Month long Black History celebrations at The Public

A series of community events, exhibitions and activities celebrating Black History will be taking place at The Public this October. 

Black in Progress 2010On Saturday 6 October, Inspiring a New Generation, will be hosting, Salute, a jam-packed day of community entertainment celebrating Black History, culture and lifestyle.  The day long free showcase will include exhibitions, food stalls, presentations and discussions, and film viewings.

After the success of the previous two years, Dorcas Housing and Community Support Association will be returning to The Public on Monday 15 October with Black in Progress – The Experience.  Focusing on the present instead of the past, the day long event is a celebration of modern and local black culture, food, and talent.  Throughout the day there will be interactive stalls, free health checks and health information, exhibitions, African and Caribbean artefacts, food, dance and drum workshops, entertainment, ‘Black in Progress’ memorabilia and much more.

A series of exhibitions themed around Black History Month will feature over the course of the month.  From 3 October to 19 October, the Black Country venue will also be hosting ‘Jamaica 50’, celebrating fifty years of Jamaican Independence, the country’s history, its national heroes and symbols.  The exhibition tells the story of Jamaican Independence Day and the journeys which Jamaican people made to settle in Birmingham in the 1950s and 60s through their own words, pictures, personal artefacts and memories.

An exhibition celebrating the contribution of African players in British football since the 19th Century will also be displayed from 20 October to 4 November 2012.  Out of Africa, by Centre Spot, an organisation that uses sport and physical activity to engage with young people from deprived backgrounds, focuses on how football has raised the aspirations of young people and helped to tackle racism within the game.

Linda Saunders, Managing Director of The Public said: “Last year’s Black History events were incredibly popular, attracting members of the whole community to the building.  We’re delighted to once again be participating in Black History Month, a fantastic celebration the black heritage, history and culture.”

For more information about Black History Month events, exhibitions and activities visit www.thepublic.com or call 0121 533 7161.