Every October the nation marks Black History Month, highlighting the richness of black arts, culture and history. Southampton City Council and partners will be joining the national celebrations and supporting various activities that recognise the important contributions our diverse black communities have made and continue to make to the city.
Councillor Toqeer Kataria, Cabinet Member for Communities and Customer Engagement comments:
“Celebrating and recognising our rich and diverse heritage as a city is incredibly important. I encourage everyone to get involved in the many events and activities that will be taking place in our great city throughout October, to recognise Black History Month.”
Here are some of the ways in which you can get involved in Southampton City Council’s programme of activities to mark Black History Month:
Southampton Stories – Sugar, Politics and Money: Southampton’s links with the transatlantic slave trade. Find out more here: Southampton Stories | SeaCity Museum
Southampton Libraries - Displays will be available in all libraries highlighting Black History Month and the books and resources available to borrow highlighting titles that celebrate black culture and heritage. https://www.southampton.gov.uk/libraries/library-activities/black-history-month-reading-lists/
Traci Carroll, a local author will be reading her children’s picture book called Millie doesn’t Mind, at regular story times across six libraries. It is a positive story to inspire young children to stay true to themselves, especially in difficult times. The tour begins on Saturday 8 October at Bitterne Library and finishes at Shirley Library on 26 October.
· Bitterne Library / Saturday 8 October / 11.15am to 12noon
· Woolston Library / Tuesday 11 October / 10.30am to 11.30am
· Central Library / Wednesday 12 October / 10.30am to 11am
· Portswood Library / Wednesday 12 October / 1.30pm to 2.30pm
· Lordshill Library / Tuesday 25 October / 11.45am to 12.45pm
· Shirley Library / Wednesday 26 October / 10.30am to 11.30am
The Black History Month flag will be raised outside of the Civic Centre on Saturday 1 October with Black History Month South and flown throughout October
Internally, activities will also take place for council staff, focusing on stories and experiences from colleagues.
Further events and ways to get involved with Black History Month can be found on the Black History Month South website: Southampton - Black History Month 2022