Birmingham

Fri 14 Sep – Sat 22 Sep
Rough Crossings
As the American War of Independence reaches its climax, a plantation slave and a British Naval Officer embark on an epic journey in search of freedom. Divided by barriers of race but united in their ambitions for equality, their convictions will change attitudes towards slavery forever.
Birmingham Rep, 7.30pm, £10-£19, tel: 0121 236 4455, [email protected], www.birmingham-rep.co.uk.

Sun 7 Oct
Journeys through Time
Discover the journey of Olaudah Equiano. Workshops and performance around traditional African Caribbean music. Costumed interpreters, storytelling with Clive Dennis-Cole, tours and family drop-in craft workshops. In association with The Equiano Project.
Soho House Museum, 11.30am-4pm, tel: 0121 554 9122, www.bmag.org.uk

Thu 25 Oct
‘In His Shadow’
Take a journey into Africa with ‘In his Shadow’ a breathtaking tale fusing theatre, music and dance in a poignant account of life in a small village in present day Africa. With the help of a sorcerer, Kanikki is chosen to go to England in the hope that he will return with new skills to uplift his village. This performance will be followed by explosive music from Afro jazz group Crossroad Collision who have been enthralling audiences with a rhythm and energy that pushes you out of your seat and makes you move. Marrying energetic traditional African drumming with the enigmatic vie of the Kora and strong jazz rhythms. In His Shadow is performed by Dunia Yetu, Crossroad Collssion is led by Steve Yimga.
The Drum, 7.30pm, £8.50, tel: 0121 333 2444, www.the-drum.org.uk.

Fri 26 Oct

Working and Living Together
A family workshop with writer and storyteller Roi Kwabena. Free drop-in half term activity based on themes of culture, identity and family roots.
Soho House Museum, 1pm-3.30pm, free, tel: 0121 554 9122, www.bmag.org.uk

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Coventry

Sat 25 Oct
African Caribbean Day
Have you ever been to Africa or the Caribbean or does your heritage lie there? Coventry Libraries are offering people the chance to come closer to the culture at special open days held as part of Black History Month. Finham and Stoke Libraries will be throwing open their doors later this month to host special events celebrating the best in Afro-Caribbean culture.
Stoke Library, 2pm-3.30pm, free, tel: 02476 786 990, www.coventry.gov.uk. Finham Library, 10.30am-12pm, free, tel: 02476 786 974, www.coventry.gov.uk.

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Hereford

Sat 29 Sep – Sat 27 Oct
Hereford Photography Festival
South African Contemporary Photography
This will be the first time in the UK that an audience will have the opportunity to view such a wide range of the photography being produced in South Africa and to meet the photographers who are creating a new vision of their country.
Hereford Museum & City Art Gallery, day-time, free, tel: 01432 351 964, [email protected].

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Nottingham

Tue 25 Sep – Thu 8 Nov
Slave Narratives - Nottingham Castle
This exhibition looks at the British slave trade in the 18th century. Using autobiography and contemporary images, it tells the stories of three survivors of slavery: Mary Prince, Robert Wedderburn & Quobna Ottobah Cugoano. Also on display will be the Wedgwood-fired Abolition commemorative piece resulting from the Sankofa Project earlier this year.
Nottingham Castle, day-time, normal admission applies, tel: 0115 915 3651, [email protected], www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk.

Sat 29 Sep
Black History Month: Dr David Johnson
A talk followed by discussion, in the Long Gallery by Dr David Johnson. He lectures on Postcolonial Literature; his recent research is on South African cultural histories of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Nottingham Castle, 3pm, free, tel: 0115 915 3651, [email protected], www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk.

Sat 20 Oct
Tracing Your Roots- Discovering Black Family History
Local author Victor Okrafo-Smart will talk about tracing his own family from Africa to Europe via the Caribbean. Help and advice will also be available for you to start tracing your family history if your roots lie in the Caribbean or Africa. The event is FREE and all are welcome. Light refreshments will be served
St Ann’s Library, 10.15am-12.30 pm, free, tel: 0115 915 2873, www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk.

