Black History Month

4th October, 2022

October is Black History Month.

Wandsworth Council have announced a fantastic programme of events to celebrate Black history and culture across the borough over the coming weeks. You can see what is happening across Wandsworth here: https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/the-council/how-the-council-works/equality-and-diversity/black-history-month/

Below are a list of Black History Month events that are happening in Putney, Roehampton and Southfields.

Friday 14th – Sunday 23rd October
A 10-day pop-up market in Southside Shopping Centre by the entrance to Waitrose, as a celebration of Black-owned businesses in the borough this Black History Month.
The market is free to attend and will feature a range of vendors selling arts and crafts, jewellery, clothing, accessories, skincare, soft-furnishings, cakes/pastries, greeting cards, gifts, books, non-alcoholic beverages and more!

Wednesday 5th October at 6:30pm in Putney Library
“An intimate portrait of a man who dedicated himself to the liberation of his people.” Geoffrey Philip “He strove against great personal odds to fight for change and respect for Black people.”

Friday 14th October at 1-2:30pm in Wandsworth Town Library
The birth of her first grandchild inspired Afroclectic Books founder, Izzie Kpobie-Mensah, to revisit the stories she had written for her children when they were little and turn them into books. Since 2019, Izzie has set up an online children’s bookstore and become a book publisher to self publish her 6 books which celebrate her children, family and Ghanaian Culture.

Come and celebrate this wonderful, exciting and fun Ozimzim Cultural Troupe which signifies a group of dancers, actors or ther entertainers who tour to different venues performing.

Wednesday 19th October at 5:30pm in Wandsworth Town Library
Lorna Jones obtained a Science degree from the University of Surrey before studying to become a Certified Trichologist. She undertook her clinical training in various parts of the world including Australia, South Africa, Washington and the UK. Lorna qualified as a Trichologist from the prestigious International Association of Trichologists and has been awarded membership of the following professional organisations: International Association of Trichologists and European Hair Research Society She also runs the UK CCCA Support group on behalf of the Scarring Alopecia Foundation (SAF) who are based in the US. Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA), is a type of central hair loss condition that is found almost exclusively in Black women.

Wednesday 19th October at 10:15am in Southfields Children’s Library
Friday 21st October at 10-11:30am in Wandsworth Town Library,
Friday 21st October at 1pm-3:30pm in Putney Children’s Library
Kamapala will be reading a story, followed by a colouring session.
Kamapala Chukwuka is a wife and mum of 3 adorable boys.
She is a certified confidence coach, a motivational speaker and founder of a digital agency.
Kamapala writes culturally diverse books that add variety to the world of children’s literature.
Her books encourage children to be accepting and respect other people’s cultures.
They also promote moral values of kindness, love for others, patience, confidence, empathy and compassion.

Wednesday 19th October at 5:30pm in Roehampton library
From 1968 to 1973, the West Indies did not win a Test series. They lost 2-0 on their previous England tour in 1969.
By 1973, and despite this lack of success, West Indian cricket still played a central role as a medium of Caribbean self-expression in Britain.
In the summer of 1973, could the West Indies deliver the performances and results to inspire the Caribbean diaspora in Britain?
1973 and Me reveals why this was a landmark year for many of the contributors, exploring the story, legacy, first-hand testimonies and Colin’s personal memoir of this iconic year.

Recycled Art Workshop Inspired by African Traditions, with Jackie Mwanza of the Ubuntu Museum using materials we discard everyday.
Participants will be able to make: An elephant out of aluminium drink cans and a flower out of toilet roll tubes. Activity kits will also be available to take home. (Suitable for all ages 6+)
The project aims to create something new and inspiring out of commonly used household items. It seeks to create awareness among the younger generation of the need to recycle, reinvent and reuse. Jackie Mwanza is a local artist and founder of the Ubuntu museum – a social enterprise with a mission to celebrate cultural inclusion within education, the arts and commerce.

I support the Black Curriculum and believe that Black history should be taught all year round, not just one month.

If you would like to join Putney Black Lives Matter, you can join the WhatsApp group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Fgu8UPDpsko7GQooUaoffT

We will be holding a virtual meeting on the 20th October between 7-8pm and you are welcome to join. Please email me for the meeting link.