Black History Month gives us the opportunity to share, celebrate and recognise the impact of Black history and culture.
Today, we’re focusing on Southampton, our Carnival House home, and the events and attractions you can visit to learn more about the city’s rich tapestry of Black culture. If you’re an ally, then immersing yourself is a great way to better understand the stories, lived experiences and histories of Black culture. And there is a wealth of this on our doorstep.
Southampton has celebrated Black History Month for the past 15 years, through the work of founding members, Don John and Jayanti Shah. Its impact and influence has increased across the community over the years, becoming a significant event in the city calendar.
Get involved
Take a walk on your lunch break
Check out the multi-stories installation in the West Quay Car Park
At the beginning of September, inspiring local artists created permanent large and small-scale murals to celebrate Black stories from Southampton. You can find the artwork on Floor 7 of the West Quay Car Park. See how many local legends you can spot!
See the Ebony Rockers Mural
Stop by the Marlands Shopping Centre to see the large-scale mural painted in celebration of the local 70s band, the Ebony Rockers. The legacy of the Ebony Rockers has been wide reaching, including influencing contemporary talent such as Craig David (whose father was in the band).
Try and find all of the ‘Black Plaques’ across the city centre
These plaques recognise the people and the moments that have had an impact on Black history in the region, from Bob Marley to Craig David.
Join a Carnival House event from our REACH network
Meet the author, Simon Hudson, Thursday 12 October, 10:30 – 11:30, Carnival House Atrium
Grab a free pastry from the Atrium and hear from Southampton author, Simon Hudson, as he shares the journey of discovery that led to his two-volume book ‘History through the Black Experience’. Find out more about the talk here.
Meet the film maker, Olu Rowe, Tuesday 24 October, 13:00 – 14:00, Quebec (FL0) and Teams
Join local film maker, Olu Rowe, for a thought-provoking Q&A and screening of his short film, The Blackness. Olu was commissioned to write the script for a film which features stories about the experience of Black people in Southampton throughout history. Find out more about the talk here and look out for your calendar invite soon.
Join a local event
Saturday 14 October | 19:00 | Film screening | MAST Mayflower Studios | Find out more here
MAST is hosting a screening of Barrel Children: The Families Windrush Left Behind by award-winning journalist Nadine White. The film peels back the layered tales of Caribbean youngsters who grew up away from their parents before migrating to join them in Britain.
Wednesday 18 October | 18:00 | Black Talent in Business and Leadership | University of Southampton | Find out more here
Hear from a panel of Black entrepreneurs, freelancers and start-up founders who share their journeys into business.
Monday 23 October | 18:30 | Film screening | MAST Mayflower Studios | Find out more here
Join MAST for an evening of real stories, by real people. This will be an evening showcasing the lives of women from Southampton’s African, Caribbean and Black British communities. Their stories will be told through three-minute mobile videos produced, filmed and edited by the storytellers themselves.
To find out more about local events taking place across Southampton and Hampshire, click here and join this Facebook group here.