Joint Assistant Director for Culture and Creativity Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE chairs a star-studded panel for a discussion on #ReclaimingNarratives – the theme of this year’s National Black History Month.
Underscored by a commitment to correct historical inaccuracies and showcase the untold success stories as well as the full complexity of Black heritage, this year’s theme is about honouring the heroes and taking control of the stories while challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the achievements and contributions of Black people – both in the UK and globally.
Speakers from a diverse mix of backgrounds and disciplines will be sharing their experiences and insights into the power of stories as a tool for change.
The event is part of Black History Haringey 365, the council’s annual programme to highlight the fascinating and diverse history of Black communities in Haringey and promote Black history education throughout the borough.
Some other highlights you can enjoy in this year’s programme include:
- A ‘Reclaiming the Narrative’ writing workshop with local performance poet Kieron Rennie
- The History in the Making event at Park View School entitled ‘War Inna Babylon – The Community’s Struggles with Truth and Justice’
- A Mental Wealth Day celebrating African and Caribbean-inspired approaches to wellbeing
- The Healthy Living and Lifestyle Fair for our Black communities
- A talk about ‘that bookshop on Stroud Green Road’ and ‘encounters with an archive’
- The Afrobeat Open Deck Day and the Library Lates: Afro Culture Heritage Night
- A guided walk to explore 400 years of local Black history in Tottenham Cemetery and All Hallows Church and graveyard
- The Tottenham Literature Festival at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre
The Black History Haringey 365 webpages include all the event listings, but also contain a wealth of resources such as activities, quizzes and timelines that you can access whenever you want to learn more about our borough’s rich and diverse Black history.
Cllr Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council, said:
Here in Haringey, Black history is everyone’s history. From the earliest recorded Black residents in the 16th century through to the Windrush generation and beyond, Black people and communities have made a profound contribution to our borough.
That’s why it is too important to highlight for just one month of the year and why we are proud our Black History Haringey 365 programme ensures that Black history stays at the top of the agenda in our borough all year round.
I hope all residents will take some time to visit our webpages and explore the wealth of events, activities and resources to learn about and celebrate Black history and heritage.
