Southwark’s Black History Month gets underway with fashion show
Published 28 September 2010
A special fashion show is to kick off this year’s Black History Month at its launch in Southwark on 2 October
A special fashion show is to kick off this year's Black History Month at its launch in Southwark (Saturday 2 October). It's one of a host of varied and exciting events that are taking place throughout October.
Among the highlights of this year's Black History Month are a film screening in a derelict church-turned arts space, a UK theatre premiere, drumming workshops and a schools debate.
The theme for this year is Journey: past, present and future, and there is an emphasis on fashion, literary talent, and family activities.
This year's highlights include:
- Launch
South London Gallery, with fashion show and a performance from Koruso, Southwark's renowned local choir
- Estate walls - UK theatre premiere
A play written by Arinze Kene and directed by Che Walker, it centres on a young man living on an estate and his attempt to create a different life, distancing himself from the criminal plans of his friends.
- Comic house - multimedia exhibition
Comic house is a digital photography/media project made by young black teenagers in Southwark. The work is in comic book style and addresses some challenging issues with creative imagination
- Drumming workshops - throughout October
The drumming workshops will give participants the opportunity to learn the African influence in Latin-American contemporary music
- Playing Away - film screening
A comedy which follows a West Indian cricket team on tour in East Anglia , and explores the ways cricket brings together two different cultures. The screening will take place in a derelict church in Southwark Park , which is now the art venue Dilston Grove.
Councillor Veronica Ward, cabinet member for culture, leisure, sport and the Olympics at Southwark Council, said:
"Black History Month is a great showcase for Southwark. Not only does it shine a light on the amazing heritage in the borough, but it also brings to the forefront the variety of talent there is in our borough. And no more so than this year, which is looking closely at the lives and stories of current generations. I'd like to thank all the people behind this month's programme and urge everyone to get involved."
Notes to editors
South London Gallery, with a fashion show and a performance from Koruso, Southwark's renowned local choir as well as exhibitions reflecting on the heritage of the African Diaspora.
Comic house is a digital photography/media project made by young black teenagers in Southwark. The work is in comic book style and addresses some challenging issues with creative imagination. This show gives an opportunity to share stories and respond to the ideas of these people.
Join us for a guided black history walk from the Cuming Museum to the Oval. We will travel through nearly 300 years of the black presence in Southwark and meet those that changed history including Mary Seacole, Willam Cuffay, Robert Wedderburn and Claudia Jones, as well as those whose lives were unsung.
Who do you think you are? Unlock the treasures of the archive and search your black family history. An interactive event to help researchers of African-Caribbean descent with an expert in black family history. You may join a half hour internet skills session run by library staff. Then be guided in how to search the archives online and in person.
Inner City Theatre presents Estate Walls written by Arinze Kene directed by Che Walker.
Obi dreams of becoming a writer and leaving the estate but with best friends like Myles and Cain, there are bound to be setbacks. Myles and Cain plan a heist, but Obi wants no part in it, which finds him in a whole world of problems. When the boys return a tragic truth is uncovered.
Make an African wall hanging, throughout October at participating Southwark libraries
Inspired by art and design from the African continent, come and make a beautiful collage. Be creative with colours, fabrics, paper and photos to make a collage for the library and to take home. Activities for all the family. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent/carer.
Various Southwark libraries, please contactblackhistorymonth@southwark.gov.uk
Fashion Workforce UK Creative Black History
Local young men showcase their original creations with a fashion show and exhibition, following a four week course exploring black icons and T shirt design.
Critical drumming workshops throughout October
Rescuing our cultural heritage, the drumming workshops will give participants the opportunity to learn the African influence in Latin-American contemporary music.
More information can also be found at
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/events/200286/black_history_month
