Real life or the internet has taught us that February is Black History Month in the United States - and that’s still not nearly enough, periodic table. However, in Europe, more and more countries have started observing their own version of BHM. Thanks to ‘Black History Month Belgium’, our country has designated March as the month to reflect, remember and look ahead on Black life and historic culture. The pandemic outbreak put paid to those plans for spring, but the right time has come around at last. In the UK and Norway, Black History Month was already being celebrated in October. So, whether you’re in the EU or just in need of feting and affirming your Blackness this month, here’s where to turn in autumn 2020.
UK
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery has traditionally been a bastion of whiteness in art, the proof is on every wall, but current leadership is pushing for change. This October, art historian Alayo Akinkugbe, founder of @ablackhistoryofart, explores key faces from the Portrait Gallery’s collection in a virtual tour. Portraits of Zadie Smith, Malick Sidibé and composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor are highlighted and you can also enjoy a photographic series titled ‘rediscovering Black portraiture’ from the safety of home.
Grace Before Jones: Camera, Disco, Studio (Nottingham Contemporary)
This season’s undeniable UK star expo won’t be found in London, but Nottingham. ‘Grace Before Jones: Camera, Disco, Studio’ at Nottingham Contemporary presents a ‘cross between fan-fiction, study and biography’ dedicated to ultimate icon Grace Jones. The expo zooms in on Grace Jones’ legendary career and collaborations with photographers, designers, artists and musicians in order to ‘question black image-making and gender binarism as well as both performance and the performance of life’. From September 26 2020 until January 3 2021.
Roundhouse London
The good folks at the London Roundhouse performing arts venue have lined up a thoughtful selection of culture throughout Black History Month. For example, they’ll be sharing a selection of short films on themes relating to Black experiences. In the first release, rapper Awate explores the little-known history of Eritrea’s Askari soldiers in WWI and how he relates. On October 20, you can join an online panel discussion with the inspiring authors behind groundbreaking new Black British history series ‘A Quick Ting On’, which will delve into everything from Afrobeats to Black British business and Black British history. As part of the event, panel attendees will have the opportunity to tell the room what they love about a specific friend and gas up their achievements. You can also peruse an online gallery showcasing stories of Black joy and resilience. Read more about Roundhouse’s anti-racism commitments here.
BELGIUM
Beursschouwburg: Black History Month Book Club
Five words, endless possibilities: Black History Month Book Club. The praiseworthy team at Brussels bastion of forward-thinking culture Beursschouwburg will be hosting free-access book and sharing groups throughout the end of the year. Twenty participants per group will be united with a guest facilitator for book clubs spoken in the language of the book at hand. Exclusively for members of Black African and Diasporic communities, Beursschouwburg aims to foster safe spaces for the people facing anti-Blackness every day. The Book Club also supports important Brussels bookstore Pépite Blues, an Afro-literary haven in the Matongé area. Go here to join the book club of your choosing.
Afrolit - A Book by Dalilla Hermans & Ebissé Rouw (October 28)
The ever-prolific author, activist, playwright, amazing human and OG Guest of the The Most podcast Dalilla Hermans presents a new book you will want to add to your library with the quickness. On October 28 2020, ‘Afrolit’ will be available to the world. Co-created with Ebissé Rouw, the (Dutch-written) book is an important anthology of modern literature from the African diaspora, showcasing the ‘power, vitality and diversity’ of Black literature in the Netherlands and Belgium. ‘Afrolit’ consists of recent fiction and non-fiction by 18 authors, each with their own style and repertoire. Featured poets, opinion leaders and scriptwriters include Avery Bertrand Iradukunda (BE), Babs Gons (NL), Carolina Maciel de França (BE), Chris Polanen (NL), Esther Duysker (NL), Grâce Ndjako (NL), Hasna Ankal (BE), Lisette Ma Neza (NL), Malique Mohamud (NL), Nyiragasigwa Hens (BE), Rachel Rumai Diaz (NL), Sayonara Stutgard (NL), Sesa (BE), Sulaiman Addonia (BE) and Tracy Bibo Tansia (BE). Dalilla will also be part of the ‘TIJDcongres’ event in Tongeren on October 24, where she will share her thoughts from a written diary created during this most turbulent year. Snooze not, friend.
(c) Uitgeverij Pluim
Music Walk by Fatoosan & Beursschouwburg (Brussels)
If you prefer to remain outdoors while recharging, the incredible DJ, radio host and educator Fatoosan is there for you. Working with Beursschouwburg, Fatoosan has created a custom music walk that takes you around the beautiful Brussels Josaphat park while filling your ears with audio goodness. Here’s the project’s origin story, shared by Fatoosan: "I love to walk in my neighborhood. The surroundings of Parc Josaphat are superb, mostly in spring when the cherry trees are blossoming. I love listening to music while wandering around, it’s like being in a bubble. I chose those songs because they are captivating in different ways, they will uplift your journey." And when your refreshing walk is over, tune into the amazing conversation between Fatoosan and Dominique Nzeyimana on The Most podcast from earlier this year.
(c) Beursschouwburg
RECOGNITION x Black History Month Belgium: ‘Amazing Grace’ premiere (07/11)
RECOGNITION is the pivotal Brussels-based community film screening programme putting stories from Africa and its diaspora first. Curated by Lyse Ishimwe Nsengiyumva, Black History Month Belgium has teamed up with RECOGNITION to screen ‘Amazing Grace - Aretha Franklin.’ The film delves into the immortal Aretha Franklin’s gospel record ‘Amazing Grace’, which was recorded in front of a live congregation in ‘72. Be sure to follow @bhmbelgium & @recognitionbxl for more activities and events you can attend.
NORWAY
Our frosted friends all the way up in Norway are also celebrating BHM this October by programming a month of kids’ workshops, seminars, a specially created TV series premiere, public talks and history readings. The full schedule can be followed via @bhmnorway on blackhistorymonthnorway.no. My Norwegian is nonexistent but the North Germanic patterns I can decipher tell me it’s going to be a worthwile space to explore for the Black community in Oslo and beyond.
If you have any splendid tips to participate in Black History Month locally, feel free to share in the comments or DM us on IG @KNOTORYUS!
Header image by Olanma Etigweuwa