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Sandwell

Mon 1 Oct – Fri 26 Oct
Free exhibition exploring the ties to slavery and anti-slavery campaigning in Sandwell.
Four venues: Smethwick Library, Central Library – West Bromwich, Sandwell Council House, Thimblemill Library – Smethwick, 8am-6pm, free, tel: 0121 558 2561, 0121 569 4904, 0845 358 2200, 0121 429 2039,

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Solihull

Mon 10 Sep - Sat 10 Nov
Caribbean Family History Exhibition
Would you like to trace your family history in the Caribbean and back to Africa? Solihull Libraries, in partnership with Solihull College, have been running the first Caribbean Family History courses in the country.
Visit the exhibition to learn how to start your family tree and see examples of what you can find out.
Heritage Gallery – Solihull Central Library, all-day, free, tel: 0121 704 6934, www.solihull.gov.uk.

Tue 16 Oct
Woza Albert – Mac Production Black History Tour
This is an important revival of one of the most important and entertaining theatrical events of the 1980’s. Woza Albert is based on one dazzlingly simple idea... that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ should take place in South Africa during the height of
apartheid. The original production took cities in Europe, Africa and America
by storm playing to standing ovations every night. Written by Percy Mtwa, Mbongeni Ngema and Barney Simon this version is directed by Paul Jonathan Savage
Solihull Arts Complex, 7.30pm, Adults £9 Kids £8, 0121 704 6962, www.macarts.co.uk.

Wed 24 Oct
Cultural Awareness Event
This year the ‘Cultural Awareness Day’ will be a commemoration of the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Abolition of The Slave Trade Act. There will be workshops and performances that will explore the impact of the slave trade on dance and other creative art forms. The day is aimed at young people aged between 13 and 19 years old. Places will be offered to schools, youth centre’s, Connexions and voluntary agencies.
Kingshurst Youth & Community Centre, 10am-3pm, £1, tel: 07919 887 066, www.solihull.gov.uk.

Thu 25 Oct
A Taste of the Caribbean
Fun for all the family. Come and enjoy thrilling stories, interwoven with Caribbean music and drumming performed by Andrea Green. Refreshments will be served Caribbean style!
Chelmsley Wood Library, 11am-12.30pm, free, tel: 0121 788 4371, www.solihull.gov.uk.

Thu 25 Oct
A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to Chelmsley Wood
An evening of fun, laughter and song. This event celebrates the 200th anniversary of the passing of the law to abolish slavery. With a line up of talent from comedian to poet with song and dance in between. The all black line up has local connections with most of the artists coming from in or around the local area.
Grace Academy, 7pm-10pm, free, tel: 07825 336 089, www.solihull.gov.uk.

Fri 12 Oct
Abolition of the Slave Trade - Author talk by Richard Reddie
Richard Reddie organised the National Abolition of Slavery Commemorative Service at Westminster Abbey on 27 March 2007. In addition he has written Abolition, published by Lion Hudson. He will give an author talk in the Studio as part of the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade and also as part of the Black History Month programme of events in Solihull.
Solihull Arts Complex, 7.30pm, Adults £5 Kids £4, 0121 704 6962, www.solihull.gov.uk,
www.lionhudson.com.

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Shropshire

Mon 1 Oct – Fri 5 Oct
The Equiano Touring Exhibition
Using Equiano’s autobiographical account in his book “The Interesting Narrative” the exhibition will tell the story of his extraordinary life and draw together all the major themes connected to the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its Abolition.
Shrewsbury Library, day-time, free, tel: 01743 255 309, www.shropshire.gov.uk/library, [email protected].

Mon 22 Oct – Sun 26 Oct
Museum on the move Unfair Trade: Slavery
This interactive, multi-sensory exhibition commemorates the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and explore the history of slavery in the local area from pre-historic times to present day. The Square, 10am-4pm, free, tel: 01743 281 000, [email protected] , www.shrewsbury.gov.uk. Tue 23 Oct Kick Racism Out of Football The ‘Kick It Out’ Cup tournament demonstrates real community cohesion as teams from the Council, Police, Fire Service, youth groups and BME communities compete for ‘the Kick It Out’ Cup to raises awareness of racism in football and society.
Shrewsbury Sports Village, 6pm-9pm, free, tel: 01743 281 00, [email protected] , www.shrewsbury.gov.uk.

Mon 8 Oct
The Life of Olaudah Equiano
7.30pm In the bi-centinal year of the abolition of the slave trade West Midlands storyteller Clive Dennis-Cole brings to life (if full costume) one of the leading abolitionist of the 18th century, Olaudah Equiano. This powerful and insightful performance should not be missed in this historic year celebrating the abolition of the slave trade.
Wellington Town Council Building, 7.30pm, free, tel: 01952 567 697.

