"Mothers Day" Credit – © Dola Posh / Adenike Sogbesan
October marks Black History Month and Tower Hamlets Council will be hosting and supporting a varied programme of activities, offering residents and the wider public the opportunity to engage with the richness of Black arts, culture and history.
The thought-provoking and feel-good activities and events include live music, film, workshops, art, theatre, talks and more.
Much of the programme for October 2021 is venue-based, with a spread of events both across the borough and online.
John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and we are delighted to deliver an exciting, interesting and informative programme of activities for people from all backgrounds to enjoy.”
Alternative Arts presents ten black artists who have been brought together for the first time to exhibit their photography at the Brady Arts Centre during the month.
Lockdown has inspired this diverse range of stunning portraits and observations about motherhood, superheroes, identity, and rituals past and present. The show is a celebration of black culture, perception and moving personal experience. The striking images are showcased in the Beauty and Power photography exhibition from Friday 1 to Wednesday 27 October.
Taking place during Black History Month, Somali Week Festival is now the biggest Somali festival in the diaspora and presents drama, poetry, intergenerational activities, a book fair and more to provide a platform for the Somali community to highlight this rich cultural seam.
Participate in workshops from Numbi which explore personal archiving, the archiving of Somali culture or printmaking, or find out about the life of black activist, and Tower Hamlets local Kathleen Warsame.
Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet member for Culture and Arts, said:
“We are proud of the cultural and ethnic diversity of Tower Hamlets, and Black History Month is an important opportunity to celebrate the lives and contributions of all those with African and Caribbean descent. I am delighted that the council and partner organisations are once again running an engaging programme which offers something for everyone to participate in.”
Brilliant live music from both Poplar Union and Grand Union Orchestra includes an evening of reggae and R&B, the joyous Brazilian vibes of Samba, emerging artists paying tribute to Black history through sound, and workshops celebrating music from the African diaspora.
For full listings please visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth
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For more information about this release contact the London Borough of Tower Hamlets communications team on 020 7364 4389 or email communications@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Notes to editors
Beauty and Power photography exhibition
The Beauty and Power photography exhibition is available view online now and can be seen in-person at the Brady Arts & Community Centre, 92-196 Hanbury Street, E1 5HU from 1 to 27 October (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Posted on Friday 17th September 2021