{"id":7261,"date":"2019-08-27T08:27:08","date_gmt":"2019-08-27T07:27:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visionrcl.org.uk\/?page_id=7261"},"modified":"2025-10-10T09:32:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T08:32:31","slug":"black-history-month","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/isca00.bigwaveserver.co.uk\/~visionrc\/black-history-month\/","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Black History Month<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Celebrating Black History Month with Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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This October, Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure, in collaboration with Redbridge Council and local community organisations, is proud to honour Black History Month with a vibrant programme of events taking place across the borough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Redbridge Libraries have curated an engaging and inclusive series of activities for all ages. From events that celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals within Redbridge, to those that explore personal stories, family histories, and the rich cultural heritage of African and Caribbean communities \u2014 there\u2019s something for everyone to discover, reflect on and enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Launching Black History Month with Redbridge Outdoor Arts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Jeanefer Jean-Charles & Associates present PATOIS <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Saturday 4 October in Ken Aston Square, Barkingside<\/strong>
11am and 2pm
Sunday 5 October in Ilford Town Centre<\/strong>
1pm and 3pm (BSL interpreted)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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PATOIS tells a story of lost languages, longing and belonging through traditional Caribbean folk and contemporary dance, accompanied by an original music score. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on a journey to rediscover hidden voices and identities that are rooted in dialects, that are buried within us, as we reawaken stories and generations of the past with Redbridge Outdoor Arts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free, all ages welcome!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Children & Families at Redbridge Libraries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dance Workshops by the
Black British Ballet Project<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Back by popular demand, the Black British Ballet Project is offering children’s dance workshops, led by a pioneer of black British dance for young dance enthusiasts of all levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free, for ages 5+<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dance Workshop<\/strong>
Redbridge Central Library
Saturday 11 October 14.30 – 15.30<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fullwell Cross Library
Saturday 18 October 14.30 – 15.30<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Classical Ballet Workshop Taster<\/strong>
Redbridge Central Library
Saturday 18 October 14.30 – 15.30<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Special Rhyme Time with Jane Grell<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Goodmayes Library<\/strong>
Friday 10 October, 10.30am – 11.00am

Fullwell Cross Library<\/strong>
Tuesday 14 October, 10.00am – 10.30am<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with a special rhyme time led by local poet and storyteller, Jane Grell. Engage in lively, interactive rhythm games, songs, poems and stories from the African and Caribbean Oral Tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This event will take place instead of the regular rhyme time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free, drop in, no need to book<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Schools Programme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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This Black History Month, we\u2019re running some exciting events for schools!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join Author Ryan Crawford<\/strong>, who will be visiting Fullwell Cross Library<\/strong> on Tuesday 14 October<\/strong> to help launch his new book “Cosmic Cadets and the Universal Uni-Korn”.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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We\u2019ll be time-travelling with Claire Linney<\/strong> at Redbridge Central Library<\/strong> on Wednesday 15 October<\/strong> and her book series “The Time Tub Travellers”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both of these events are now fully booked, but to find out more about our schools author events, email<\/em>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SchoolsResources.Library@visionrcl.org.uk<\/em><\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Adults & Teens at Redbridge Libraries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Black History Month Book Chat<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Like reading and talking about books? Join our Book Chat for Black History Month to discuss \u2018The Underground Railroad\u2019 by Colson Whitehead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Redbridge Central Library and online<\/strong>
Wednesday 1 October, 14.00 – 15.15<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2018The Underground Railroad\u2019 reimagines the historical Underground Railroad escape network as a literal railway. The story follows Cora, a young, enslaved woman fleeing a Georgia plantation in a bid for freedom. Cora\u2019s path powerfully highlights the brutal realities of slavery and the quest for liberation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Come in person or join online! Please register so the online joining details can be emailed to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Immersive Black Histories <\/strong>
(Suitable for 13 yrs+)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Lab Central, Redbridge Central Library <\/strong>
Monday 27 October, multiple time slots available<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience the powerful virtual reality film \u201cTravelling While Black\u201d<\/a> and step into the lived realities of black Americans throughout history, touching on the challenges of restricted movement, the creation of safe spaces, and the ongoing struggle for equality. Afterwards, we\u2019ll offer space for quiet reflection or conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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IMPORTANT: This is a 20 minute, seated Virtual Reality documentary with quite powerful themes and is recommended for ages 13 yrs+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rapid Reads Sharing Circle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Join us Tuesday October 28<\/strong> and Redbridge Central Library at 6pm<\/strong> where we\u2019ll be discussing \u2018Open Water\u2019<\/strong> by Caleb Azumah Nelson for Black History Month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You can join Rapid Reads in person at Redbridge Central Library or you can join online. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Redbridge and Slavery<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Uncover Redbridge’s connections to the transatlantic slave trade and campaign for abolition in this new permanent exhibition at Redbridge Museum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday – Friday 11:00 – 17:00. Free admission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Redbridge’s Windrush Generation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Discover the experiences of Redbridge’s Windrush generation in this new permanent exhibition at Redbridge Museum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday – Friday 11:00 – 17:00. Free admission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Memories of Windrush<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Using interviews conducted by Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre from 2002 to 2018, this film explores the memories and experiences of the Windrush generation who settled in the London Borough of Redbridge from the 1950s to 1971.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This film will be screening throughout Black History Month in the foyer at Redbridge Central Library<\/strong>, Ilford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Essex to Ethiopia: Sylvia Pankhurst<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Discover Sylvia Pankhurst’s connections to Ethiopia through a new website by Redbridge Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sylvia Pankhurst lived in Woodford from 1924 \u2013 1956 and is best known as a suffragette and political campaigner. She fought for Ethiopian independence after it was invaded by Fascist Italy in 1935. An early supporter of the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, Sylvia edited the New Times and Ethiopia News<\/em> from her Woodford home for many years before moving to Ethiopia in 1956.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Schools at Redbridge Museum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Redbridge Museum offers education sessions on Black history for schools, including Suitcase Stories<\/strong> which looks at migration from the Caribbean into Redbridge from the 1960s, and We Were Not Alone: Commonwealth Contributions to the Second World War<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Valentines Mansion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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African Safari Animal Crafts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Monday 27 October, 12:00 – 13:30 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating Black History Month at Valentines Mansion.  Using a variety of vibrant animal textile printed fabrics, children will explore different textures and design their own African safari animal and make a framed artwork ready to hang at home.  Artist Tiffany Joseph will help you explore African Safari animals through a small exhibit including photos and models \u2013 a chance for children to get some ideas for their own animal creation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This event is for those above 5 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Honouring Our Heroes \u2013 An Exhibition Celebrating 80 Years Since the end of WW2<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

