'Black history should be taught all the time'

An exhibition by Wayne Campbell is one of several events happening across the region

Exhibitions, immersive experiences and alternative theatre productions are just a few of the events happening to mark Black History Month.

The event began in the US in the 1920s, and has been recognised in the UK throughout October since 1987, as a way of sharing, celebrating and understanding the impact of black heritage and culture.

"It's very important to know where we are coming from and where we are going," said Glen Crooks, who runs Glen's Kitchen out of St Pauls Learning Centre in Bristol.

"Black history should be taught all the time, not just in a month," he added.

A free exhibition focusing on 500 years of black music in Britain will take place between 13-31 October at the centre.

Glen's Kitchen in Bristol was featured on the BBC's Remarkable Places to Eat series

Mr Crooks moved to England in 1967 to be with his mother after being raised by his grandmother in Jamaica.

He said while growing up he was not taught about campaigners such as Martin Luther King or Paul Bogle.

"We are coming from a long, long way from slavery. As black people we've been through a lot but we still come out strong," he said.

Elsewhere in Bristol, a pop up exhibition called Bristol Bus Boycott X, which marks 60 years of the Race Relations Act 1965, will be on show at the Vestibules under City Hall until 17 October, before moving to Sparks Bristol, Wills Memorial Building and the M Shed.

Other events in Bristol can be found here.

Wayne Campbell has photographed more than 100 protests around the world

In Somerset, the powerful images of London artist Wayne Campbell's Celebration of Demonstration are being displayed at the newly-opened Shoemakers Museum in Street.

Mr Campbell said he became a visual activist after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis by police officer Derek Chauvin.

The event five years ago led to nationwide protests against racism and police brutality.

Mr Campbell said: "I remember being angry and upset and asking what am I supposed to do?"

He has since photographed more than 100 protests around the world.

Mr Campbell said he believed "education is key", commenting that in rural areas "if there are people willing to learn and understand about sections of society they weren't aware of in the past, that's great".

The photographer will be in conversation on 14 October at the Shoemakers Museum.

Meanwhile, the actor and author Paterson Joseph will be at Westlands in Yeovil on 24 October speaking about his book Ten Children Who Changed The World, as part of Yeovil Literary Festival.

Here are some more Black History Month events taking place in Somerset.

Florence Nyasamo said often there is too much focus on the past during Black History Month

Florence Nyasamo, the founder of Lives of Colour in Cheltenham, said the month was important for celebrating the local community.

Lives of Colour works with businesses, local authorities and schools advising on diversity initiatives and inclusion training.

In 2024's Black History Month, the organisation launched a year-long programme of educational events, including students debating race equity and inclusivity in council decision-making.

"The focus is always in the past, Martin Luther King, Mandela, but what about the spaces we live in?," said Ms Nyasamo.

"What contributions are communities making? Because this is what will make this visible and why this conversation is important."

Having moved to the UK 30 years ago from Kenya, Ms Nyasamo said the proudest moment of her life was when she helped arrange for Gloucestershire County Council to fly the pan African flag outside its office.

Also during Black History Month, a new adaptation of William Shakespeare's Richard II will be performed in a Southern African Township theatre style at Swindon Arts Centre on 25 October.

The play features an original score of Zimbabwean music and song.

Elsewhere in Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire, libraries are promoting literature by black authors during October.