Oldham Council is celebrating Black History Month with a range of live events and activities.
The Live@thelibrary team have organised a series of live performances and exhibitions throughout October – and beyond – for residents 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 age 8+.
On Tuesday 26 October at 2pm, people can join poet and performer Ella Otomewo for her Spoken Word Workshop to create their own poetry. Booking is essential.
Over at Gallery Oldham, Legacies of Biafra runs from Saturday 23 October to Saturday 26 February 2022.
The 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, the council is also raising awareness of hate crime as part of a national campaign to prevent people suffering in silence.
A spokesperson for the authority said: "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
For more information on Black History Month, visit https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/
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