Events and talks at Museums across Birmingham to recognise Black History Month 2022

Discover the Black Tudors, enjoy a taste of Handsworth’s fascinating food history and visit a Birmingham exhibition which tells a unique story about the fight against racism.

These are just some of the events taking place at Birmingham Museums Trust sites to mark Black History Month this October.

Black History Month commemorates the history and achievements of Black people in the UK. The aims of Black History Month are to promote knowledge and understanding of Black history and culture at a local and national level.

Events at Birmingham Museums include:

Event: A Talk About Black Tudor Society With Historian Dr Onyeka Nubia.

When: Wednesday 5th October, 7-8.30pm.

Where: Blakesley Hall, Yardley.

Internationally recognised historian, writer and presenter Dr Onyeka Nubia discusses his pioneering research into the history of Black Tudor Society.

Until recently the image of Tudor times has been of an overwhelmingly white society. But Dr Nubia, and other academics, have begun to paint a far more complex picture.

Describing this special event, Dr Nubia said: “England’s history is the histories of everyone who has lived or been connected to these islands. I am looking forward to presenting my work at the talk in Birmingham.”

After the talk visitors can explore Blakesley Hall, one of Birmingham’s remaining Tudor houses.

Event: Black Heritage Walks Network tour: Black History is Birmingham.

When: Wednesday 5th, Saturday 8th and Saturday 22nd October, from 12-1pm.

Where: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Join us for a guided tour celebrating the untold stories of Black History in Birmingham. The tour will be led by Black Heritage Walks Network CIC who have created 10 unique walking tour within Birmingham, showcasing the black culture and heritage.

The tour begins and ends at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, featuring an interpretation of the Round Room, and travels through a mini circular walk of Victoria Square and Centenary Square. The tour will showcase the impact of colonialism, black culture and significant black influences that have made a difference within the city.

After the tour, there will be an opportunity to join the tour leaders in the Edwardian Tearooms to exchange ideas. Refreshments available to buy at the Tearooms.

The walk will take about 90 minutes, please wear comfortable shoes. 

Tours are free and offered on a first come first serve basis.

Event: Black History Month Festival.

When: Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th October.

Where: The Round Room and Industrial Gallery at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery presents a weekend of free performances and activities.

Saturday will feature the first ‘We Are Birmingham Poetry Jam’ organised by We Don’t Settle x BMT Poets Corner, along with a number of musical and poetry performances programmed by Red Earth Collective.

Sunday will showcase a screening of ‘The Tower of Dreams’ a new documentary by Pogus Caesar about the Tower Ballroom in Edgbaston, along with free art workshops and musical performances.

Event: Blacklash: Racism & The Struggle for Self-Defence ‘Moments to Movements’ – Exhibition Reception & Public Rally.

When: Saturday 8th October, from 5.30pm-9pm.

Where: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

From the mid-’80s and over the next two decades Mukhtar Dar documented the struggles of Asian and African Caribbean communities against racism. He became the unofficial artist of the largest grassroots movement in the history of the UK’s South Asian communities.

Drawing on his extensive archive of photographic, video, and political ephemera, Blacklash is a multi-disciplinary installation which takes its audience to the heart of the struggle.

The exhibition is open to the public from 10am-5pm until 30th October.

On Saturday, 8^th October, a public reception and rally ‘Moments to Movements’ will see a reunion of activists from the 1980s with local and national speakers. It will also commemorate the passing of the great Birmingham-born activist Anwar Ditta.

Starting with a drinks reception the programme will include spoken word poetry, music and personal testimony.

Blacklash is curated by Mukhtar Dar & Raj Pal and presented by Kalaboration Arts in partnership with Birmingham Museums Trust.

Moments to Movements is supported by Birmingham Race Impact Group and Shaheed Udham Singh Centre.

Event: A Taste of Handsworth Walking Tour: Black History Month Special.

When: Saturday 15th October, 11am-2.30pm.

Where: Soho House, Handsworth.

From Georgian treats to Ethiopian coffee visitors can tempt their taste buds and learn about Handsworth’s fascinating food history on this walking tour.

The event begins at Soho House where there will be a chance to try Georgian delicacies like game pie, gingerbread and the favourite fruit of the wealthy – pineapple.

The tour then continues in Handsworth where visitors can sample food and drinks from some of the area’s present day communities, including Ethiopian coffee and Jamaican  Fruit Cake.

Event: Family African-Caribbean Stories and Arts.

When: Wednesday 26th October, 11am-4pm.

Where: Soho House, Handsworth.

Enjoy an afternoon for the whole family celebrating African and African-Caribbean creativity.

Storyteller Jan Blake will perform a selection of traditional African and Caribbean stories at 12 and 2pm, while the Black Arts Forum will provide craft activities for all ages from 11am to 4pm.

Activities are free and offered on a first come first served basis.

Event: Black is Beautiful, Blackness Without Apology

When: Until 31st October. Open during site opening hours.

Where: Aston Hall.

This exhibition transforms Aston Hall’s Boudoir into a young Black girl’s contemporary dressing room. Featuring a combination of contemporary and 18th century items, the display celebrates Black women and the rich diverse culture within the Black diaspora.

The narrative for the display springs from Sarah Newton, Lady of Aston Hall’s involvement in the enslavement of Black people during the 18th century.

For more information about all events and to book places visit https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/black-history-month