Lewisham council announces Black History Month cultural programme
Lewisham is marking Black History Month with a series of events celebrating the impact and influence of Afro-Caribbean culture.
Kandace Chimbiri, author of The Story of the Windrush, will be hosting children’s reading and art workshops at the Migration Museum on Saturday.
At Lewisham shopping centre, there is an interactive installation called A Caribbean Couturier in Lewisham, exploring the textile legacies of Windrush Generation women who made couture clothes alongside day jobs.
There will be a panel discussion about the installation on Thursday, October 13 and a fashion show on Thursday, October 27.
And Dr Julius Garvey, son of legendary human rights activist, Marcus, will host a talk at Goldsmith’s, University of London on Monday, October 24, to inspire young leaders and entrepreneurs of the future.
The local authority has allocated almost £3,500 in grants funding to 11 community groups for the celebrations. The micro-grants have supported a wide range of Black History Month activities including workshops for senior citizens, a women’s networking event and mini food festival.
Councillor Brenda Dacres, deputy mayor of Lewisham, said: “Lewisham is such a diverse borough which has undoubtedly been positively shaped by our Black communities. We’re celebrating those contributions with a fantastic programme of events.
“This year’s Black History Month theme is ‘Time for Change: Action Not Words’. We must all look at our thoughts and actions. While it’s important we draw on the past, we must also build for the future.”
Cllr James J Walsh, cabinet member for culture, said: “‘Action not words’ speaks directly to one of the key themes of our year as London Borough of Culture 2022 – namely honouring Lewisham’s history of activism, in which Black people have always played a significant role.”
For more information about the October events, please visit this link
Pictured top: A previous Caribbean Couturier fashion show (Picture: Lewisham council)