, whatever your native land. We will be looking at souvenirs and keepsakes of passaghe to illustrate human journeys and crossings. Take home a workbook to draw in.This session is for Schools, Youth Groups and Home Tutors. Hackney Central Library - Booking essential. To book a session for your class email lydia.julien@hackney.gov.uk and adrian.morris@hackney.gov.uk for further details and suitability.

Hackney Central Library Author for the month: Octavia ButlerScience-fiction novelist Octavia Butler dreamed up fantastic worlds, religions, made-up creatures and futuristic plots, then used them to tackle the social issues she was passionate about. In “Parable of the Talents,” a futuristic story about a utopian community ravaged by civil war, Butler explored modern-day issues of intolerance, environmentalism and the growing gap between rich and poor. In “Kindred,” she plunged into racial issues when a modern-day character was transported into the body of a slave living before the US Civil War. Visit Hackney Central Library to see a display about Octavia Butler. Some of her books are available for Hackney Library members to borrow.

Exhibition Space Hackney Central LibraryThroughout October, crafts and artefacts by Felix Joseph will be on display.

Free Guided History WalkSaturday 5 October 11.00am – 1.00pm Age group: All ages welcomeHackney Museum – Hackney CentralDiscover Hackney on foot by joining us on a community guided walk, exploring some of the events which influenced African – Caribbean life in Hackney in the Hackney Central and Clapton area.Walk subjects include: African Victorians, Civic Hackney, Education, Bernard Coard and more…

Lead by Black History Month Walks. www.blackhistorywalks.co.ukBooking required, contact Linda Sydow on 020 8356 2509 or email linda.sydow@hackney.gov.uk

Children’s African and Caribbean Storytime and MusicSaturday 5 October 2.00pm – 3.00pm Age group: For age 3-8 yearsStories from Africa and the Caribbean come along and enjoy the fun.Shoreditch Library – No booking required

C.L.R. James Appreciation Evening Tuesday 8 October 6.00pm – 8.00pm Age group: For age 15+Andrea Enisuoh will read material by campaigning socialist, theorist, essayist and cricket enthusiast C.L.R. James along side her own, followed by a discussion on both of their works, performance Poetry from Cezanne and Ngoma ‘Silver’ Bishop, West African Folklore Storytelling by Griot Chinyere and African Drums performed by Aaron Highley, introduced by Ngozi Headley-Fulani.Dalston C.L.R. James Library - No booking required

In conversation with Courttia NewlandWednesday 9 October 6.30pm – 7.45pmAge group: For age 16+Black British writer Courttia Newland published his seventh book, The Gospel According to Cane, last spring. An academic, playwright and broadcaster, Courttia talks to Joy Francis, executive director of Words of Colour Productions, about his career, mainstream publishing, how Black characters are covered in fiction and the challenges facing Black British writers.Hackney Central Library – No booking required

Open Mic/Poetry Slam: Word Play! Friday 11 October 6.15pm – 7.30pm Age group: For age 16+ An ancient art! Come along, share a thought, a few lines from your favourite book, drop a rhyme or poetry - it’s

all good. Express your roots, culture, creativity and style. Shoreditch Library – No booking required

Cross Currents and Oral Traditions Day. Saturday 12 October 11.00am – 4.00pm Age group: For all agesJoin us in the reading corner where you can relax and browse the written word from a selection of authors. We will be playing a selection of audio books from Benjamin Zephaniah to Malorie Blackman, the new Children’s Laureate. Hackney Central Library – No booking required

Cross Currents Drop In Art Session Saturday 12 October 2.00pm – 3.00pmAge group: For all ages - but under 5’s must be supervised by an adult.Make a collage using words and pictures based on journeys and crossings. Hackney Central Library – No booking required

Behind the Scenes at Hackney ArchivesSaturday 12 October 2.45pm – 5.00pmJoin us for a special behind the scenes tour of our new storage facilities for Hackney’s historical archives. Explore some key historical documents relating to Hackney’s past.One of our specialist staff will give a talk about what you can learn from your local archives service, including researching the history of Hackney’s diverse communities, and help contribute to the collections. Session includes a display of original documents from the archives and a special tour of our archive storage rooms, usually closed to the public. Hackney Archives, C.L.R. James Library 020 8356 8925 archives@hackney.gov.uk

Segun Magbagbeola discusses his book Black EgyptiansTuesday 15 October 6.30pm – 8pmAge group: For all agesBlack Egyptians sets out to prove that Black Africans started and inhabited the Ancient Egyptian civilization. Is this the book to finally solve the Ancient Egyptian race controversy? Drawing on a wealth of sources, the author combines conventional and unconventional Egyptology to form a unique record of Egyptian history.Shoreditch Library – No booking required