6 October 2025 \u2013 27 October 2025 (Sundays & Mondays only)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

12.00 \u2013 17.00<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When war was declared, Britain issued the \u2018Royal Call,\u2019 requesting support from countries within the British Empire. Many individuals from Commonwealth nations volunteered to serve during both World WWI and WWII.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u2018Honouring Our Heroes\u2019 exhibition will showcase artworks by local artist Jacqui Cooke, celebrating the commitment and sacrifices of Veterans of African Descent and First Nations individuals. Each piece stands as a testament to their remarkable achievements, with some veterans recognised among the most decorated for their service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite facing immense adversity, many displayed extraordinary courage and resilience, rising to the ranks of Officer and surpassing all expectations. This exhibition offers a vital opportunity to learn about the contributions of individuals of African descent and First Nations to both world wars, shedding light on the lives and legacies of some of history\u2019s most courageous and conscientious figures.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Colours of Redbridge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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“Unheard, Now Spoken”<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n


Presented by the Black Woman Kindness Initiative<\/strong>, Colours of Redbridge<\/strong> and Lifeline Projects<\/strong>– Tuesday 21 October, 17:30 – 20:00<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This event will take place in the Kenneth More Theatre, Foyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us for Unheard, Now Spoken \u2014 a heartfelt tribute to the courage and unity of women who have found strength in their stories and in each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience an unforgettable evening of storytelling, poetry, and cultural celebration with Unheard, Now Spoken \u2014 a stage adaptation of the book Voices in Harmony. This moving production brings to life the voices of Black and Ethnic Minority women from Redbridge as they share their remarkable stories of strength, resilience, and sisterhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Directed by Kaleya Baxe, Assistant Director at the National Theatre, Unheard, Now Spoken offers a dynamic blend of spoken word, music, and movement. With an amateur ensemble cast of twelve women, the performance creates a theatrical experience that fuses spoken word, dance and poetry to celebrate cultural identity and community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This personal yet universally resonant performance explores themes of belonging, support, and solidarity, inviting audiences to connect with the warmth and power of shared experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This performance would not have been possible without the generous support of Lifeline Projects, Colours of Redbridge and the Wellbeing Hub.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Community Events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Celebrating Black History Month: Natural Solutions Expo 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On Saturday 25 October 2025<\/strong> 12:00 – 17:00<\/strong>, at Redbridge Townhall<\/strong>, located at 128\u2013142 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1DD, England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Join us for the Natural Solutions Expo 2025<\/strong>, a vibrant celebration of Black History Month in Redbridge, dedicated to exploring natural remedies and timeless wellness practices across generations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The expo offers a rich and engaging programme designed to promote holistic health and cultural healing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attendees can look forward to wellness talks and cultural healing sessions<\/strong>, alongside a diverse range of herbal remedies and natural product vendors<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There will be delicious, nutritious food and drinks<\/strong> available, as well as live demonstrations, music, and dance performances<\/strong> that celebrate African and Caribbean ancestral wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Families are warmly welcomed, with an interactive children\u2019s corner<\/strong> and engaging family activities<\/strong> throughout the day. Guests will also receive free goody bags<\/strong> filled with wellness samples to take home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re managing chronic pain, seeking natural healing options, or simply curious about holistic wellness, this event provides a unique opportunity to learn from experts, connect with like-minded individuals, and celebrate the rich heritage of natural healing traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To register your ticket, book a vendor space, or sign up to participate, please scan the QR code<\/strong> on the event flyer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Metro Bank & BWIK & The Healing Table <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On Wednesday 1 October at Metro Bank, Ilford. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

17.00 – 19.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hosted by The Black Women\u2019s Kindness Initiative & The Being Table<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us for a spectacular evening of connection, inspiration, and celebration!
This unique networking event brings together powerful stories from business owners, dynamic guest speakers, and soulful live performances from talented singers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or community builder, this is your space to share, learn, and uplift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Reading and Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Digital Reading Collection (Libraries Consortium)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n