Oldham to come together to mark Black History Month

Oldham Council is set to celebrate Black History Month with a range of live events and activities.

To mark this important month the council's Live@thelibrary team have organised a series of live performances and exhibitions throughout October – and beyond – for Oldhamers to enjoy.

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Our Black and Asian communities have contributed so much to making Oldham a great place to live.

"I’m proud to call it my hometown.

“Our borough’s history is intimately linked to Black and Asian history, including the slavery that was at the heart of the cotton industry that built the town.

“So, understanding, learning and celebrating our history and people is key to building a stronger, more united Oldham.

“It’s also really important that we celebrate and raise the profile of Black History Month because, sadly, racism is still happening every day – in society, at football matches and over social media.

“Last year the council had to mark Black History Month mainly online so it’s good that we have organised a range of live events and activities people can attend and get involved in.

"Please support them - and Black History Month.”

Aleiah’s Adventure (Saturday 16 October, 12noon and 2pm, £3) is one for families to enjoy.

Join Aleiah as she journeys through the city meeting historical figures and local legends.

Discover old stories, told in new and exciting ways and help Aleiah find her way through the city she thought she knew.

This play features BSL and visual-storytelling throughout.

Suitable for ages 8+.

On Tuesday, October 26 at 2pm you can join poet and performer Ella Otomewo for her Spoken Word Workshop.

Join Ella and create your own poetry.

Booking is essential

Over at Gallery Oldham, Legacies of Biafra runs from Saturday, October 23 to Saturday, February 26, 2022.

This exhibition features works from the artistic collective Nigeria Art Society UK (NASUK), which will be exhibited alongside archival materials on the war and a selection of short films.

During Black History Month we will also be raising awareness of hate crime as part of a national campaign to prevent people suffering in silence.

Sadly, there are many strands of hate that take place in society, including hate aimed towards someone’s ethnicity, so it’s important victims are aware of the support available so they can report this abhorrent act and get the help they need.

If you have been a victim of hate crime, or a witness to it, please come forward.

For more information on how you can do this, visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/hatecrime

For the full programme of what’s on in Oldham and how to get tickets, go to: www.oldham.gov.uk/liveatthelibrary

Keep an eye out on the Oldham Libraries and Gallery Oldham social media channels for updates throughout the month.

For more information on Black History Month, visit: https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/

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