How to become a Teacher in the Adult Learning SectorWednesday 16th October 11.00am - 1.00pm Age group: For age 19+ Find out about the various routes into teaching. Learn about the skills and qualifications required. Hear first-hand experience from male teachers. Could it be you?Join our routes into teaching workshop and have your questions answered; and gain the advice, guidance and support you need for a potential new career.Hackney Learning Trust – Booking

Age group: For age 2-12 yearsBe creative and have fun making your own drum. Materials provided.Dalston C.L.R. James Library - No booking required

Peace beads: Inspired by Africa Saturday 19 October 2.00pm – 3.00pmAge group: For age 6+ Create your own statement beads and bracelets. Shoreditch Library – No booking required

Feeling the SpiritTuesday 22 October 5.30pm – 7.30pmAge group: For age 14+Sandra Agard delivers a creative writing and storytelling workshop exploring the importance of stories, spirituals and songs in The Underground Railway.Hackney Central Library – No booking required

Jamaican Work & Field Songs, Rhythms & Tales - the preserved works of Dr Olive LewinWednesday 23 October 5.45pm – 7.45pmAge group: For any age who can read and follow lyrics In honour of the late Dr Olive Lewin, Jamaican musicologist, who dedicated her life to preserving the folklore traditions of Jamaica.Join singer Sunnie Dae, as she leads a workshop honouring the work of Dr Lewin through Jamaican folk songs dating from the late 19th to the mid 20th century and anecdotal tales. Learn specific rhythms used to accompany the material and sing lead and create harmonies before participating in a 15 minute performance of the learned material. If possible, please bring along a Djembe or small hand drum. Sunnie’s album ‘Linstead Market, Dandy Shandy & Other Jamaican Folk Songs’ will also be available to purchase at the event and light refreshments will be on offer.Stoke Newington Library – No booking required.

Independence Documentary. Q&A with Director Winstan WhitterThursday 24 October 6.00pm – 7.30pmAge Group: All ages welcomeCommemorating the story of Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica’s Independence in 1962, through archive footage and stories from people who remember life on the Islands, before and during Independence. The documentary interviews local people and the High Commissioners in the UK for both countries in 2012. Directed by Winstan Whitter. Hackney Museum –Booking required, contact Linda Sydow on 020 8356 2509 or email linda.sydow@hackney.gov.uk

Afro Caribbean Dance SessionThursday 24 October 6.30pm – 7.30pmAge group: For accompanied children and familiesFun family dance session! Show off your moves and learn some new ones!Stoke Newington Library – No booking required

From the margins to the mainstream? The state of Black British publishingThursday 24 October 6.30pm – 7.45pmAge group: For age 16+Amid the debate over whether traditional publishing will survive the Kindle, what is happening to Black publishing? Since Olaudah Equiano’s The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African in 1789, the launch of Allison & Busby Ltd in 1960s and The XPress in 1992, how is Black publishing faring? What is its current role? The event will discuss the role of e-publishing in sustaining its future and that of Black authors. Joy Francis, Executive Director of Words of Colour Productions, will chair an exciting panel of publishers, editors and writers, including Patsy Antoine, Steve Pope, Kadija (George) Sesay and Becky Nana Ayebia Clarke MBE.

required, contact Dawna Lee on 0208 820 7278 or 07920287729, email dawna.lee@learningtrust.co.uk or contact Crystal Butler on 0208 820 7079.

Funtastic RapsWednesday 16 October 11.00am – 12.00pmAge group: For age 7-10 yearsWhat is a rap and where is it from? We answer this question, and have fun making up rhymes and rapping to a beat. Team up with a friend, joining a group or rap on your own, invent on the day or bring your own ready made raps. Stamford Hill Library – Booking required, please call Stamford Hill Library

How to write an effective press releaseWednesday 16 October 5.00pm – 7.30pmAge group: Age 18+ Despite the growth in social media, a press release remains an invaluable tool to raise your profile. Journalists still rely on press releases for stories, but sending a release on its own is no longer effective. You have to also to ‘pitch’ it. When done correctly, your release will be published. If not, it will be ignored. Joy Francis, Executive Director of Words of Colour Productions, will show you the pros and cons of writing a press release, the importance of structure and give you tips on how to do a follow up pitch.Clapton Library - No booking required

