Black History Month is a national celebration promoting and celebrating the contributions people of Black African and Caribbean descent have made to the UK, and world history.
See what’s on
From all the brilliant events and activities taking place in Kirklees, we’ve put together a calendar of those open to the general public to get involved with.
These events have been organised by the council, local community groups, individuals and organisations.
We may continue to add to the list of events below as more details become known, so please pop back to make sure you don’t miss out.
Page 2- Events happening in September
Page 3- Events happening in October
Page 4- Events happening in November
Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Mussarat Pervaiz said:
“Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the incredible history, heritage and culture of Black African and Caribbean communities. I welcome this chance to recognise people who’ve inspired us, contributed to society and continue to make our local communities such a rich and diverse place to live.
“We join the national celebrations each October with the council, local organisations and community groups organising some brilliant events and activities. As well as being great fun, these events improve our understanding of different cultures and help to foster stronger, more united communities. I hope you are able to join in the celebrations and honour Black history.
“One of our biggest strengths in Kirklees is our diversity, which is why we continue to work year-round with partners and communities to recognise our similarities and embrace our differences.”
Saturday 23 September – Wednesday 4 October
- Queen’s Jubilee Exhibition – Celebrating creative and cultural roots in Kirklees
Capturing the relationship between the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the global Commonwealth, the exhibition presents the reflections of individuals and groups across Kirklees through different media.
Time: 11am – 4pm daily (except Sundays)
Venue: CollaborArti Gallery One, Queensgate Market, Princess Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield
Organisers: Locorum, CollaborARTi
Thursday 28 September
- Year of the Black worker
Find out how you can make a positive difference to Black workers and implement the Work at Race Charter to improve equality in the workplace.
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Venue: The Methodist Mission, Lord Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1QA
Organisers: KirkleesUnison
Saturday 30 September
- Macmillan Fundraising Dinner
Tickets to be purchased in advance
Time: 5pm – 10pm
Venue: Northfield Hall, Huddersfield
To book: Susan 07804 158 141/Monica 07948 372 918
Organisers: MacMillian
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
Saturday 4 November
- Huddersfield Local History Society – History Day
Celebrating the history of St George’s Square, ‘Memories of Our Square’ is a three-year project funded by the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, a government funded scheme led by Historic England, supported further by Kirklees Council. It is led by a consortium which includes arts organisations, local businesses and institutions and voluntary groups. Kam’s Corner will also have stalls selling Windrush booklets, Caribbean books and T-shirts.
More info: Visit www.huddersfieldhistory.org.uk
Organisers: Huddersfield Local History Society (HLHS)
Saturday 18 November
- Black Health Awareness Day
Bringing attention to important social, health, and environmental needs and issues facing Caribbean communities. The event provides information about a range of health and wellbeing topics including; being cancer aware, sickle cell, Black women’s health, young Black people’s health needs and eating well. We will also raise awareness about the menopause. There will be stalls including Caribbean/vegan food, greeting cards, Windrush booklets, Caribbean books and T-shirts.
Time: 11am – 3pm
Venue: Hudawi Centre, Great Northern Street, Huddersfield, HD1 6BG
More info: Email kamscornercentre@gmail.com
Organisers: Kam’s Corner