London,
01
October
2020
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09:02
Europe/London

Camden Black History Season – ‘Back to the future’

This October, Camden Council is launching a ‘Black History Season’ to celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of Black people across the borough and the rest of the UK.

Black History Season will be celebrated with a series of virtual events running from October to December. The season’s theme is ‘Back to the future’, a celebration of the history, culture and influences of the African diaspora on British life.

The season will focus on local and international connections, highlighting achievements in science, arts, education and business. Acknowledging the past and looking to the future.

Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People, Equalities and Cohesion
“Black History Season is a fantastic opportunity for everyone in Camden to both celebrate and learn more about the amazing achievements, contributions and stories of Black people across our many diverse communities.

“However more so than ever, against the ongoing struggle of the Black Lives Matter movement, this year’s celebrations come at a pivotal time. As protests continue, we continue to stand in solidarity with our Black communities and call for an end to racial injustice.

“Against this backdrop, the COVID-19 pandemic has also shone a light on and exacerbated existing structural inequalities that disproportionately affect people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

“In Camden, we have a strong history of history of fighting for equality and progress, in what is one of the most diverse areas of the country. To adequately address this racism and inequality, we have been working with all our communities, but the loss and trauma of the last few month’s acts as a touchstone on which we can help us all listen, learn and take action.

“We owe it to our diverse communities to make sure that together we are taking action, fighting inequality and racism wherever we might see it and creating lasting change and I call on everyone in Camden to join us.”
Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People, Equalities and Cohesion

Black History Season will encourage communities to come together virtually, sharing experiences, reflections and aspirations for the future. Some highlights of the season include:

Books and Beyond

From Tuesday 20 October to Tuesday 8 December

Come and join us for Camden’s online book club as we explore contemporary Black British authors with a monthly special guest facilitator.

Limited spaces, book your place here

Contemporary Activism, from past to present: Making lasting change for the Black Community

Thursday 22 October – 6 to 8pm

Join us for a series of online discussions with leaders of change, exploring different approaches to activism, what change has happened and how others can get involved. We’ll be kicking off the season with a panel discussion with special guest Stella Dadzie,co-founder of OWAAD (Organisation of Women of Asian and African Descent) and author of ‘The Heart of the Race: Black Women’s Lives in Britain’

Limited spaces available, please book your place here

Camden Black Worker’s Group presents Back to the Future: How our journey began

Friday 23 October – 6pm

Want to learn more about Camden’s Black heritage? Join us for a panel discussion featuring prominent figures from the local community as we take a look at the origins of Camden’s Black Worker’s Group. Discussion hosted by Alim Kabana with guests Patrick Vernon OBE, British social commentator, Basil Gabbidon, musician (Steel Pulse) and activist, Dr Angela Herbert, Chair of the Violent Crime Prevention Board and Kieran Ferdinand, Camden Rainbow Group

Limited spaces, please book you place here

Councillor Hai continued:

“The theme of Back to the Future demonstrates how black lives have and will always matter.

“We will be focussing on our local and international connections, highlighting our achievements in science, arts, education and business, whilst acknowledging the past and looking towards the future.

“With events ranging from a virtual weekly ‘cookalong’ to online film showings, podcasts and more, there is sure to be something of interest for everyone.”

Judy Fredrick, Camden Black Workers Group said:

“Camden Black Workers Group has a strong history of supporting Black History Month throughout the years in which they continue to organise events in the borough for the community.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the council as part of the first Black History Season in Camden.

“I hope that this great initiative will help enable all residents across the borough to learn more about the importance and ongoing relevance of Black history and culture, both locally, nationally and internationally.”

Find out more about the events and how you can book online at www.lovecamden.org/blackhistoryseason