Black History Month 2023
Celebrating Islington’s rich culture and heritage this Black History Month
Islington has had a rich and diverse Black community for decades, adding so much to our borough’s culture and heritage. This year’s Black History Month
Theme – ‘Saluting our sisters’ – recognises that Britain’s diverse cultural tapestry is interwoven with the threads of remarkable Black women whom we will uplift and celebrate throughout the month.
Islington Council have been working with our partner organisations to bring you a range of events about Black history, culture and life, allowing you to, listen, discuss, discover and celebrate this Black History Month 2023.
For the full list of their exciting events, visit the IslingtonLife website.
Celebrating Black History Month in Islington libraries
Storytelling with Sandra Agard
Saturday 7 October, 11am–12noon, South Library, 115−117 Essex Road, N1 2SL
25 October, 11am–12noon, N4 Library, 26 Blackstock Road, N4 2DW
Renowned poet and storyteller Sandra Agard will be delivering a family event with storytelling from Africa and the Caribbean.
Free – no booking required.
House of Amau presents the Afrikan Heritage Writers
Saturday 14 October, 2–4.30pm
Central Library, 2 Fieldway Crescent, N5 1PF
Join members of the Afrikan Heritage Writers and wordsmiths to hear their latest work, some of which will be shared for the first time.
Free – no booking required.
An introduction to novel writing
Saturday 21 October, 10.45am−4pm
Central Library, 2 Fieldway Crescent, N5 1PF
A one-day course for anyone who’d like to try their hand at writing a story or novel, but may not know where to start. This course is free and funded by the Arts Council.
Join Go Africa!
Tuesday 24 October, 12noon–2pm
Central Library Gallery, 2 Fieldway Crescent, N5 1PF
Join Go Africa! for an afternoon of drawing, painting and dumming. Paint your national flag and share it with the group. A guest drummer will also take you through a fun musical session.
Free – no booking required. Suitable for families with children of all ages.
The Windrush betrayal: panel event with author Amelia Gentleman
Wednesday 25 October, 6.30–8pm
Central Library, 2 Fieldway Crescent, N5 1PF
Amelia Gentleman’s book, The Windrush Betrayal, explores the shocking changes to immigration law that led to many of the Windrush generation losing housing, healthcare and bank accounts, and being placed in immigration detention or even threatened with forcible removal. In 2018, Theresa May apologised for their treatment and announced an inquiry. Here, Amelia will discuss the aftermath of the Windrush scandal with Michael Braithwaite and Julie Griffith (pictured above with her sisters, in Barbados), two victims of the UK’s hostile environment immigration policy.
Creating compelling characters writing workshop
Saturday 28 October, 10.45am−4pm
Central Library, 2 Fieldway Crescent, N5 1PF
A workshop run by the social enterprise Indie Novella about developing characters that come to life on the page and drive your novel forward.
Novel writing and demystifying the publishing process
Saturday 18 November, 10.45am–4pm
Central Library Gallery, 2 Fieldway Crescent, N5 1PF
Delivered by Indie Novella, this workshop is all about understanding the publishing industry, the difference between large and small publishers, and how to take your finished novel to a publisher.
This event is free, but please book your spot in advance. This workshop is funded by the Arts Council.
Diversity and inclusion in publishing
Thursday 9 November, 6–7.30pm
Central Library Gallery, 2 Fieldway Crescent, N5 1PF
Independent publisher Indie Novella is looking for aspiring writers and authors to take part in a focus group, to understand the barriers to getting into publishing. They’re particularly interested in hearing from under-represented groups, but are keen for everyone’s voices to be heard.
Free – no booking required.
Black women authors booklist
For Black History Month, Islington libraries will be showcasing Black women who have made remarkable contributions to literature. The selection covers fiction and non-fiction for all ages. Pick up a copy of the list at your local library during opening hours.
See what else is happening in Islington this Black History Month
