Celebrating Black History Month Across the West: Reclaiming Narratives and Honoring Heritage
As October begins, communities across the West are gearing up to celebrate Black History Month, a time to recognize and honor the profound impact of Black heritage and culture on society. This annual celebration, observed in the UK for over 30 years, traces its origins back to the 1920s in the United States, where it began as a week-long recognition of Black contributions to history.
The theme for this year’s Black History Month is Reclaiming Narratives, which underscores a commitment to acknowledging and rectifying the underrepresented and often misrepresented stories of Black history and culture. From Bristol to Gloucestershire, Somerset to Wiltshire, local events and activities are focusing on this theme, exploring Britain’s colonial past, art, migration, music, and more.
Honoring Civil Rights Heroes in Bristol
In Bristol, one of the key highlights of Black History Month will be the premiere of a new documentary on civil rights hero Guy Bailey. Bailey was a pivotal figure in the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott after he was denied a job as a bus driver solely due to the color of his skin. The boycott, which became one of the most significant civil rights protests in British history, was instrumental in the passage of the Race Relations Act in 1965, making racial discrimination unlawful in public spaces.
The documentary, Beyond the Scars: Guy Bailey’s Impact on Bristol, is the latest work from filmmaker and community activist Clive Smith. Set to premiere at Bristol Museums on October 18, the film is expected to shed light on Bailey’s enduring legacy in the fight for racial equality. Following the screening, a special Q&A session will take place with Clive Smith and Dr. Bailey, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with the story and its significance.
Ballet and African History
Elsewhere in Bristol, the Central Library will host a performance of the British Black Ballet Project on October 23. This initiative explores the challenges and triumphs of the Windrush generation through the medium of dance. As the director of Oxygen Arts, Dr. Sandie Bourne, stated, “In the wake of recent far-right riots in the UK, sharing these stories in new and exciting ways is vital to build understanding and bridge the growing divides around the country.”
In Gloucestershire, the Black History Month program includes The Story of Africa, a panel discussion at the Attivo Garden Theatre in Cheltenham on October 8. Broadcaster Zeinab Badawi, alongside authors Toby Green and Michela Wrong, will delve into the rich written and oral history of Africa. The discussion aims to place African voices at the center of the narrative, reclaiming their rightful place in the global story of history, art, and archaeology.
Celebrating Culture Through Music and Poetry
The Black History Month Festival returns to Stroud on October 19 and 20, showcasing an array of talented Black artists and musicians from the local community. The two-day event, set to be held at the Trinity Rooms, will feature poetry slams, jazz and hip-hop performances, a praise gospel choir, and authentic African food. The festival serves as a vibrant platform for celebrating Black culture and creativity, while also providing a space for reflection on the experiences and contributions of Black Britons.
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In Somerset, a traditional West African storytelling event will take place at Nailsea Tithe Barn on October 6, led by Gambian musician Suntou Susso. Susso, a Griot (oral historian), plays the kora, a 22-stringed instrument central to Mandinka culture. His performance will offer a unique window into the centuries-old tradition of using music and poetry to preserve and share cultural history through generations.
Literature and Dialogue
For those interested in books, Wiltshire Libraries have curated a collection of recommended reads that “reclaim the narrative of Black lives and celebrate the heritage of diverse voices.” Featured works include The Fraud by Zadie Smith, Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo, And So I Roar by Abi Daré, and Assembly by Natasha Brown. These books represent a spectrum of experiences, shedding light on historical and contemporary issues faced by Black individuals both in the UK and globally.
On October 17, Weston College Conference Centre in Weston-super-Mare will host a community-led forum on diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. This event, featuring a panel of speakers, aims to foster meaningful discussions on promoting change and building an inclusive society.
Conclusion
Black History Month offers an opportunity for communities across the West to reflect on the contributions and histories of Black individuals, both locally and globally. From documentary screenings and panel discussions to performances, storytelling, and literary celebrations, the events serve as a reminder of the rich heritage and resilience of Black culture. This year’s theme, Reclaiming Narratives, is a powerful call to action, encouraging everyone to engage with these stories and ensure that they are rightly told and remembered.