The Great Sports DebateThursday 17 October 6.30pm – 8.30pmAge group: For age 16+After the heady heights of London 2012, where Black British athletes Mo Farah, Christine Ohuruogu and Jessica Ennis broke records and captivated the nation, are Black communities reaping the benefits? How well represented are Black people in sport - at all levels? Are Black youngsters, adults and elders more physically active? Is sport making a difference to Black people’s health and wellbeing? If not, what is the way forward? This Question Time-style debate, chaired by Joy Francis of Words of Colour Productions, with an exciting panel of sportsmen and women, sports academics and commentators. Submit a question to be asked at the event at point of booking, although we cannot guarantee all questions submitted will be discussed. Hackney Picturehouse – Booking required - Email Ladi.Ajayi@hackney.gov.uk or visit www.wordsofcolour.co.uk/great-sports-debate/

Behind the Scenes at Hackney ArchivesThursday 17 October 2.45pm – 5.00pmJoin us for a special behind the scenes tour of our new storage facilities for Hackney’s historical archives. Explore some key historical documents relating to Hackney’s past. For further details see Saturday 12th October entry.Hackney Archives, C.L.R. James Library 020 8356 8925 archives@hackney.gov.uk

Telling TalesThursday 17 October 5.00pm – 6.00pmAge group: For all ages – Family EventAn interactive African and Caribbean storytelling family session, led by Sandra Agard.Homerton Library – No booking required

Discussing Kindred Thursday 17 October 6.30pm – 7.30pm Age group: For age 18+Reading Lane Book Group gets together with Midnight Central Book group to celebrate and discuss Kindred by Octavia Butler, whose evocative novels explore issues of race, sex and power.Hackney Central Library – No booking required

Puppet Making with Storytelling WorkshopFriday 18 October 4.00pm – 5.30pmAge group: For children of all agesCreate puppets based on traditional folk tales. Clapton Library - No booking required but entry will be on a first come, first served basis as space is limited.

Make your own DrumSaturday 19 October 2.00pm – 3.00pm

Dalston C.L.R. James Library - No booking required

Songs and stories from Africa and the CaribbeanFriday 25 October 6.15 – 7.45pmAge group: Family Event with an emphasis on senior citizens Join Ngoma Bishop and friends for an evening celebrating the common heritage of West African and Caribbean art and culture. Enjoy stories and folk songs accompanied by traditional African instruments. Open to the whole family but geared mainly to senior citizens with the audience joining in.Shoreditch Library – No booking required

Mask Making Saturday 26 October 2.00pm – 3.30pmAge group: For all ages - but under 5’s must be supervised by an adult.Make and take home a colourful mask. Includes stay and play colouring sheets and word searches.Hackney Central Library – No booking required

Traditional Style Head Wraps and BraidsMonday 28 October 2.00pm – 3.00pmAge group: For age 5+See how traditional style head wraps and braids are made and enjoy the opportunity of wearing them.Dalston C.L.R. James Library - No booking required

Mask making for childrenMonday 28 October 2.00pm – 4.00pmAge group: For all ages - but under 5’s must be supervised by an adult.Make your own African mask. Woodberry Down Library – No booking required

Jamaica Speak WorkshopTuesday 29 October 12.30pm – 2.00pmAge group: For age 6+Come and be educated in Jamaican roots and traditional culture by Jamaican folklorist, Evelyn Chronicle. At the end of the session you too will be speaking patois and reciting proverbs and riddles - Jamaican style!Stamford Hill Library – No booking required

required

Crick Crack TalesTuesday 29 October 2.30pm – 3.30pmAge group: For all ages – Family Event Sandra Agard will entertain you with stories from the Caribbean such as Anansi Spider and Ghostly Nightmare.Woodberry Down Library – No booking required

Sankofa StoriesWednesday 30 October 2.00pm – 4.00pmAge group: For families with children aged 12 years and underExplore stories from Africa and the Caribbean with our storyteller and create your own Sankofa Story Bird to decorate your homeHackney Museum – No booking required.

Is Our Lifestyle Killing Us? A Health Seminar and DiscussionWednesday 30 October 5.00pm – 7.30pmAge group: For age 18+Douglas Williams leads a discussion on what makes for a healthy lifestyle. What are the risks that face us and the active choices we can make to improve our health and wellbeing? Light refreshments will be provided.Stoke Newington Library – No booking required

Jamaica Speak PerformanceWednesday 30 October 6.00pm – 7.00pmAge group: For all ages – Family Event

Immerse yourself in Jamaican roots and traditional culture with Jamaican folklorist, Evelyn Chronicle. This social commentary will transport you through rural and urban Jamaica as, Evelyn brings to life a range of different characters and folk heroes. There will be lots of audience participation and by the end of the event you will be singing along to catchy folk songs and reciting proverbs and riddles - Jamaican style!Shoreditch Library – No booking required

Open Mic Speakeasy Wednesday 30 October 6.15 – 7.30pmAge group: For all ages – Family EventA poetry open mic night to mark Black History Month 2013, celebrating oral traditions and the poetic written word! Bring your poetry, prose and stories to read and perform in a friendly atmosphere. Just come on the night and put your name down to participate. Hackney Central Library – No booking required

I Have A DreamThursday 31 October 2.00pm – 4.00pmAge group: For families with children aged 12 years and underHear poems, stories and songs to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream speech and create your own poems and speeches. What is your dream? Hackney Museum – No booking required.

