Liverpool Black History Month

Black History Month is one of the most prominent cultural celebrations of the year. In Liverpool a host of arts and cultural organisations, universities and businesses have created an impressive programme. We showcase the talent and vibrancy of the city’s black communities, and welcome national and international artists, activists, historians and commentators. Here’s a snap shot of what to expect: Mayor Joanne, the first black woman UK city mayor demonstrates history in the making; Blue Saint and a posse of WoW Young writers take over Tate Liverpool: Professor Stephen Small Zooms in from California; Betty Vandy and Nazeem bring culinary and musical flavours from West Africa; Lorraine Maher, explores what it means to be black and Irish; Malik Al Nasir shares his letters to Gil Scott Heron and Hip-Hop artist Nicky Blaze will be 20 Stories High.

As well as a time to celebrate, Black History Month is a time for reflection. On the 40th anniversary of the 1981 Uprisings we explore the progress we, as a society, have made towards true racial equality. With Kim Johnson, MP and activists from across UK inner cities, following the largest Black Lives Matter Protests outside of the US, we explore the next steps down the road of social justice towards a society in which our children can see what they want to be and we ask: really, how far have we come?

Join us as we debate, eat, sing and dance to the beat of the samba drum – from Merseyside to Cuba, Syria, Mexico, Colombia, Iraq, Jamaica, India, Zimbabwe, Chile, Nigeria, the Gambia and South Africa, celebrating black achievement and crucial black art. This is a month for everyone to share, participate, and to enjoy!

#BHM2021 #BlackLivesMatter