Solihull Council is marking Black History Month (BHM) which takes place every October, celebrating the contributions and achievements of African, Asian and Caribbean people across Britain and beyond.
‘Saluting our sisters’ is this year’s theme, paying homage to the black women who have shaped history and inspired change. It is supported by the #WEMATTER movement, emphasising the importance of black women today.
BHM is an important time to commend diversity and inclusion within Solihull, celebrating the contributions of our increasingly diverse community. The 2023 theme will celebrate the achievements and contributions of black women and raise awareness of their on-going battles in society. Solihull Council encourages its residents to take part in local events in and around Solihull celebrating BHM.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Solihull Council, said:
“Black History Month is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the African, Asian and Caribbean people and their wonderful contributions to our diverse community.
“We consistently update our Council policies and prevail in our initiatives to ensure diversity and inclusion is respected and honoured.
“Everyone is welcome and celebrated in Solihull, and we strive to be part of a council which is as inclusive and respectful as possible.”
Throughout October, there will be a series of free and paid events in Solihull including:
- ‘Windrush 75’: Exhibition is a month-long exhibition organised by the ‘Solihull and Birmingham Caribbean Family History Group’ commemorating the history and impact of Windrush 75 years on from its arrival.
Venue: The Core Library Heritage Area
Date: October & November 2023 - Researching Ancestry: The Caribbean Family History Group Workshop The Caribbean Family Group welcomes you to an open event guiding you on your research journey into your Caribbean ancestry.
Venue: The Core Heritage Area
Date: Saturday 28 October 10-4pm - Black British Ballet Island Movements: A short ballet This inventive ballet tells the story of Windrush exploring the impact of this generation’s experiences with their families, communities, and society. The show will be followed by a Q&A with the dancers and creators, as well as a workshop for children aged 4-8 years. Tickets available on website soon.
Venue: The Core Library
Date: Wednesday 1 November 2023 - The Core library has also shared a recommended reading list for BHM. This is a range of fiction and non-fiction titles available in physical, audio and e-book formats.
Other events taking place across the region:
- History Centring Black Lives: The People Enslaved by Lady Sarah Holt An evening talk with Dr Miranda Kaufman
Venue: Birmingham Museums, Aston Hall Trinity Road, Aston, B6 6JD
Date: Thu 12 October at 7pm
Tickets: £10 Book tickets here - Storytelling The Gods Are All Here: A moving, funny and warm-hearted, one-man performance from first-class storyteller, Phil Okwedy
Venue: Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1SE
Date: Thu 19 October at 7.30pm
Tickets: £12 Book tickets here - Cheeky Little Brown: A coming-of-age story, a play which examines a friendship between two Black women, on diverging paths of self-love and acceptance
Venue: Belgrade Theatre, Coventry CV1 1GS
Date: Tue 24 - Sat 28 October at 7:45pm & Sat matinee at 2:15pm
Tickets: From £10 (Age 15+) Book tickets here
For further information visit birminghamblackhistorymonth.co.uk and Black History Month website for more content, events, and insight. #WEMATTER