Family Film ShowingThursday 31 October 2.00pm – 4.30pmAge group: For age 5-12 yearsSit back, relax and enjoy a family film. Please contact library for film detailsDalston C.L.R. James Library - Booking required.

Anansi and FriendsThursday 31 October 2.00pm – 4.00pmAge group: For age 5-8 yearsA fun storytelling and activity session based on Anansi the Spider folk-talesHomerton Library – Booking required, please call Homerton Library

NOVEMBER

Sankofa – Meet the CuratorsThursday 14 November 6.00pm – 7.30pmAge Group: All ages welcomeMeet the Curators of Hackney Museum’s Sankofa exhibition and explore the themes, topics, debates and questions answered on the road to our Sankofa exhibition. Toyin Agbetu is a writer, community educator and founder of Ligali, a Pan African Human Rights based organisation that challenges the misrepresentation of African people, history and culture in the British media. www.ligali.org. Patrick Vernon, OBE, is the founder of Every Generation Media, creator of 100 Great Black Britons. He is also an expert on family history, intergenerational learning and health policy. www.everygeneration.co.uk Chaired by Sue McAlpine Curator and Collections Officer at Hackney Museum Hackney Museum – Booking required, to book contact Linda Sydow on 020 8356 2509 or email linda.sydow@hackney.gov.uk

Behind the Scenes at Hackney ArchivesSaturday 16 November 2.45pm – 5.00pmJoin us for a special behind the scenes tour of our new storage facilities for Hackney’s historical archives. Explore some key historical documents relating to Hackney’s past. For further details see Saturday 12th October entry.Hackney Archives, C.L.R. James Library 020 8356 8925 archives@hackney.gov.uk

Winners and Losers: Talk by Steve MartinThursday 21 November 6.30pm – 7.30pm

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

www.hackney.gov.uk/black-history-month

Events do not require booking in advance unless it states otherwise.

*Please note that all events are subject to change. You are advised to contact the venue before you attend any event*

Sand

ra A

gard

Age group: All ages welcomeExplore the winners and losers in the history of Hackney’s people of African origin, past and present. Steve Martin is an author and researcher specialising in the history of people of African origin in Britain, and the Learning Manager at the Black Cultural Archives. His latest book is Jupiter Amidships.Hackney Museum – Booking required, to book contact Linda Sydow on 020 8356 2509 or email linda.sydow@hackney.gov.uk

Randy’s 50th Anniversary Reggae Anthology: United Reggae Documentary.Thursday 28 November 6.30pm – 7.30pmAge group: 16 years + You name it we have it the story of Randy’s Record Shop at 17 North Parade in Jamaica. Find out the origins of the record shop and label, told by the family and friends of the founder. The documentary tells the story of recordings such as Java by Augustus Pablo and the group Skatalites. Visit memory lane and recall the first time you heard the recordings and where. Hackney Museum – Booking required, to book contact Linda Sydow on 020 8356 2509 or email linda.sydow@hackney.gov.uk

Sankofa Exhibition – special late night opening at Hackney MuseumLast chance for a late view 3rd January 2014 Until 8pmAge group: All ages welcomeHackney Museum – No booking required

AdoptionHackney has many children of Black and dual heritage who are missing out on experiencing a family life. By adopting, you could transform the life of one or more of these children, giving them the chance to grow up in a loving and secure home. In return, they’ll give you so much more. To find out how you could become an adoptive parent, contact the Hackney Adoption team on 08000 730 418.

Young Hackney

Hackney’s Youth Centres will be running a range of activities and events celebrating Black History Month. To find out up to the minute information, please visit www.younghackney.org

Advocacy for Caribbean Elders Advocacy for Caribbean Elders provides advocacy support, information and assistance to Caribbean Elders aged 60+ in Hackney. Project Coordinator Beryl Pusey works with a team of volunteers who undertake outreach casework, home-based assessments and advocacy for the housebound. We are looking for new volunteers to continue this valuable work.

If you are passionate and committed to working with older people and would like to volunteer please contact: Beryl Pusey, Advocacy for Caribbean Elders, 020 7275 7887 or 07883 848 027

Andr

ea E

nisu

oh

PJ51606_Black History Month Foldout A5 leaflet.indd 2 30/08/2013 14:25