Lewisham BHM Events

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BHM events 3rd October - November 17th

Jackson – Live in concert
Broadway Theatre
Friday 23 September, 7.30-9.10pm
£12/£18

Amir Sharma's portrayal of Michael Jackson in his prime has to be the most vocally and visually accurate tribute to the King of Pop to have ever toured UK theatres. Amir is joined on the stage by a cast of musicians, singers and dancers who work their way through all the hits. His renditions of Thriller, Beat it and Billie Jean are truly sensational. Pure MJ!

Contact details: 020 8690 0002 www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk

Best of the Little Big Woman
Broadway Theatre
Sunday 24 September, 8pm
£16/£18/£20

Dual Impact productions present Llewella Gideon in her one woman comedy show.

Contact details: 020 8690 0002 www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk

Blackheath Goes Gospel Workshops
Blackheath Halls
Mondays from 26 September to 31 October; Tuesdays 1, 8 November,| 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Course Fee: £57/£51 concessions
Once again this Autumn we are forming our very own Blackheath Halls Gospel Choir. Back by popular request, the choir will be led by members of the London Community Gospel Choir in a series of workshops.

These workshops will culminate in a performance in the Great Hall at Blackheath Halls in which our choir will be joined by children from two primary schools from the local area.

Contact details: 020 8463 0100
www.blackheathhalls.com

BASCA Reminiscence present: A Caribbean world of words
Lewisham Library
Tuesday 27 September, 8-9.30pm

BASCA Reminiscence writers read selected pieces from their published works: Caribbean Joys (poetry), Familiarly Caribbean Delights Revisited (poetry and prose) and Supremely Caribbean (a collection of short stories). BASCA are the Back-Home Assembly African-Caribbean Association.

Contact details: 020 8314 9800

Black History Month Quiz
Crofton Park Library (5-12)
Grove Park Library (5-12)
Lewisham Library (5-12)
Sydenham Library (5-12)
Saturday 1 October, 11am-12noon

Contact details: 020 8314 9800

Young Kings of Comedy
Broadway Theatre
Sunday 2 October, 8pm
£23

Experience the best young urban comedians in the UK today. Line-up includes: Eddie Kadi, Richard Blackwood, Kevin J, Kane Brown, Kojo The Fresh Prince of Hackney (Choice FM & MTV), Jamie Howard and Axel The Entertainer. Hosted by Kat B.

Contact details: 020 8690 0002 www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk

Throughout October

BHM Library Screenings
Downham Library
Forest Hill Library
Manor House Library

View a feature film celebrating Black interest cinema.

Contact the venues direct for more details.

Library storytimes
All libraries (including community library services)

Listen to some wonderful stories from cultures and writers around the world. All libraries will theme many of their weekly storytimes throughout October.

Contact the venues direct for more details.

BHM events week commencing Monday 3 October

Colourful Collage
Forest Hill Library (5-8)
Monday 3 October, 3.30 – 4.30pm

Make your own impression on a famous person by turning them into a colourful collage

Contact details: 020 8314 7653

Maggie Harris and Rosemarie Hudson: Author and Publisher perspectives
Lewisham Library
Tuesday 4 October, 8-9.30pm

Maggie Harris introduces Kiskadee Girl, ‘a memoir that reads like a novel.’ The setting is Guyana, the land of many waters, and the time one of great change in Maggie’s life.

Followed by Q&A with Maggie and, special guest, Rosemarie Hudson, founder of the highly influential BlackAmber Press.

Contact details: 020 8314 9800

One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show
The Albany
Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 October, 7.30pm
£12/£14 (£8/£10 concessions).
Saturday 2.30pm matinee all tickets £9.

The Harrisons are the most respectable Black family in Philadelphia until the arrival of their niece turns life on its head. A hilarious revival of Don Evans’ sitcom style classic.

Contact details: 020 8692 4446
www.thealbany.org.uk

We all went on Safari
Catford Library (5-7)
Weds 5 October, 11-11.45am

Story time and colouring in session with library staff.

Contact details: 020 8314 9113

Chatterbooks
Lewisham Library (8-12)
Wednesday 5 October, 4-5pm

Fun quiz challenge, crosswords and puzzles.

