Celebrating Black History Month across the West

The British Black Ballet performance tells the story of the Windrush generation

As we turn the corner into October, people are being encouraged to share, celebrate, and recognise the impact of black heritage and culture on our society.

Black History Month is an event that has been celebrated nationwide for more than 30 years, but it first began in the US in the 1920s.

The occasion is being celebrated in local communities across the West, covering a range of topics from Britain's colonial past to art, migration and music.

The theme for this year is 'Reclaiming Narratives', highlighting a commitment towards acknowledging and rectifying the stories of black history and culture.

On 18 October, Bristol Museums will be premiering a new documentary about civil rights hero, Guy Bailey, who was denied a job as a bus driver due to the colour of his skin.

This sparked the historic Bristol Bus Boycott of 1963, which became hugely influential in the passing of the Race Relations Act 1965, making "racial discrimination unlawful in public places".

Beyond the Scars: Guy Bailey’s Impact on Bristol is the latest release from local filmmaker and veteran community activist Clive Smith. Following the film screening there will also be a Question and Answer session featuring Mr Smith and Dr Bailey himself.

Dr Bailey was awarded an honorary doctorate from UWE Bristol for his instrumental role in the civil rights movement

Elsewhere in the city, Bristol Central Library is hosting the British Black Ballet project on 23 October, providing a glimpse into the triumphs and struggles of the Windrush generation.

Dr Sandie Bourne, director of Oxygen Arts production company, said: "In the wake of the recent far right riots in the UK, sharing these stories now in a new and exciting way is vital to help build understanding and bridge the growing divides around the country."

Dancers will also grace the stage at Bishops Cleeve Library in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, on 24 October.

The performance by Oxygen Arts tells the compelling story of a Caribbean family whose parents emigrated to Britain aboard the Empire Windrush in 1948

Also on offer in Gloucestershire is a panel discussion at the Attivo Garden Theatre in Cheltenham on 8 October.

The talk, titled The Story of Africa, gives a platform to written and oral history, art and archaeology.

Broadcaster Zeinab Badawi and British Academy Book Prize-winning author Toby Green will talk to journalist Michela Wrong about placing African voices "at the centre of our narratives of African history to give the continent its rightful place in our global story".

The Black History Month Festival will also be returning to Stroud on 19 and 20 October, showcasing a range of talented black artists and musicians within the community.

The two-day event will see the Trinity Rooms come alive with poetry slams, jazz and hip hop performances, a praise gospel choir and authentic food.

Culture through generations

In Somerset, people can head to the Nailsea Tithe Barn on Sunday 6 October to experience a traditional west African practice.

Gambian musician Suntou Susso was born a 'Griot', or storyteller.

His primary instrument, the kora, is a traditional harp-lute with 22 strings and is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka culture.

Born from a 700-year-old tradition, these oral historians play an important role in preserving and sharing the culture through generations using song, music and poetry.

There will also be a community-led forum at Weston College Conference Centre on 17 October during which a panel of speakers will be sharing stories on diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism, and fostering change in Weston-super-Mare.

Other events being held in North Somerset can be found here.

But if snuggling up with a good book is more your scene, Wiltshire Libraries have put together a collection of suggested reads which "reclaim the narrative of black lives and celebrate the heritage of diverse voices".

Their top picks include The Fraud by Zadie Smith, Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo, And So I Roar by Abi Daré, and Assembly by Natasha Brown.