Celebrating Black History Month in Kirklees

Black History Month October 2023

Throughout October

Local Sisters

Local Studies will have a window display celebrating our Local Sisters.

Venue: 16a Victoria Lane, Huddersfield, HD1 2QF

Organisers: Kirklees Libraries

The Journey – Portraits & Stories of Huddersfield’s Windrush Generation

Open every Monday to Saturday throughout October

Another chance to see the wonderful portraits commissioned by ‘The Journey’ project to celebrate Huddersfield’s Windrush Generation.

Venue: 16A Victoria Lane, Huddersfield, HD1 2QF 

Organisers: West Yorkshire Archive Service Kirklees & Kirklees Local Studies Library

Libraries

See what is going on at libraries across Kirklees

Big Drum workshop

Every Monday throughout the year (except Bank Holidays)

As part of ‘Mondays at the Museum’, experience traditional dancing and drumming from the Caribbean. The workshop is free and everyone’s welcome!

Time: 2pm – 3pm

Venue: The Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park, Wakefield Road, HD5 8DJ

For more information: Call 01484 223240, or email cathryn.pike@kirklees.gov.uk

Organisers: Big Drum is sponsored and organised by Shaping Care in Kirklees

Model Citizens workshops

Every Tuesday, 3, 10, 17 and 24 October

Led by award winning creative artists, performers and industry specialists, these workshops provide young people with access to the latest technology and industry led technical support. Booking advisable.

Time:  4pm – 7pm

Venue: Kirklees College, Huddersfield Centre, Waterfront Quarter Manchester Road, HD1 3LD  

To book: Contact Franklin Castle 07518 820 365

Organisers: Locorum

Podcasts and radio broadcasts

A series of interviews and discussions with the Windrush Generation and descendants. This will focus on views and discussions on the impact of the Windrush Generation legacy, how the future looks and will be intergenerational.

Venue: Social media

More info: Dominic Pinnock 07727 008 971

School visits

Kirklees Libraries offers a number of Black History Month themed school visits throughout the year. This includes an interactive opportunity for Year 6 students to learn about the incredible life of Black abolitionist Ellen Craft, who visited 19th century Kirklees, and other key figures in Black history. All class visits are free and designed to encourage a love of books and reading for pleasure.

To book: For details and to book, email frontline.services@kirklees.gov.uk

Organisers: Kirklees Libraries

Sunday 1 October

  • Harvest Festival

A harvest celebration – the culmination of a successful growing season by this collective of Caribbean gardeners who have been sharing their skills and knowledge digitally with others. Supported other community growing initiatives (including the Windrush Anniversary Garden in Springwood). Why not bring some produce you’ve grown to share at this festive feast?

Time: 1pm – 5pm

Venue: Fartown Allotments, Off York Avenue, Fartown, Huddersfield

Organisers: WHEAT @ Fartown Allotments

  • Faith and the community

United Service of churches coming together and celebrating their faith with family and friends within the community and recognising/acknowledging work within the community.

Time: 6pm – 8pm

Venue:  New Testament Church of God, Great Northern Street, Huddersfield, HD1 6AY

Organisers: New Testament Church Of God

Thursday 5 October

  • Melanated reading book group

A welcoming book group, free to join. We read books from authors of many cultures and backgrounds to raise awareness of the multiplicity of writing talents waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. Come join us if you enjoy, or think you might enjoy, reading writers of many shades and hues.

Time: Drop-in, 5.45pm – 6.45pm every first Thursday of the month throughout the year

Venue: Huddersfield Library, Civic Centre 3, High Street, HD1 2YZ

Organisers: Kirklees Libraries

Friday 6 October

  • 4th Annual Youth Crime Conference

Bringing people together to hear about some of the excellent work that is happening locally as well as hear from leading national speakers on effective approaches to tackling issues related to youth crime. The conference will be of interest to schools, community groups and those working with young people.

Time: 10am – 2.00pm

Venue: University of Huddersfield, Oastler Building

To book: 4th Annual Youth Crime Conference 2023

Organisers: Conflict Resolutions / LS27

Tuesday 10 October

  • World Mental Health Day

Things like fear, stigma and lack of culturally sensitive treatment can act as barriers to accessing mental health care for people from Black and mixed heritage backgrounds. There are options available to help you overcome some of these barriers and get support with any treatment. Come along to find out more.

Time:1pm – 3pm

Venue: The Mission, Lord Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1QA

To book: Email kamscornercentre@gmail.com

Organiser: Kam’s Corner

Thursday 12 October

  • Exploring ‘Our Music, Our History’

A free, welcoming space for members of the community to come and celebrate their memories of music and the Windrush generation’s influence on music in Huddersfield. Refreshments provided.

Time: 11.30am – 3.30pm

Venue: St John’s Centre, St John’s Road, Huddersfield HD1 5BW

Organisers: Oasis Care support services and Kirklees Cohesion Team

To book: Black History Month event

Saturday 14 October

  • Celebrating Black Identity and Culture in Huddersfield

Time: 10am – 3pm

Venue: St James Church, 1 St James Way, Rawthorpe Lane, HD5 9NG

Organiser: St James Church

Wednesday 18 October

  • Who are the Huddersfield Windrush Generation?

A presentation about Huddersfield’s Windrush Generation, the many people who moved from the Caribbean to make a home here from 1948. There will be stalls selling things like food, greeting cards, Windrush booklets, Caribbean books and T-shirts.

Time: 7pm – 9pm

Venue: Bradley Community Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 5 Copthorne Gardens, Bradley, Huddersfield, HD2 1RH

More information and to book: Email kamscornercentre@gmail.com

Organiser:  Kam’s Corner

Wednesday 25 October

  • Quilt poster event

We are collecting local stories from the community. Would you like to contribute a story or anything positive? Add your contribution and attach to the quilt poster to create the final, collaborative quilt.

Time: 12pm – 2pm

Venue: Dewsbury Library

Organisers: Kirklees Cohesion Team, Yvonne Battle-Felton, Kirklees Libraries

Saturday 28 October

  • “Let’s talk”

An opportunity for the African and Caribbean diaspora communities to come together for an open discussion on issues facing our community.

Time:  6.30pm – 8.30pm

Venue: St John’s Resource Centre, St Johns Road. Birkby. Huddersfield

Organisers: Building African Caribbean Communities (BACC)

  • Windrush Symposium & Black History Month Showcase

An evening of entertainment, education and togetherness, to celebrate Black History and the Windrush Generation. Free entry, food and complimentary drinks

Venue: The Hudawi Centre, Great Northern Street, Huddersfield, HD1 6BG

Organisers: Education 2000 and BACC