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Walsall

TBC

Wolverhampton

Mon 25 Mar – Fri 30 Dec
Cultural Heritage Trail
Join in the cultural heritage trail, which is part of the bicentenary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade programme. See objects and works of art that reflect the changing attitudes of society and represent the struggle of both black and white campaigners for human rights and justice for all. Please ask at reception for a guide.
Wolverhampton Art Gallery, 10am-5pm, free, tel: 01902 552 055, [email protected], www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk.

Sat 1 Sep – Sat 13 Oct
You’re Joking! by Rachel Garfield
Garfield’s works explore the gap between an individual’s perception of their identity and the perceptions of others. The work deals with stereotypes placing them alongside the subject of those stereotypes to examine issues of identity, racism and belonging from multiple perspectives.
Wolverhampton Art Gallery, 10am-5pm, free, tel: 01902 552 055, [email protected], www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk.

Sat 8 Sep - Sat 6 Oct
Trades of Bilston
The Trades of Bilston exhibition explores how the history of Bilston has been shaped by the ‘trades’ of the area, from the heavy industries of GKN Sankey and Bilston Steelworks, through to the shops and services established to cater for local people’s needs and tastes.
Bilston Craft Gallery, 10am-5pm, free, tel: 01902 552 507, [email protected], www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/bilston.

Sat 15 Sep –Fri 26 Oct

Sugar Coated Tears
A unique exhibition commemorating the bicentenary in a highly symbolic way. Artist Vanley Burke has worked with Black Country blacksmith Lofty Burke to re-create 40 cast iron, sugar-coated instruments of restraint and punishment that were commonly used in the transatlantic slave trade. Sugar Coated Tears explores the connections between the commercial gains of slavery and the psychological and physical impact on its victims.
Wolverhampton Art Gallery, 10am-5pm, free, tel: 01902 552 055, [email protected], www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk.

Fri 21 Sep
Noor (Light) – Anurekha Ghosh & Company
Conceived by the award winning dancer and choreographer Anureka Ghosh, NOOR is the meeting point of acrobatic martial arts, with contemporary Kathak dance that explores LIGHT from a scientific, religious and mystical point of view. Is your inner light switched on?
Arena Theatre, 7.30pm, £10, tel: 01902 32132, [email protected], www2.wlv.ac.uk.

Wed 26 Sep
Motherland
A specially commissioned new production that tells the human stories of slavery, indentured labour and migration set against an epic historical backdrop. The production brings together international artists from India, Africa, the Caribbean and the UK in a spectacular combination of music, dance, theatre and visuals.
Arena Theatre, 7.30pm, £8, tel: 01902 321321, [email protected], www2.wlv.ac.uk.

Thu 27 Sep
A Respectable Trade – Parts 1 & 2
Light House presents special screenings of the BBC’s production “A Respectable Trade” adapted by Philippa Gregory from her own novel. Set against the background of the English slave trade and starring Warren Clarke, Anna Massey, Emma Fielding, Ariyon Bakare, Richard Briars and Jenny Agutter. The production brilliantly shocks the conscience with its intimate and unsparing portrait of slavery.
The Light House, 7.30pm-9.30pm, £4.90/£3.70, tel: 01902 716055, [email protected], www.light-house.co.uk.

Mon 1 Oct
BHM & Abolition Launch
One studio room will showcase different organizations and groups who have worked on activities and separate events in relation to Black History Month/Abolition of Slavery. This is to create an opportunity for members of the community to find out more about the content of particular events/activities, and also the background to Black History month and the Abolition of Slavery.
Newhampton Arts Centre, 10am-3pm, free, tel: 01902 572290, [email protected], www.newhamptonarts.co.uk.

Tue 2 Oct
Skin
This powerful double bill has an original sound score, percussive sound-scapes, rich vocals, digital projection and emotive live effects. Drawing on African, Caribbean, European and Japanese dance styles, six dancers explore the invisible signals we give out and what makes us function as human beings. From the outside we look different, but underneath aren’t we all the same?
Arena Theatre, 7.30pm, £8, tel: 01902 321321, [email protected], www2.wlv.ac.uk.

