Reading Celebrates Black History Month 2019

A COMBINATION of drama, dance, music and comedy are on the menu for this year’s Black History Month in Reading.

Big showbiz names and influential individuals in the community feature in the diverse programme of events taking place in venues across the town in October. There will also be a timetable of fascinating speakers, lively debate, thought-provoking films and entertaining theatrical productions. Anyone who has ever considered becoming self-employed will be able to get advice at the Business in the Community event on 2nd October. The UK’s foremost expert in Caribbean family history, Paul Crooks, will host a free ‘Who do you think You Are’ type school at Reading Museum on 5th October. Four guest speakers will discuss Crime and Punishment at a joint Reading Elderly Befriending Scheme and Reading Peace Group event on 5th October, combined with a fusion of Caribbean food, craft stalls and musical entertainment. ACRE are marking the official opening of their new offices in Oxford Road with an anti-slavery awareness day event on 17th October and there are a number of events through the month focusing on the Windrush Generation, including a play at South Street, celebration event at Tyndale Baptist Church and a special Windrush Evening at Mapp Community Centre. Reading International Festival runs from 14th October to 8th November and includes a night of stories, fashion and music to mark the 25th anniversary of Reading Refugee Support Group on 4th November and an evening Celebrating Brazil on 8th November. The popular cultural event the Annual Autumn Festival, known as Sharad Utsav or Durga Puja, will be held at Rivermead Leisure Centre 3rd – 7th October with a selection of cultural performances, an art exhibition and a host of workshops for all the family. Reading Central Library will be staging South Asian Britain on Film on 12th October and Britain on Film: Black Britain on 18th October and Reading Film Theatre will be screening a range of films and documentaries at the University of Reading. Music fans will be kept entertained with shows such as The Magic of Motown, What’s Love Got to do With it? and Diversity at The Hexagon and Kanda Bongo Man at South Street.

Cllr Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, said:

“There is a hugely diverse range of events and activities taking place in Reading during Black History Month. “The amazing programme of events gives everyone the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the important contribution the black community has made, and continues to make, in the town and across the country. Reading is a town that rightfully prides itself on its diversity, and this celebration of our black communities is one that I am sure all residents will relish attending.” The Black History Month 2019 brochure with details of events and activities can be found at: https://issuu.com/readingcouncil/docs/bhm-2019-a5-v7