READING is all set to celebrate Black History Month with a programme of events set to recognise the vital contribution the black community makes to Reading, and the country.
In the UK, Black History Month has been observed each October to both celebrate how black people enrich the community and recognise the history of the community.
Reading will see music, art, theatre, and debate events, as well as numerous educational resources.
The council is holding a number of debates in its civic offices, with The Big Debate taking place on Thursday, October 6, and ACRE’s Black Lives Matter discussion on Monday, October 24.
There will be a celebration of community volunteers, hosted by ACRE and Utulivu Women’s Group, also in the council chambers.
Central Library will see a screening of Paterson Joseph’s telling of the story of Charles Ignatius Sancho on Friday, October 14.
South Street Arts Centre is showing Doris Allimadi’s I Belong on Friday, October 22, and Howling Wind on Saturday, November 12, presented by Reading Windrush Alliance.
Jamal Harewood’s WORD on will also show on Wednesday, November 2; followed by The Privileged, by the same author, on Friday, November 4 at the same venue.
Reading Museum is launching its new black history virtual session for schools from Monday, October 3.
The town will also see a number of musical events, with Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra over introductory workshops, which under-18s attend for free, at CultureMix Arts Centre.
On Friday, October 7, Reggae Fridays open mic night will take place at the same venue, featuring Reading Reggae Collective and led by Grammy Award-winning producer and bassist, Don Chandler.
Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “Reading is a town that rightfully prides itself on its diversity.
“Reading Borough Council is committed to supporting the Black community, furthering the rights of the members of that community and tackling head-on the disadvantages and struggles that the community has faced.
“Black History Month offers a full programme of live events hosted by Reading Museum, Reading Arts Venues, Reading Libraries and many local community organisations.”
Cllr Barnett-Ward continued: “It gives everyone the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the important contributions all of our Black communities have made, and continue to make, in the town and across the country.
“I always look forward to the year’s Black History Month– a wide and diverse range of activities will be taking place across Reading throughout October.
“Black History Month is for everyone and I encourage everyone in Reading to take part in October’s Black History Month events and embrace the richness our black communities offer us all, acknowledging their importance to our town.”
Among other events taking place during the month include the annual Reading Minster Annual Lecture, this year featuring Mpho Tutu Van Furth,
For a full list of events and resources during Black History Month, visit: www.reading.gov.uk.
