We’re continuing to support Black History Month during October when, as a City, we come together to celebrate the contributions of  African and  Caribbean  descendants who have helped shape Wolverhampton, making a huge difference to our culture and people.
Black History Month 2023 Logo

Black History Month is an opportunity to acknowledge the rich heritage and significant contributions of Black communities.

This year, the theme is ‘Saluting Our Sisters’, shining a light on the impact and achievements of Black women throughout history. 

This page is where we will be highlighting events and various activities going on across the City as well as being a platform for raising awareness of the individuals and organisations orchestrating these enriching experiences.

We are committed to supporting the community to support the community and would like to share stories of groups and individuals. This page is available all year round for members of the community to showcase and share their latest events, news and developments.

Join the celebration and share your story with us!

If you want to find out more about Black History Month, online activities, articles or educational resources, please visit blackhistorymonth.org.uk

Events

‘WANTED!’ UK National Tour

Gazebo Theatre presents 'WANTED!’ this October, the stories of four historical women – Irena Sendler, Phoolan Devi, Dr James Barry and British Black Panther Olive Morris – who were all pursued by authorities and incarcerated for their convictions.
 
Brought to life through the imagination of Leoni Lawrence AKA Poetic Justice, who is completing a dissertation on these extraordinary ordinary women, this dazzling performance features powerful drama, original music, soundscapes, humour and heart.
 
If you are an avid historian or interested in the tapestry of female history, this show is for you! Suitable for ages 11+.

Book tickets


An Evening with Junior Hemans

Wednesday 4 October at 7pm
Grand Theatre

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre will host a unique evening this October to inspire and inform the young people of Wolverhampton. AN EVENING WITH… will showcase leaders from some of the UK’s most prominent industries as they share their own personal pathways and ambitions. Guest Speakers include: The Amos Bursary, The Prince’s Trust, NHS Wolverhampton, and The Wolves Foundation.

Performances on the evening include Reepa, a Wolverhampton based grime and rap artist. Reepa featured on this years Wolves home kit launch video, and he is currently in the studio with world renowned producer, Scott Style

To claim your complimentary* tickets visit the Grand Theatre website and quote 'SCHOOLSFREE' when prompted to do so, or call the box office on 01902 429212 (open 2pm - 6pm Mon - Fri).

Please note, in order to obtain your complimentary tickets you will have to log into or create a Grand Theatre account before adding tickets to your basket.

Book tickets


Nubian Natural Sunday Market NNSM

Sunday 8 October, 1pm till 7pm
Heritage Centre, Clifford Street, Wolverhampton WV6 0AA

Visit this unique indoor market bringing together Black retailers of cultural items, books, dolls, clothes, gift cards, posters, films and more. This family event is open to all. Families can explore the range of black centric educational materials not available in any local bookstore.

Caribbean eat in or take out by Adessa’s Catering all day.

From 7:40pm onwards join us for ‘Golden Oldies and Revival Music Night’

For more information call 07546 952 955/


Phil Okwedy: The Gods Are All Here

Thursday 19 October at 7:30pm
Arena Theatre

Sparked by the discovery of letters from his father in Nigeria to his mother in Wales, first-class storyteller, Phil Okwedy, skilfully weaves myth, folktales and legends of the African diaspora, with an astonishing personal story, to create a compelling, funny and warm performance.

Book tickets


Author Gaynor Linton

Thursday 19 October at 6pm
Online

UNISON West Midlands Regional Black Members Group are hosting an online event open to all with West Midlands author G.M. Linton. She will celebrate the 75th anniversary year of HMT Empire Windrush and October’s Black History Month.

During her online event, G.M. Linton will celebrate the original Windrush generation, of which her parents were part of, and their lasting, joyful legacy. She’ll also share why she was inspired to write a book that celebrates their invaluable contribution – and the contribution of other Black Britons – to British society.
 
Book tickets


George Africanus Plaque unveiling 

Saturday 21 October - 10.30am
Wolverhampton City Archives
 

During the Wolverhampton Local History Fair, Mayor Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre will be unveiling a blue plaque dedicated to George Africanus.

The unveiling is at 10.30am on Saturday 21 October at Wolverhampton City Archives.

George Africanus was a slave who was given as a gift to the Molineux family in the 1760s. He lived and worked in what is now the Archives Building until he was an adult.

George was baptised at St Peter’s Church on 31 March 1766 and was given an education, including being taught how to read and write, and became apprenticed to a brass founder in Wolverhampton. There are records of George’s existence in the Archives, including his baptism record and mention of his apprenticeship in George Molineux’s Book of Memorandum. He was eventually granted his freedom in 1829 when he moved to Nottingham and became a successful businessman.

The plaque will be unveiled at the stall of the Wolverhampton Society and is due to be installed externally on the building at a later date.


Irish in the Caribbean and Naming Patterns

Tuesday 24 October at 6pm
Online

UNISON West Midlands Regional Black Members Group are hosting an online event open to all presented by Michael O’Connor. The event will focus on Irish in the Caribbean and naming patterns, specifically the naming and re-naming of the enslaved on Irish & Anglo-Irish owned estates in the British Caribbean 1750-1834.
 
Book tickets


Olive Morris - Windrush Child

Monday 6 November until Friday 24 November

Gazebo Theatre In Education Company presents ‘Olive Morris - Windrush Child’: performance-based workshops for years 5 & 6 and key stages 3-5 from Monday 6 until Friday 24 November. These explore the community social action of British Black Panther Olive Morris. Workshops are designed to support the Citizenship Curriculum and include performance, discussion, drama and creative activities.

These hour-long workshops tie in with our national tour of ‘WANTED’ and successful Windrush 75 focused programmes and we invite local schools, home schools and interest groups to participate. Workshops accommodate a max of 40 participants, and have a highly subsidised cost of £250 for one, £400 for two and £500 for three in a single day.

Please email us at info@gazebotheatre.com or call on 01902 296199 to book.


Wolverhampton City Archives Saluting our Sister display 

Wolverhampton City Archives is "Saluting Our Sisters" as part of Black History Month, recognising the incredible achievements of local black women including Paulette Wilson and Denise Lewis.

The display also highlights the contributions of ordinary black women at work, at school, and across daily life. The display includes interviews with local black women, part of the BEME oral history collection featured on the Wolverhampton Voices website.

The display can be viewed during the Archives opening hours:

  • Wednesday, 1pm - 7 pm
  • Thursday, 10am - 4pm
  • Friday, 10am - 4pm
  • Saturday, 10am - 1pm
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