Black History Month in Bradford - see list of events this October

The Black History Month theme for 2022 is ‘Time For Change: Action Not Words’ – and there’s lots of different events to get involved in this October.

Speaking on the significance of Black History Month, Nigel Guy, director of Windrush Generations, said: "Windrush Generations and its many partners are proud to have collectively assembled the programme of events for Bradford’s Black History Month 2022.

“We will honour our ancestors and acknowledge the successes of the Black community in Bradford and beyond by celebration of the achievements, development, triumphs and the impact of its rich culture and heritage of the past, present and future.

“We aim to raise awareness of the struggles to increase our sense of belonging in Bradford and around the world. We appreciate that Black History should be acknowledged every day of the year and we will progress through action. We welcome the opportunity for all to engage and exchange in learning, in honour and respect to strengthen greater understanding between diverse cultures. We hope you will join us."

Black History Month events in Bradford - things to do

Here's a round-up of some of the events taking place across Bradford district this month.

• African Drumming Classes – weekly event between 6.30pm and 8.30pm at MAPA every Tuesday until October 25. Lamin Jassey, a master drummer from Sene-Gambia, welcomes people of all levels including children aged five and over. £3 per session. To book call 07837999225

Pictured, Windrush Generations' Nigel Guy and Patsy Peltier, Quadrille Dancers in Bradford's Centenary Square. Picture: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds (Image: Telegraph & Argus)

• Influencing Change in the Midst of Changing: Black Women in Academia – an online event by the University of Bradford on Tuesday, October 11 from 12noon to 1.30pm. The Centre for Inclusion and Diversity (CfID) at the University of Bradford will discuss experiences of black women in academia from a starting point of how the academic environment has/has not nurtured their ambitions and aspirations. To book visit www.bradford.ac.uk/events/black history-month/
• Paul Obinnä speaks on Windrush on the Nile, ‘Historical Truths from the Nile to the Beck’ on October 12 and 19 from 6pm. To book call Nigel Guy on 07914 693656
• Weekly poetry skill building sessions on every Wednesday throughout October between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Join new and published poets as well as spoken word artists.
• Return of the Bradford Black Film Club hosted by DJ Fluid Irie once a month at ACAP. £5 entry includes food and refreshments. Starts on Thursday, October 13 between 7pm and 10pm.
• Inter-generational Panel Discussion at the University of Bradford between 11am and 2.30pm on Thursday, October 13. Taking place in Room D2 of the Richmond Building, the panel will discuss the following theme, ‘Tackling racism: where are we and what more needs to be done?’. It will look at racial discrimination, microaggressions, stereotypes, prejudices and different forms of disadvantages experienced by black and brown people in the district and world.
• Screening of Set It Off (1996) at Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum from 5.45pm on Friday, October 14. Set It Off is a gripping 90's heist thriller that celebrates Black female friendship. For more info and tickets visit www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk

The Dominica Association of Bradford, left, and the National Science and Media Museum, right (Image: UGC/Newsquest)

• Gathering to mark Black History Month and Jamaica’s 60th year of independence at the Dominica Association – featuring hot West Indian food and homemade puddings, games with prizes such as dominoes, pool, and more. The event will take place on Friday, October 14 from 6pm sharp. RSVP to 07958 905 242.
• Black History Lecture with Robin Walker, known as The Black History Man, on Saturday, October 15 between 7pm and 10pm at ACAP. Learn about 30 of the most influential Black people over the last 500 years. This is a free event, donations welcome. To book a place and for information, call Samuel Wyatt on 01274 720254 or 07749897277.
• Read more: Black History Month celebrations at library
• Race and Language Webinar by the Race Equality Network on Monday, October 17, at 10am. It will be an introductory session focusing on race and language. For more information visit www.raceequalitynetwork.org
• Windrush Stories in the ‘Don’t Give Up’ exhibition in Cartwright Hall’s art gallery, Lister Park, from October 20 to February 9. Tour round displays, cherished artefacts and personal stories of 22 members from the ‘Windrush’ community. The participants were interviewed by the younger generation to share their memories of growing up in the Caribbean and of their personal stories of life in the UK. Free entry.
• Heritage Talk The Black Stars of St Georges Hall – come inside St George’s Hall and enjoy a heritage talk from Joe Williams about the black musical artists who have performed in the venue throughout the years. The event - between 2pm and 3pm on Thursday, October 20 - is free but numbers are limited. Bookings via the Bradford Theatres Box Office on 01274 432000.
• Reggae Reggae Bingo & Name that Chuuuuune! hosted by the Big Big 45 (Huddersfield) at ACAP between 7pm and 10pm on Saturday, October 22. £5 entry includes all food and refreshments. To book a place call Asher on 01274 720254/07729 784190
• African Caribbean History in the Daily Herald Archive at the National Science and Media Museum. This will take place on on Thursday, October 27 between 1pm and 2pm and 3pm and 4pm.
• International Dominican Kwéyòl (Creole) Day at The Dominica Association between 2pm and 8pm on Friday, October 28. The day celebrates the culture, heritage, food, traditional dress, and everything Kwéyòl. Expect performances from the The DA Bradford Caribbean Quadrille Dancers. Free entry. Dominican cuisine on sale.
• Afrikan Market at MAPA between 12pm and 5pm on Saturday, October 29. Find cultural clothing, jewellery, fabric, books, greeting cards, bags, pictures, natural health and skincare products, food by local caterers, children's corner, workshops and much more.

Exploring the health needs of Bradford’s black communities

• HNA Online Focus Group – Monday, October 10 between 1pm-2pm. For more information visit the Black Health Forum Facebook page
• Leeds Playhouse presents 9 NIGHTS - Wellbeing Café and Mary Seacole Elders in attendance on Friday, October 14
• Reminiscences Heritage Event with Historian Joe Williams for African-Caribbean Elders – Monday, October 17 - St Georges Hall between 2pm and 3.30pm
• Pennine Breast Screen presentation at the Dominica Association – Tuesday, October 18 between 6pm and 7.30pm
• HNA Focus Group – taking place at the Cornerstone Community and New Testament Church of God on October 20 between 7pm and 8pm.
• Online focus group on Tuesday, October 25 between 7pm and 8pm. For more information visit the Black Health Forum Facebook page
• SilverTime Legal Talk to Elders at the African-Caribbean Wellbeing Café – taking place on Wednesday, October 26 at 1.45pm
• Black History Month Safe Space Discussion with Bradford Council Staff Networks on Thursday, October 27 between 10.15am and 12.00pm. Taking place in the Ernest Saville Room at City Hall, hear from key figures in the Black community as they share lived experience about being black and living or working in Bradford district.

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