Black History Month events this year have been inspired by the theme of ‘celebrating our sisters’ 'Celebrating Our Sisters'

Enfield Council is promoting a series of events throughout October to celebrate Black History Month.

The wide-ranging programme of theatre, spoken word and music encompasses this year’s theme of ‘celebrating our sisters’. Events are being held at Dugdale Arts Centre, Forty Hall and Millfield Theatre, while the council will also deliver a series of educational projects aimed at younger people in Enfield.

Black History Month is celebrated each October and celebrates the invaluable contributions of black people to British society. This years theme highlights the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change and building communities, showcasing pioneering black women who have made remarkable contributions to arts and culture, sport, business, politics, academia, healthcare, and more.

The Dugdale and Forty Hall will be the focal point for Black History Month in Enfield, with a broad range of entertainment and activities, including film showings. For music fans, singing sensations Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson and Queens of Lovers Rock will be celebrating sisterhood with an evening of conversation and performance. Forty Hall will host the African Concert Series in conjunction with Arts Council England, bringing the joyful sounds of South Africa and West Africa to audiences of all ages.

A tiara-making workshop will also take place at the Dugdale with Shari Royer House Designs, while a menopause workshop hosted by Marva Williams will offer a safe and informative space to women from all walks of life to speak openly about the menopause.

At Millfield Theatre, shows include The Diary of the Black Policewoman, telling Jean’s inspirational story of life as a black woman in the police force, and a comedy night, Come Mek We Larf, featuring the best in African Caribbean comedians.

Enfield Caribbean Association is also hosting two events. One will celebrate the impact of the Windrush generation and is being held at Fore Street Living Room Library on Thursday 19th October from 6.30pm. Another event features a series of talks and workshops, a free Caribbean brunch, and a health improvement programme, and is being held on Saturday 28th October from 10am at Green Towers Community Centre in Edmonton Green.

In addition to these events, the council is delivering a series of educational projects aimed at younger people in Enfield, including spoken word workshops in local schools, in partnership with Write2Speak; a Black History Month educational resource pack in partnership with Holler UK, who will deliver inspirational assembly talks to Enfield schools; and the free African Concert Series available to primary schools within the borough.

The council is also funding a Femetamorphosis Theatre performance at Fore Street Living Room Library, Edmonton; an exhibition and musical celebration with Platinum Performing Arts; a documentary on black women in leadership by SRTV Media, based in Edmonton; a family-friendly workshop and celebration of black women involved with nature conservation by The Conservation Volunteers; and a series of Friday film showings at the Dugdale throughout October.

Chinelo Anyanwu, the council’s cabinet member for culture, open spaces and local economy, said: “I always look forward to Black History Month, however this year I am particularly excited about the opportunity to celebrate the exceptional achievements of black women and their contributions to society locally, nationally and globally.

“We have an outstanding and varied programme in Enfield that will recognise the contribution of black people to culture, heritage, the arts, sciences, and more. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on our history and to create a positive future path for younger people.”

For more information about Black History Month events in Enfield:
Visit enfield.gov.uk/services/leisure-and-culture/black-history-month-events-2023

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