October is Black History Month and communities around the UK will be celebrating the culture and histories of Black communities over the coming weeks.
Local organisations such as Opal22 and Serendipity are running fantastic programmes throughout the month in celebration and recognition of Black communities, history and individuals. At Attenborough Arts Centre, we are taking part through a range of events and collaborations in the coming weeks. Explore our range of events below and join in.
Apittame: Creative Writing – Black Historical Figures
Sunday 8 October 2023, 2pm – 3:30pm, Free
Join us to discover the lives of Black historical figures and reimagine their lives through creative writing. Apittame was founded in 2019, feeling that there was a space that was needed for people to meet, as well as partake in the arts and build a sense of community. They work to centre marginalized people’s stories, as well as hopefully facilitate a space that helps people find their tribe.
Leicester Jazz House presents Byron Wallen 4 Corners
Thursday 19 October 2023, 8pm – 10:30pm, £14 / £5
Join us to experience the work of Byron Wallen. A widely recognised as a seminal figure in world jazz, he is constantly travelling the world recording, teaching and performing.
“One of the most innovative, exciting and original trumpet players alive” – Jazzwise Magazine
Attenborough Late curated by Opal22
Friday 20 October 2023, 8pm – 11pm, Free
Join us for an evening celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the black community with Opal22, through the strokes of a pencil and the beats of a live DJ. This event is part of Opal22’s celebration of Black History Month: Unapologetically Black. Opal22’s ‘Unapologetically Black’ takeover is a fusion of culture, creativity, and celebration. Groove to tunes, explore art, hear powerful poetry, watch films, and join podcasts.
Exhibition Opening – Habib Hajallie: Black Pen Portraits
Friday 20 October – 10 December 2023, Gallery 2
Habib Hajallie champions figures from ethnically diverse backgrounds that have been conspicuously omitted from traditional British portraiture, specialising in the use of a monochrome medium such as the black ballpoint pen to celebrate Blackness. Though he was born in Southeast London, his work is often informed by his Sierra Leonean and Lebanese heritage.
Apittame: Creative Writing – Afrofuturism
Saturday 21 October 2023, 2pm – 3:30pm, Free
Come join us to discover the world of Afrofuturism and black presence in art.
WORD! Black History Month Special with John Agard
Thursday 26 October 2023, 6:30pm – 9:30pm, £7 / £4
Join us for a special evening celebrating the poetry and words of international poet John Agard and local poet sensations brought to you through a collaboration between Renaissance One and Word! We’ll offer a space for conversation, performance and a Caribbean-style lime.
There are so many incredible events happening this month around Leicester to celebrate Black culture and history, so get involved!