Tomorrow kicks off Black History Month in the United Kingdom

Black History Month has been celebrated across the UK every October for over 30 years, each year growing from strength to strength. Black History Month is a time when we highlight and celebrate the achievements of the black community and uncover hidden history about our communities.

The BHM site will provide you with a comprehensive guide to all the activities which are taking place throughout Black History Month and keep you updated throughout the year with information relating to Black History, Education, Arts and Culture.

You can visit them through this link: http://www.blackhistorymonthuk.co.uk/

Highlights of Black History Month 2009 for London, England:

•Black History: Green History Series, British Museum, 17 Oct (free)
Short films, documentaries and talks on climate change, poverty and sustainability in Africa and the Caribbean, plus sustainability awareness in the UK
•Family Day: Black History Month, Sutton House, 25 Oct (free)
Black music, art, food and dance for all the family
•Black History Month Trail, Sutton House, 1 Oct-31 Nov
Follow the trail to learn about the lives of influential black Londoners
•Black History Month – Struggles for Black Community, Rich Mix, 24 Oct
Colin Prescod, Chair of the Institute of Race Relations, presents two seminal documentaries on contemporary Black history plus a Q&A session
•In Conversation with… Diane Abbott, Museum of London, 21 Oct (free)
MP Diane Abbott, the first black woman elected to Parliament, shares her defining memories of London
•The Price of Sweetness, Museum of London, 24 & 27 Oct (free)
Interactive workshop of poetry, rap and sugar bowl-making with rap artist BREIS
•Black History Month – Family Workshops, Imperial War Museum London, 26-30 Oct (free)
Hands-on, drop-in session where you can learn about African, Asian and Caribbean servicemen and women in the Second World War
•Writing Africa: Marking 10 Years of the Caine Prize, British Library, 10 Oct
Celebrate 10 years of Africa’s highest literary award with Booker Prize Winner Ben Okri Brian Chikwava, Chika Unigwe and Binyavanga Wainaina.
•”Here’s One”: Roland Hayes, British Library, 27 Oct
Remembering Roland Hayes: son of former slaves and the first African-American man to gain fame as a classical singer throughout the world, with Michael Harper
•Football Workshop, Westminster Academy, 7 Oct
Talk to professional players and try out your skills, with Paul Canoville, Chelsea Football Club’s first black player, and London Tigers
•Historical Boat Trips, departing from Tate Pier, 13 & 20 Oct
Learn about life in London during slavery on a guided Thames boat tour
•Mary Seacole Play, Beethoven Community Centre, 14 Oct
Cleo Sylvestre performs a play about the life of Mary Seacole, followed by a chance to meet Mary in full costume and ask questions

Get more information from the Visit London website: http://www.visitlondon.com/events/detail/4733701

Not to be outdone by London, Liverpool offers a full schedule of events. Here are just two:

Destination freedom

Based upon the true story of William and Ellen Craft, this performance follows their personal journey from enslavement to freedom.

Suitable for all visitors

Dates
Next date : 2pm and 3pm – Sunday 11 October 2009

International Slavery Museum
International Slavery Museum visitor information

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Great African women
The second in a series of three informal Sunday School lectures by Dr Mark Ledwidge, dealing with different aspects of Black heritage, politics and culture.

You do not need to attend all three sessions but places are limited and open to 16s and over. Please email Sam Turner to book a place.

Suitable for adults / seniors

Dates
Next date : 1-3.30pm – Sunday 11 October 2009

International Slavery Museum
Lecture theatre, 4th floor
International Slavery Museum visitor information

View the full schedule for events in Liverpool: http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/whatsonnet/eventseries.aspx?sid=7