The national event, which is supported by Cambridge City Council, is an annual celebration of the history and culture of African, Caribbean, Asian and other black and minority ethnic communities in Cambridge and the UK.
This year’s celebrations mark the 30th anniversary of Black History Month, and feature the most varied programme of activities seen in Cambridge since the event was first officially marked here in 2005.
Among the highlights of Black History Month 2017 in Cambridge are concerts, plays, talks, shows, social events and film screenings, including:
- Step – a documentary about a girls’ high school dance team in Baltimore: Wed 27 September, Cambridge Arts Picturehouse, St Andrew’s Street
- Stories of Migration with the Cambridge Bard – an afternoon of storytelling open to all: Friday 6 October, Museum of Cambridge, Castle Street (free)
- Hot 8 Brass Band – live music from New Orleans band who blend jazz, hip hop and funk : Friday 13 October, The Junction, Clifton Road
- Handa’s Surprise – stage show for children featuring performance, puppetry and music: Sunday 15 October, The Junction, Clifton Road
- Indian Tales with a Contemporary Twist – a show fusing traditional Indian storytelling and music with 21st Century sounds: Tuesday 17 October, Unitarian Church Hall, Victoria Street
- Cambridge African Film Festival – part of the Cambridge Film Festival: Thursday 19-Thursday 26 October
- University of Cambridge 2017 Annual Race Equality Lecture – ‘The Realities of Racism’ with Professor Kalwant Bhopal of Birmingham University and Professor Francisco Bethancourt of King’s College London: Thursday 26 October, Palmerston Room, St John’s College (free)
- African drumming workshop – learn techniques on instruments including congas, bongos and djembes, for beginners to experts: Friday 27 October, Museum of Cambridge, Castle Street (free)
- Cambridge African Network African Culture Event – a celebration of African music, dance and food: Saturday 28 October, Arbury Community Centre, Campkin Road
- The Revolution Will Be Live! – a musical tribute to Gil Scott-Heron by some of his closest collaborators: Friday 3 November, The Junction, Clifton Road
There will also be a digital exhibition on the contribution of black and Commonwealth soldiers in World War I and World War II, available free to view in your workplace, organisation or group. To get hold of a copy email [email protected] or phone 01223 457876.
Cllr Richard Johnson, Executive Councillor for Communities, said: “This year’s programme of events for Black History Month is the biggest and best we have seen in Cambridge, with plenty for people to enjoy.
“We are proud to support events like these which are a celebration of the diverse nature of Cambridge’s population and the part people from many different cultures around the world play in making the city such a vibrant place to be.”
For the complete listings including booking details, visit www.cambridge.gov.uk/black-history-month