Contact details: 020 8314 9800

Paperboy Productions Fashion Xtravaganza
Manor House Library
Friday 7 October, 6-9pm
£5

A fun evening showcasing the work of local designers, modelled by local girls.
Contact details and advance booking: Jahmar 0750 6702525
Saturday Reading Group

Manor House Library
Saturday 8 October, 11am–12noon
All are welcome to join this month’s reading group to discuss black writing.

Contact details: 020 314 7779

Paperboy Productions Fashion Xtravaganza reprise

Manor House Library (Family event)
Saturday 8 October, 1-4pm
£5

A family oriented reprise with the sound and spectacle of yesterday evening’s fashion show. The event showcases the work of local designers, modelled by local girls.
Contact details and advance booking: Jahmar 0750 6702525

Anansi stories and craft
Torridon Road Library (8-11)
Saturday 8 October, 2.30 – 3.30pm

Classic trickster tales and craft activity

Contact details: 020 8314 3712

Sing Out for BHM
Become part of a mass choir singing out for Black History Month on the afternoon of Sunday 9 October. Register your interest by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We’ll let you know the exact time and place and of any rehearsal sessions.

BHM events week commencing Monday 10 October

Deacons For Defense
Goldsmiths Students Union
Monday 10 October, 6.30pm

Screening of a film which explores a little known but true aspect of the American civil rights movement. Starring Forest Whittaker and Ossie Davis.

Contact details: 020 8692 1406

Jan Blake and Inno Sorsy: A storytelling feast
Manor House Library
Tuesday 11 October, 7-8.30pm

Early booking is advised for this free show as Jan Blake’s exhilarating storytelling has international renown. Jan is partnered by Inno who also collects and performs stories from across the globe.

Contact details: 020 8314 7779

Alex Wheatle: Uprising
The Albany
Tuesday 11 – Friday 14 October, 7.30pm
£10 (£7 concessions)

Marking the 30th anniversary of the Brixton riots, award-winning author Alex Wheatle presents his autobiographical story of how he became a writer. A moving journey through 1980s Britain.
Contact details: 020 8692 4446
www.thealbany.org.uk

Handa’s Surprise
Downham Library (under 5)
Wednesday 12 October, 10-11am

Our rendition of the classic picturebook story, followed by cartoon time.

Contact details: 020 8314 9702

Dig out dem roots: Caribbean Family History workshop with Sharon Tomlin
Downham Library
Wednesday 12 October, 6-30-8.30pm

A practical genealogical workshop (utilising IT to highlight web resources) from a founder of the Carib Geneaology and Family Research Service. Basic IT skills will be and advantage. 15 places.

Contact details: 020 8314 9705

Handa’s Surprise
Torridon Road Library (under 5)
Thursday 13 October, 10-11am

Our rendition of the classic picturebook story.

Contact details: 020 8314 3712

Mask Making
Forest Hill Library
Friday 14 October, 4-5pm (ages 8-11)

Make a mask of your favourite black hero or an African style mask.
Contact Details: 020 8314 7653

The Pomedy Show
Broadway Theatre
Friday 14 October, 8-10pm
£17.50/£20

A wonderful opportunity to see Jamaica’s legendary “edutainer,” Yasus AfarI, provide his special blend of poetry and comedy which will excite and inspire, while educating and entertaining. A dignified sense of humour and perceptiveness, along with fun-loving creativity have characterised the resilience of the Jamaican people, which Yasus projects.

Contact details: 020 8690 0002 www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk

African Kufi Hat Craft
Manor House Library (all ages)
Saturday 15 October, 10.30am-11.30am

Learn about African culture & make your own paper Kufi hat.

Contact details: 020 8314 7794


Multi-Cultural writers group
Lewisham Library
Saturday 15 October, 2-3.30pm

A time and space for those interested in writing to meet and discuss their work. Each person reads their own work aloud to the group and members give constructive feedback to assist in each writers’ development. We aim to create a comfortable environment where members can express themselves freely and work towards their personal goals as writers.

