Reading Celebrates Black History Month 2023

A CELEBRATION of music, art, theatre and debate are all on offer for this year’s Black History Month 2023 in Reading.

This year's programme, taking place across the town during October, recognises the important contribution our diverse black community has made, and continues to make, to our town and across the country.

There is a packed calendar of fascinating speakers, lively debate, thought-provoking films, educational school sessions and innovative theatrical productions, with many events free of charge.

Highlights during the month include.

• The Windrush Lives Exhibition on until 4 November 2023 at Reading Museum - a unique display of treasured local family keepsakes and pictures of the Windrush generation and their descendants who made Reading the place it is today.
• On Thursday 12 October at 6.30pm Reading Biscuit Factory are screening an evening of short films under the title Creative Connection : Black History showcasing new filmmakers and celebrating underrepresented talent black history/black future. Book and find out more here Creative Connection : Black History Month - new filmmakers Tickets, Thu 12 Oct 2023 at 18:30 | Eventbrite
• African drumming for mental wellbeing at the Community Wellbeing Hub in ACRE on Tuesday 17 October at 10am-3pm, the event will include talks to describe mental health in African context.
• Perfect and practice your carnival dance moves at Soca Dance Classes a fun way to keep fit and have fun, moving to Soca beats with Krystle on Saturday 14, 21 and 28 October 10.30am-11.30am at CultureMix Arts & Music Centre https://culturemixarts.co.uk/entertainment/events-showcases/black-history-month-festival-2023/  
• Reading Central Library are hosting award winning, and Trinidad born author Ingrid Persaud Thursday 26 October 7pm as part of their celebrations of Black History Month. Tickets are just £3, more information about this Meet the Author event here https://whatsonreading.com/venues/reading-libraries/whats-on/meet-author-ingrid-persaud

Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture said: “I always look forward Black History Month and encourage everyone to get involved in the wide and diverse range of activities taking place across Reading throughout October.  Don’t miss the Windrush Lives Exhibition on at Reading Museum, only on until 4 November - to better understand Reading’s Windrush generation who made Reading the place it is today."

"Reading is a town that rightfully prides itself on its diversity and 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. 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.  

For more information, including event dates and times, visit https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/things-to-do/events/black-history-month-2023/