African and Caribbean heritage and culture is a fundamental part of UK history, and to mark Black History Month we are collating a hub of resources that staff at EELGA have contributed to, plus resources from around the region. These can be used to educate ourselves and others.
For background on the event please look at the Black History Month website Black History Month 2021 – Proud To Be
This page will be updated regularly.
Bedfordshire
‘Paved with Gold’: Bedford’s Windrush Generation – The Higgins Bedford have an online exhibition focused on Empire Windrush, exploring the stories of the people that settled in Bedford, and the contributions they have made to the community.
Cambridgeshire
Celebrating Cambridge Black Heritage – online programme of talks, lectures, articles, cookery, exhibitions and interviews celebrating Cambridge Black Heritage.
Cambridge Black History Month Events 2021 – Virtual and in person events in Cambridge celebrating Black History Month.
Essex
Essex University have complied a reading list full of classics, modern classics and factual works by Black authors or about Black history. There are also a range of events and workshops throughout October.
Hertfordshire
University of Hertfordshire are hosting a wide range of events and activities designed to engage, educate and encourage reflection. From keynote speakers to film nights, careers events and their very own carnival parade!
Norfolk
Norfolk Black History Month – a interactive PDF outlining a range of events from theatre, museums and literature.
Suffolk
Black Suffolk – The outdoor ‘Black Suffolk’ photographic exhibition by award-winning local photographer John Ferguson, was on display in Cornhill, Ipswich, throughout August. The subjects of the exhibition were asked “what does home mean to them? How do you express themselves and their spirit from their home?”, you can read their answers by following the link.
Power of Stories – Three iconic costumes from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther are currently on display in a new exhibition at Christchurch Mansion. The outfits of T’Challa, Shuri and Okoye featured in the ground-breaking film sit alongside Marvel comics, historic museum objects and local stories. From 26 June – 24 October 2021.
Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality – ISCRE runs culturally-informed interventions to support individuals and organisations in the statutory, private and voluntary sectors, to understand the extent and nature of inequality experienced by individuals and groups in fields such as the criminal justice system, housing, employment, education, health and social care.
Additional Resources
The British Council have assembled some exciting Black British artists and organisations working today as suggested by Arts colleagues at the British Council. There’s new music for you to listen to, literature to read, new theatre to discover – and even more besides.
Books
Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire by Akala
Why I am no Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
Me and White Supremacy: A Guided Journal by Layla Saad
Waterstones have curated this page celebrating black stories Black History Month | Waterstones
Articles
Black History Month Magazine 2021 – A collection of articles from Black authors.
No more white saviours, thanks: how to be a true anti-racist ally, Nova Reid, The Observer
Not-racist v anti-racist: what’s the difference? – A short article and video explaining the difference
Test your ‘unconscious bias’: How do you judge other people – Article with information on how to take a unconscious bias test, there are options to take tests focused on race, age, gender and so on
Podcasts
About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge
Music
The Ultimate Black History Month Playlist: A Journey Through Black Music – Capital Xtra have compiled an audio journey through the history of black music – showing the roots of some of today’s biggest urban hits.
Events
Maternity Black History Month: Covid and Pregnancy & Understanding and Supporting the Health Needs of Asylum Seekers and Refugees – The East of England Local Government Association is hosting this free event on the 3rd November 2021. The event will discuss the inequalities concerning vaccination and pregnant women and to understand the importance of cultural competence on healthcare issues affecting asylum seekers and refugees in connection with neonatal, maternity and perinatal mental health. This is aimed at service user reps, midwives, nurses, doctors, commissioners, and other key professionals who work with maternity and neonatal services.
Black History Month 2021: Events in the East of England – A hub of resources signposting events in the East of England across Black History Month and beyond.
Documentaries/Dramas
The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files – BBC Two documentary on how black immigrants who made Britain their home came face to face with the government’s ‘hostile environment’. David Olusoga exposes the secret files behind the Windrush scandal.
Sitting in Limbo – BBC One drama inspired by the Windrush scandal. After 50 years in the UK, Anthony Bryan is wrongfully detained by the Home Office and threatened with deportation.
