October is Black History Month – a celebration of African, Caribbean and Asian heritages and their contributions to history.
The month originally emerged as a ‘Black History Week’ which was introduced to schools in America in the 1920s. Since then, it has continually grown and is recognised throughout the world, including in Scotland where it’s been celebrated since 2001.
People from many different backgrounds come together during this month to celebrate the positive role of black and minority ethnic people in shaping our communities. And I’ve highlighted some great events happening in Glasgow as part of Black History Month. Check them out below!
Music
If you are interested in a night that offers a fusion of Scottish and Caribbean poetry set to music, don’t miss Island Life-Celebrating Caribbean connections.
Through a performance that aims to engage all of the senses, learn about the life of islanders in both the Caribbean and Scotland and their historic sea-faring migrations and voyages.
When: 8 October, 7.30pm
Where: Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow
Cost: £14, £12 (conc), £5 (u18)
Dance
The not for profit organisation Glasgow Open Dance School (G.O.D.S) are putting on a programme of free dance workshops and film screenings over Black History month. Such as the WEST AFRICAN DANCE WORKSHOP, where the instructor will be teaching fast paced, high-energy West African dance sequences.
When: Saturday 18 October, 2 – 4pm
Where: CCA, Glasgow Cost: FREE
Science
The Glasgow Science Centre are hosting an interactive science workshops (including a trip to their planetarium) where the participants need to uncover the Black History Connections with science throughout the workshop.
When: 11 October, 11am-1pm
Where: Glasgow Science Centre, Pacific Quay, Glasgow
COST: FREE but must book places
Go on an historical journey with a walking tour through Glasgow and learn about the city’s connections with tobacco, slavery and the abolition movement. The tour will be given by expert Stephen Mullen, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Glasgow specialising in the historical connections that Scotland has with Caribbean slavery.
When: Every Sunday throughout October, 1pm-3pm
Where: meet at Glasgow Cathedral, 2 Castle street, Glasgow, G3 0RH
Cost: FREE (register places online)
Film
There are going to be Free Friday film screenings shown every Friday afternoon at Scotland Street School Museum. The films shown aim to celebrate black history through film. Many of the films screened have been co-curated with roots Scotland.
When: October 2nd – 30th Dec, 2pm – 3pm
Where: Scotland Street School Museum, 225 Scotland street Glasgow
Cost: FREE
Quiz
An opportunity to test out your knowledge of black history at The Great Black History Quiz night, both individuals and teams are welcome to participate!
When: Wednesday 7 October, 6pm till late
Where: Artto Hotel, 41 Hope street
Cost: FREE
Talks
Black History month is also an opportunity to explore and debate the relevance of history and the role it still has in helping us shape our future. The Huntarian at Glasgow University regularly hosts lunchtime talks on a Tuesday. Over October you can attend the Trafficking Culture exhibition talk, an opportunity to learn more about a historic problem which still effects community’s in the world today.
October 6th, November 10th and 15 December, 1.oopm
There will also be the Trafficking culture exhibition connected to this, which will showcase cultural objects that are responsible for damaging cultural sites worldwide.
October, Tue to Sat, 10am – 5pm, Sundays 11am-4pm
Hunterian Museum, Gilbert Scott Building, University Avenue, Glasgow
Free
Debate A unique opportunity to hear from experts on the history of migration and immigration and its similarities or progression to the current immigration crisis in Europe. After lectures you will have an opportunity to ask questions and have your say on the topic. Glasgow migrant communities and relevant organisations will also be participating on the day. Saturday 17th October, 12pm- 5pm African Caribbean centre, 66 Osborne St Free
You can see the full programme of events for Black History month here. http://www.crer.org.uk/BlackHistory/BHM2015_web.pdf
