Leicester City Council is celebrating Black History Month this October with a series of literary and cultural events across the city, highlighting Black voices and heritage through author talks, storytelling, music, and dance.
Author and poet Malik Al Nasir will open the programme with a talk at Central Library on Wednesday 8 October at 7pm, discussing his forthcoming book Searching For My Slave Roots. The following week, writer and performer Sandra A Agard will host an evening of interactive storytelling, music and drama at the same venue on Thursday 16 October at 6.30pm.
Picture credit: Malik Al Nasir
Later in the month, Highfields Library will host Marcia Hutchinson on Wednesday 29 October at 6.30pm, in conversation with poet and playwright Carol Leeming, discussing Hutchinson’s literary debut The Mercy Step. Entry is free, but advance booking is required.
Tickets for Central Library events are priced at £3 for library members and £5 for non-members, and books by the featured authors will be available for purchase.
Leicester libraries are also promoting a curated collection of books by Black authors for all ages, including titles such as Black History for Every Day of the Year by the Olusoga siblings, Daddy Do My Hair by Tola Okogwu, and Motherland: A Jamaican Cookbook by Melissa Thompson. The full list is available at leicesteruk.overdrive.com.
As part of the celebrations, Leicester Museum & Art Gallery will host a free family-friendly event on Saturday 11 October from 11am to 4pm, in partnership with the Afro Innovation Group (AIG). The day will feature live music, dance, storytelling and creative workshops, showcasing cultures from Swahili/Bantu, Congolese, Moroccan, Ethiopian and Eritrean communities.
The museum’s Object of the Month, chosen by AIG, will be a display of traditional masks from Tanzania, on view throughout October.
Assistant City Mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “Black History Month is a great opportunity to learn more about Black music, culture and art. These events aim to inspire, educate and entertain people of all ages.”
The council’s programme is part of a wider city-wide celebration, with organisations such as the Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage hosting additional events throughout the month. Full listings can be found at serendipity-uk.com.