Contact details: 020 8314 9800

Anansi stories and craft
Catford Library (5-7)
Saturday 15 October, 2.15-3.15pm

Classic trickster tales and craft activity

Contact details: 020 8314 9113

BHM walking tour of New Cross and Deptford
Sunday 16 October
Meet outside 439 New Cross Road for 10.30am start (11.45pm finish)
£5; Accompanied under 16s free.

Historian S.I. Martin leads a walking tour revealing the hidden histories of black people in New Cross and Deptford over the past 500 years.

All places must be pre-booked through Lewisham Library and paid in advance (Tel: 020 8314 9800).

South-East London’s hidden Black History: S.I. Martin
Manor House Library
Sunday 16 October, 2.15-3.15pm

Eminent historian S.I. Martin shares from his recent research into UK black history with a particular focus upon South-East London.

Contact details: 020 8314 7779

Queen Rocks Gospel
Broadway Theatre
Sunday 16 October, 7.30pm
£17.50

A spectacular night of Queen with The Bohemians and The ACM Gospel Choir from Last Choir Standing. It’s a unique show featuring all of Queen’s biggest hits performed in a way never seen before.

Contact details: 020 8690 0002 www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk

BHM events week commencing Monday 17 October

Anansi stories and craft
Downham Library (Family event)
Tuesday 18 October, 2.30-3.30pm

Classic trickster tales and craft activity

Contact details: 020 8314 9705

Sharing space with Inspired Word
Torridon Road Library
Tuesday 18 October, 7-8.30pm

Local creative writing collective, fresh from recent triumphs at People’s Day and the Lewisham Literary Festival, return with recent work and encouragement to join in with Open Mic at the conclusion of the evening. So you can either sit back or join in.

Contact details: 020 8314 3712

Stories from Africa
Manor House Library (Under 5)
Wednesday 19 October , 2.30-3.15pm

A special under 5s story time with stories, songs & colouring in fun!

Contact details: 020 8314 7794

Ancestral Voices – Screening and Q&A
Forest Hill Library
Thursday 20 October
5.30pm (73 min. screening, 30 min Q&A)

This Longbelly Productions documentary examines significant correlations between tenets in mainstream religions and African spiritual practices widely stigmatised as Juju, Obeah, Voodoo or witchcraft. The film-makers (who will takes questions after the screening) question why African belief systems are viewed negatively in comparison to modern religions.

Contact details: 020 8314 7653

Half Term Family learning Workshops
Lesnah Hall, teacher and author of titles in the Black Makers of History series is offering interactive workshops suitable for children aged 8 and over accompanied by parents or grandparents and interested students and professionals (eg. teachers and youth workers).

Manor House Library
Saturday 22 October, 2-4pm

An informal version discussing why many young men and women left the Caribbean to settle in the UK between 1940-70 and upon the Caribbean contribution to UK culture. It will take place within the main body of the library

Contact details: 020 8314 7779

BHM events week commencing Monday 24 October

Half-Term tour: Inspirational poems and song lyrics

Professional performers Sandra Agard and Alison Blunt will bring poems and song lyrics to life for family audiences as, between them, they take in Lewisham’s libraries in a whistle-stop tour. Free performances for accompanied children aged 4-7.

Sandra Agard

Crofton Park Library
Monday 24 October, 11-11.45am
Contact details: 020 8314 8726

Torridon Road Library
Monday 24 October, 2.30-3.15pm
Contact details: 020 8314 3712

Forest Hill Library
Wednesday 26 October, 11-11.45am
Contact details: 020 8314 7653

Pepys Resource Centre
Thursday 27 October, 11-11.45am
Contact details: 020 8694 8999

Deptford Lounge
Thursday 27 October, 2.30-3.15pm

Age Exchange
Friday 28 October, 11-11.45am
Contact details: 020 8318 9105

Manor House Library
Saturday 29 October, 2.30-3.15pm
Contact details: 020 8314 7794

Alison Blunt

Catford Library
Monday 24 October, 11-11.45am
Contact details: 020 8314 9113

Sydenham Library
Monday 24 October, 2.30-3.15pm
Contact details: 020 8314 8148

Downham Library
Thursday 27 October, 11-11.45am
Contact details: 020 8314 3712

Grove Park Library
Thursday 27 October, 2.30-3.15pm
Contact details: 020 8314 7686

Half Term Family learning Workshops

Lesnah Hall, teacher and author of titles in the Black Makers of History series is offering interactive workshops suitable for children aged 8 and over accompanied by parents or grandparents and interested students and professionals (eg. teachers and youth workers).

