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Black History Month

Black History Month

Post date: 10th October 2021
Written by: The Visit Southampton Team

October sees the celebration of Black History Month (1 - 31 October). First celebrated in the UK in 1987, Black History Month is an important opportunity to reflect on the diverse histories of those of African and Caribbean descent, taking note of achievements, contributions, and celebrating key figures who have made substantial contributions to the country.

This year’s Black History Month launched with a “Proud to Be” campaign, this new campaign is encouraging people of all ages to share what they are ‘proud to be’ on social media.

In and around Southampton, there are some great events taking place all in celebration of Black History Month.

Join the Black History Month discussion on the Black History Month South Facebook Group.

Celebrate black culture and heritage with a curated list of stories from the African and Caribbean communities exploring and challenging race and racism.

Hidden Histories Trail

3rd October - 6th November

Join the Hidden Histories Trail, a walking tour around Southampton’s Old Town, where you can learn about the early Black history of the city. The tour starts and finishes at God’s House Tower and is available weekly throughout Black History Month. Find out more.

Singing like Germans Black Musicians

Tuesday 12th October

In this talk, Professor Kira Thurman explores the long history of Black musicians from the United States and beyond who performed in Germany and Austria during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Tickets are free but booking is required. Find out more.

Saints and Saviours exhibition

21st September - 6th November

Saints and Saviours is a new installation by Mary Evans (b. 1963, Lagos, Nigeria) that pays homage to the rich migratory history of the city of Southampton and its people, a history that continues to expand today. The exhibition can be seen at John Hansard Gallery and Marlands Shopping Centre.

My Best Friend’s Wedding

19th-23rd October - Mayflower Theatre

The smash-hit 90s movie, My Best Friend’s Wedding, is now a brand-new musical comedy starring Alexandra Burke. The comedy features some of the most iconic songs ever written by the legendary Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Book tickets online to enjoy this wickedly funny musical. Find out more.

Jordan Mackampa

19th October - The Joiners

After catching the eye of Beats’ Julie Adenuga for his debut single, Same Faces, he has only gained more attention and support. Over the past 2 years, Jordan has sold out four headline shows in London and been on two headline tours across UK and Europe. Book tickets online. Find out more.

Rush

21^st October - Mayflower Studios

Rush tells the story of Reggae music and the Windrush Generation, hear how their music took the world by a storm. Get ready to dance to the music of Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, and many more. Find out more.

Legend - A Tribute to Bob Marley

23rd October - The Brook

Get in the Jamaican vibes with this brilliant seven-piece tribute to reggae’s finest playing all the timeless classics. Find out more.

“Proud to be” Black Stories Screening

25^th October - Mayflower Studios

The theme of this year’s national Black History Month (October) is "Proud to be" and that’s the theme of Our Version Media’s first-ever community stories screening. "Proud to be" will be an evening showcasing and celebrating stories from Southampton's African, Caribbean and Black British communities. It’s the culmination of a month-long Mobile Storytelling programme where participants learned to craft, film, and edit stories using a mobile phone for the very first time. Find out more.

Lord Apex

30^th October - The Joiners

Hailing from White City, West London, 22-year old rapper Lord Apex has become an underground favourite thanks to his compellingly laid-back style. Championed by the likes of CRACK magazine, KISS FM, and BBC 1Xtra, Apex is starting to make a serious name for himself in the rap world. Find out more.

The Greatest Love of All

31^st October - Mayflower Theatre

Fresh from her show-stopping Britain’s Got Talent appearance, Belinda Davids returns to the UK with her acclaimed stage show. Whitney Houston’s musical legacy is brought to life in this critically acclaimed tribute show. Find out more.

There are so many events and activities you can be a part of this Black History Month and we look forward to seeing you there.