Wandsworth celebrates Black History 365  

A series of events between now and April 2024 will celebrate Black history and culture, including events to mark Windrush Day on June 22.

Wandsworth Council launched Black History 365 in October and this week we reveal the successful applicants for a new fund for artists and cultural organisations to develop programming for Black History 365. Black-led organisations were particularly encouraged to apply, as part of a wider invitation to contribute to the cultural agenda of the borough. 

Kemi Akinola, deputy leader and cabinet member for the voluntary sector, business engagement and culture, said: “Wandsworth Council celebrates Black History Month each October with an extensive programme of events, but we also think African and Caribbean history, culture and heritage should be celebrated all year round.  

“This year, we will be sharing the stories and experiences of people of African or Caribbean heritage who live, work or study in Wandsworth, recognising the outstanding contribution that people of the African diaspora have made in shaping our borough.” 

The first event will be a free Caribbean summer BBQ in the Doddington and Rollo Estate’s Community Roof Garden this Saturday (20 May).The event will feature a showcase of Black designers, music, artists and writers based in Wandsworth. Find out more at stormfamilycentre.com  

The other events are:  

WomenKind free workshops are delivered in partnership with Bounce Theatre and Home Community Café in Earlsfield. Over five months, participants will create 100 personal art pieces that will be displayed in an exhibition and celebration of Womenkind on International Women’s Day in March 2024. www.eclecticgift.co.uk/womenkind  

Artist and Photographer Michael Mapp will curate an exhibition and deliver a series of free art workshops celebrating the impact of contributions made by individuals and groups from the African & African Diasporic People of Wandsworth. The exhibition will open to the public on 12 June at Katherine Low Settlement in Battersea, and run until early July 2023. www.michaelmappphotography.co.uk/blackwandsworth  

Hidden Treasures (above) is a creative project celebrating Black Heritage and lineage through workshops, arts, jewellery and conversation. Workshops will be held at the Pump House Gallery in Battersea Park on Thursday 1, 8 and 15 June from 6.30pm-8.30pm. Sign up here.   

Ancestry Talks (below) will deliver four free African & Caribbean family history sessions in Wandsworth libraries.Attendees can explore the rich cultural heritage of the Black and Caribbean community, uncover hidden stories of their own ancestors, and deepen their understanding of Black history.  Upcoming events will be available to book on Eventbrite.  

Artist Fée Uhssi will deliver a series of free creative and interactive workshops where participants will learn about African textiles and Fashion history and how they influence modern and western fashion. Running September 2023 – February 2024, the project will consist of a series of six workshops culminating in a community fashion show where participants will be invited to model an outfit that tells the story of their family background, country of origin, or tribe. www.artoffashionwrapping.com  

Producer BawrenTavaziva presents a public performance of BOY’S KHAYA (below), accompanied by an African dance and creative skills workshop for local young dancers and a networking event for local cultural organisations.Recruitment for workshop participants will begin in September 2023.tavazivadance.com/productions/boys-khaya/  

Windrush Day is on June 22 and marks the arrival at Tilbury Docks in 1948 of people from the Caribbean travelling on the ship Empire Windrush. They came at the invitation of the Government to work in vital industrial and public sector jobs, including the new National Health Service, in order to help repair the war-ravaged British economy. 

The council has organised events to mark the day as part of its Wandsworth Arts Fringe (WAF) festival.  

On 9 June Pegagus Opera presents a Windrush 75 Anniversary Concert at the National Opera Studio  featuring top classical singers and music by composers of African, Caribbean and Asian heritage with gospel, spirituals, opera, musical theatre and songs inspired by the black diaspora. Find out more 

Battersea Arts Centre will host a play on Jun 22 from the Black Heroes Foundation about Flip Fraser, who arrived in England from Jamaica aged 15. He was the first editor of the Voice newspaper and creator of the ‘Black Heroes Hall of Fame theatre production. Find out more 

Other WAF events will include a Story of John Archer exhibition, performances, Q&A and open-mic session at Battersea Arts Centre on June 17, and a show at the Royal Academy of Dance charting the journey of Black British war veterans.  

 Find out more about Black History 365