The theme for Black History Month 2023 in October is ‘Saluting our Sisters, highlighting the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. This year’s celebration will showcase pioneering black women who have made remarkable contributions to literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more. The BHM2023 website has information about the national poetry competition, a resource pack for schools, a magazine, articles and features and listings of events and activities across the UK.
BHM2023 Resource Pack Pack
This education pack for schools provides students with opportunities to learn about and celebrate the contributions of black women throughout history, with a range of downloadable lesson plans, Head Teachers’ assembly notes, British and Global Icons posters, as well as logos, a screensaver, roller blind artwork and social media elements. Packs cost £74.45 (including postage). Click here to find out more.
BHM2023 Magazine
Black History Month Magazine is the national magazine and central point of focus for the nationwide celebration of Black History, Arts and Culture throughout the UK in October. This will be available for free in supermarkets, including outlets of ASDA, Tesco and Sainsburys, at BHM2023 events, or can be printed or copies bought (£6.99 for 2 or £65 for 50 copies). Click here for details.
BHM2023 Poetry Competition
The competition is for primary, secondary, college, and university students across the UK. It aims to encourage children and young people to learn about and celebrate black women who have made significant contributions in various fields or who have inspired them. This can include icons, but also family and community members, or sharing their own experiences.
The competition will be judged by a panel of experts in literature and poetry, with winners announced on world poetry day is celebrated on 21 March 2024. Click here for more details, including the entry form and link to submit poems by 15th November 2023.
BHM2023 Listings
You can search activities across the UK or by region here. North East listings are online here.
Newcastle events and activities
Elevate Symposium, 1-5pm 7th October, The Common Room, Neville Hall
Newcastle based Teakisi is hosting their fifth annual symposium on 7th October. The 2023 theme of ‘Prioritising the safety of women and girls’ serves as a focal point for the symposium, driving meaningful conversations and initiatives to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls within the Black community and society at large. There will be a range of expert speakers, as well as exhibits of organisations providing services and support.
Click here to find out more about the event and click here to book your place (pay what you can, minimum donation £5).
Island Movements ballet, 1pm on 9th October, Newcastle City Library
Newcastle City Council is hosting a performance by Black British Ballet at City Library on Monday 9th October at 1pm. Island Movements is a short ballet that tells the story of Windrush and explores the impact of this generation’s experiences on their families, communities and society. Beginning with a young Caribbean soldier in WW2 Britain, this moving tale follows him and his family through their life in the UK up to the current Windrush scandal.
The show will be followed by a Q&A with the dancers and creators. Book your ticket on Eventbrite here. (Note tickets for the public are limited as this performance will also be attended by a local school group.
Newcastle event listings (BHM2023 website)
Click here to see listings of events in Newcastle and the North East on the BHM2023 website, including talks, ballet and concerts.
Read more Black Women challenge
Newcastle City Council is encouraging everyone to take part in their Read more Black Women challenge. Our 100 books by Black Women reading list is a great place to find works of fiction written by Black women. They also have a powerful reading list of non-fiction by black authors featuring work by Michelle Obama, Yomi Adegoke and Glory Edim. Download and print your challenge template here or pick one up in your local library.
We will add any new events that we become aware of.