Lewisham Library
Tuesday 25 October, 10am-12 noon

This morning session discusses why many young men and women left the Caribbean to settle in the UK between 1940-70 and upon the Caribbean contribution to UK culture.

Lewisham Library
Tuesday 25 October, 2-4pm

This afternoon session examines the origins of the 13 month Ethiopian calendar and its links to Ancient Egypt. The session also looks more widely at the impact of Ancient Ethiopian culture.
Contact details: 020 8314 9800
(symbol for free/advanced booking required for each session)

Henna Tattoos
Forest Hill Library
Tuesday 25 October, 2-3pm

Come and be inspired by different Indian and Arabic henna designs. Bring a friend or relative and try out the designs for yourselves.

Contact details: 020 8314 7653
(symbol for free/advanced booking)

Rangoli mat craft
Downham Library (Family event)
Tuesday 25 October, 2.30-3.30pm

Get involved with craft activity

Contact details: 020 8314 9705

Mask Making
Torridon Road Library
Tuesday 25 October, 2.30-3.30pm (5-7)

Make a mask of your favourite black hero or an African style mask.

Contact Details: 020 8314 3712

Stories from Africa
Catford Library (Under 5)
Wednesday 26 October , 11-11.45am
Contact details: 020 8314 9113

A special under 5s storytime with stories, songs & colouring in fun!

Chatterbooks
Manor House Library, (8-11)
Thursday 27 October, 4-5pm

Book chat about favourite Black writing.

Contact details: 020 8314 7794

Murafo’s Beautiful Daughters
Manor House Library (8-11)
Friday 28 October, 2pm – 3pm

Listen to the story and make a beaded necklace.

Contact details: 020 8314 7794

Follow the band with the Steel Pans
Catford Library (8-11)
Friday 28 October, 2.15-3.15

Discover the Calypso sound of the Caribbean and make your own mini steel pan drums.

Contact details: 020 8314 9113

Inspiration of a nation
Catford Library (8-11)
Saturday 29 October, 2.15-3.15

Nelson Mandela themed activity with puzzles colouring and information on the Father of Africa.

Contact details: 020 8314 9113

BHM events 1 November onwards

In conversation with the brothers: Music, literature and discussion
Manor House Library
Tuesday 1 November, 7-8.30pm

Come, hear and be inspired by award-winning Jazz Pianist Emmanuel Waldron and Young self-published local author Abiodun Balogun, who will be discussing and reading from his anthology London’s Invisible Tears.

Contact details: 020 8314 7779

Courttia Newland: A Book of Blues
Lewisham Library
Thursday 3 November, 8-9.30pm

The blues speak of many things, love most of all. Courttia uses the short story format to compose vivid contemporary songs of self-discovery, tenderness and hope. Celebrated local saxophonist Jimmy Beckley provides the mood music.

Contact details: 020 8314 9800

Blackheath Goes Gospel Performance
Blackheath Halls
Friday 11 November, 7.30pm

Performance led by the London Community Gospel Choir with the ‘community chorus’ of workshop participants and pupils from local schools.
Contact details: 020 8463 0100
www.blackheathhalls.com

Inspired Word: Performance and Open Mic
Lewisham Library
Tuesday 15 November, 8-9.30pm

Come and enjoy a Black History themed performance of poetry, prose and monologue with the opportunity for 2 minute bursts of open mic.

Contact details: 020 8314 9800

Jacob Sam-La Rose: Breaking Silence
Lewisham Library
Thursday 17 November, 8-9pm
Described as a “one man literary industry,” Jacob’s newly published poetry anthology is a stand-out reflection upon contemporary Britain.
Contact details: 020 8314 9800