October is Black History Month and Islington Council and libraries are getting involved with promoting the history and culture of black people in Islington.<br><br>Book displays at all 10 libraries will highlight the contribution to literature of black poets, especially relevant as National Poetry Day falls on 6 October.<br><br>Storytelling, dancing and drumming, a film show and an exhibition are among the other events that will celebrate black history and the diversity of Islington’s culture.<br><br>Nzinga Dance Group will perform African and Caribbean traditional dance for five to 11 year olds at a series of seven shows at different libraries throughout the borough.<br><br>Alex Pascall OBE – Islington author, broadcaster and educationalist – will present an African/Caribbean Oral History through poetry, story telling and song for children and young people.<br><br>This event, designed for children and young people, will be held at Islington’s N4 library on Monday 10 October from 10-11am.<br><br>The central library will host an exhibition and talk by World War II veteran Ivan Mendez on Tuesday 1 November.<br><br>Mr Mendez’s talk will focus on the contribution of African and Caribbean personnel in the two world wars and his own experiences during WWII.<br><br>Also on at central library is a screening of ‘Pressure’, a film by first generation black filmmakers, and a talk after the screening by director Horace Ove.<br><br>The film is being screened as part of the London-wide project 'Pioneer Pictures' in partnership with the British Film Institute initiative Black World.<br><br>The film is for people 15 and over and entry will be given on a first-come, first-seated basis. The screening will be held from 3pm to 6pm on Saturday 22 October.<br><br>“Black History Month is more than just a time to remember the contribution that black people have made to Islington – it is also a time to celebrate our borough’s wonderfully diverse and rich culture.<br><br>“Our libraries are free, publicly accessible areas that provide an invaluable service for all the community as well as relevant and interesting events that appeal to the borough’s entire spectrum of ages and backgrounds,” says Councillor Laura Willoughby, executive member for communities.<br><br>In addition to events at Islington’s libraries, a Black History Month Fun Day and Showcase will be held on Saturday 15 October at Highbury Grove School, N5 2EG.<br><br>From 11am–3pm, the Fun Day will be an entertainment extravaganza including a DJ, African drummers, bouncy castle, beat the goalie, fashion show, creative writing competition, African art, rap poetry and food.<br><br>Gospel and rhythm and blues singer Adelaide McKenzie will be among the headline acts at the evening’s entertainment at Showcase (5pm-7pm).<br><br>For a complete list of all the events planned by Islington Council for Black History Month, visit the council’s website at www.islington.gov.uk<br><br>ends
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009