Wed 3 Oct – Wed 31 Oct
Our Ancestor, Our Histories, Our Stories Exhibition
An exhibition that has personally involved members of the African Caribbean Community Panel. This exhibition marks the Abolition of Slavery where members have produced a personal accounts of a selection of work ranging from written interpretations about snuff boxes within Bantock’s collections as well as oral recordings, paintings, photography, ceramics and poetry that have been inspired by the “Breaking the Chains” exhibition at The British Empire Museum in Bristol.
Bantock House, 11am-5pm, free, tel: 01902 552195, [email protected], www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/bantock.

Tue 9 Oct
City Voices
At this regular monthly event, members of the Black Readers & Writers’ Group present their take on issues around slavery.
The City Bar, 7.45pm, free, tel: 01902 552061, [email protected], www.thecitybar.co.uk.

Thu 11 Oct
Sean Spencer: A Retrospective & Light House DVD Launch
As part of Light House’s anniversary celebrations we are presenting the work of Director and Screenwriter Sean Spencer and launching our new DVD featuring short films produced at the centre over the past 21 years. Light House is an award-winning production company with an impressive list of titles to its name and this evening we will be showcasing a number of short films as well as inviting Sean to talk about his career since graduating from Light House in 1999.
The Light House, 7pm-9.30pm, free, tel: 01902 716055, [email protected], www.light-house.co.uk.

Fri 12 Oct
Legacy of Language
This event, supported by the Black and Ethnic Minority Experience Foundation, will look at the impact of language on the learning development of black students. Special guest speaker is Natalie Fagan – Brown.
The Light House, 7pm-9.30pm, free, tel: 01902 716055, [email protected], www.light-house.co.uk.

Thu 18 Oct
Wolverhampton, Slavery & Abolition
In the second of his talks marking the 200th anniversary of the passing of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, Wolverhampton City Archivist, David Bishop will concentrate on his research into individuals and groups who were engaged with the abolition movement locally. Come and find out more about a little-known aspect of the city’s history, and how you can become involved in a project to uncover more about it.
The Light House, 7pm, free, tel: 01902 552480, [email protected], www.light-house.co.uk.

Fri 19 Oct
Lifting the Mask
Delve deep into Paul Laurence Dunbar’s mind as he tackles love, identity and loneliness in England’s promised ‘new world’ of 1897; a world where slavery has been legally abolished for 63 years: But at what price? ‘Why should the world be over-wise in counting all our tears and sighs? Nay let them only see us, while we wear the mask.’ Historically hailed ‘the poet laureate of the Negro race’ and a son of two slaves himself, Dunbar finds that true slavery - like freedom - is ultimately a timeless mindset.
Arena Theatre, 8pm, £8, tel: 01902 321321, [email protected], www2.wlv.ac.uk.

Wed 24 Oct
Sweet Tooth
By the time of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in 1807, over 12 million African men, women and children had been loaded onto European slave ships- 3 1/4 million by the British. This powerful and emotive play tells the story of the trade, and gives voice to the millions of women and girls who endured immeasurable cruelty in what can only be described as an African Holocaust. Sharing the stories of Mary Prince, Nanny of the Maroons in Jamaica, and the nameless many, this play, which merges video and live action, promises to educate and provoke.
Arena Theatre, 8pm, £8, tel: 01902 321321, [email protected], www2.wlv.ac.uk.

Thu 25 Oct
The Wishing Bridge – Moby Duck Theatre Saira’s a wild child with a big secret. At the front of dad’s boat is a special place. Sit there – go under ancient bridges – close your eyes – and wish. You’ll always come out into the time and place you’ve chosen; but what happens once you’re there is never easy to control – and almost never what you want...
Newhampton Arts Centre, 2pm, £4/£3, tel: 01902 572090, www.newhamptonarts.co.uk.

Sat 27 Oct
Wearable Amulets Workshop
Celebrate Black History Month this year with a specially organised practical session. Explore self-identity and cultural diversity with silversmith Rajesh Gogna and create a piece of jewellery in silver that will capture your feelings and experiences of the day.
Bilston Craft Gallery, 11am-3.30pm, £15, tel: 01902 552 507, [email protected], www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/bilston.

Sat 27 Oct
Slavery – A Play by Jonathan Payne
Come along and see this phenomenal one act play, which will receive its UK premiere in the year of the bicentenary of the abolition of slavery. Visitors will then be invited to view the ‘Our Ancestors, Our history, Our Stories’ exhibition before it closes on 31 October.
Bantock House, 7pm-9pm, £5, tel: 01902 552195, [email protected], www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/bantock.

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