Throughout Oct
SPORTING HEROES
A display of books to promote black sporting heroes/heroines over the past 50 years. Disable access. Venue: Harborne Library, High Street, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9QG. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 464 1596.

Throughout Oct
READ BLACK, READ BRITISH
A display of books by popular children’s black British authors. Disable access. Venue: Harborne Library, High Street, Harborne , Birmingham, B17 9QG. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 464 1596.

Throughout Oct
SLAVERY
Slavery - display of books and other materials with the involvement of local schools. Disable access. Venue: Bartley Green Library, Adams Hill, Bartley Green, B32 3QG. Adm: Free.

Throughout Oct
BLACK READS
Literature & spoken word for children. A display of adult and junior titles by black writers. Including poetry. Venue: Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, B32 2TW. Info: 0121 464 7400 / quinton.library@birmingham.gov.uk

Mon 1 Oct – 2 Nov
ROUTES TO FREEDOM EXHIBITIONS
separate exhibitions focusing on different aspects of slavery curated as part of the Routes to Freedom season: Forgotten But Not Gone by photojournalist Pete Pattisson who looks at slavery and resistance 200 years after abolition. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Now – 12 Oct
ASPECTS OF BLACK
An exhibition of photographs by Anthony MacFarlane documenting Black performers on stage in Birmingham. Disable access, parking. Venue: Ward End Library, Washwood Heath Road, Birmingham B8 2HF. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 464 0366.

Now – 31 Oct
PORTRAITS OF AFRICAN WRITERS
An exhibition of photographs by the internationally renowned South African photographer George Hallett who has woven a valuable multi-layered fabric of vibrant, living memory through his photographic portraits of a number of writers from South, East, West and North Africa. Venue: 2nd Floor, Waterstones, New Street, Birmingham. 9am-5pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0121-303-2474.

Now - 10 Nov
CARIBBEAN FAMILY HISTORY EXHIBITION
Would you like to trace your family history in the Caribbean and back to Africa? Visit the exhibition to learn how to start your family tree and see examples of what you can find out. Venue: Heritage Gallery – Solihull Central Library. All –day event. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 704 6934 / www.solihull.gov.uk.

Now – 13 Jan 08
THE EQUIANO EXHIBITION
Celebrating the life and times of the 18th century writer and abolitionist, Olaudah Equiano. Disable access. Venue: The Gas Hall, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 326 9570.

Now – 1 Mar 08
THE EQUIANO TOURING EXHIBITIONS
Two identical Equiano touring exhibitions will be toured by the Equiano Project to libraries, community centres and other venues throughout the UK. Venue: Varies. Adm:Free. Info: 0121 326 9570.

Now – 31 Oct
THE INFLUENCE OF AFRICAN ART
A display looking at the history of African Art and the influence it has had on European Artists. Venue: Arts, Languages and Literature, Floor 3, Central Library, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3HQ. Info: 0121 303 4227.

Tues 2 & 3 Oct
SHADES OF BROWN
A thought- provoking one woman show that asks: can one person’s healthy glow be another’s social stigma? Play set around the theme of tanning and skin bleaching. Venue: Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EP. Info: 0121 236 4455.

Wed 3 Oct
SLAVERY TODAY
A special screening of the three short films focusing on modern day slavery followed by a panel discussion. Featuring The Silent Revolution the story of people held in slavery in the stone quarries of northern India, who risk everything to take back their lives, Dreams Die Hard which profiles people trapped in domestic slavery in the US and Freedom and Beyond a story of hope and promise. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 8.15pm. Adm: £4 conc £3. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Wed 3 Oct
AN EVENING WITH BOB HAZELL: FOOTBALLING HERO
Hazell was one of the first Black British players to be capped by England, played in the 1982 FA cup final for QPR against Spurs, played for Wolves and Leicester City. Hear his remarkable story. Disable access, parking. Venue: Handsworth Library, Soho Road, Birmingham B21 9DP. 7.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 464 1185.

Thurs 4 Oct
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Twenty young people from the Aston area have explored the impact that this act has had on the Black and Asian communities in the UK and the major contributions these communities have made to the nation since then. This performance will showcase poetry, singing and dance by the young people to mark this special occasion. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7.30pm. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Fri 5 Oct
IT’S FELIX DEXTER ‘DON’T IT’
A new, exciting, hilarious and exhilarating show from award winning actor and comedian Felix Dexter. Fusing acute observational and satirical stand-up with brilliant character studies Felix brings his multitude of comic talents, as seen in shows such as The Real McCoy. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7pm. Adm: £10 - £15 on door. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Sat 6 Oct
SICKLE CELL AWARENESS
Sickle cell nurse Lurieteen Miller will be talking about Sickle Cell and how to deal with it. Drop In session. Disable access. Venue: Handsworth Library, Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham B21 9DP. 11am – 1pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 464 1185.

Sat 6 Oct – 6 Jan 08
AFRICAN CONNECTIONS
Display of Late 19th and early 20th Century Art exploring how African art has influenced the works of European painters. Venue: Gallery 21, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 675 3189.

Sun 7 Oct
JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
Discover the journey of Olaudah Equiano. With performance around traditional African Caribbean music, storytelling with Clive Dennis Cole, tours and family drop-in craft workshops. With parking. Venue: Soho House Museum, Soho Avenue, Handsworth B18 5LB. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 554 9122.

Sun 7 Oct
DIANA BRAITHWAITE AND CHRIS WHITELEY
A dynamic blues singer, and internationally acclaimed recording artist, dubbed "‘Canada’s national treasure", Diana has shared the bill with greats such as John Lee Hooker, Robert Cray, Tracey Chapman, and Buddy Guy, captivating the audience with spirituals and lively delta blues standards. Venue: The Live Box at The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham. 7.45pm. Adm: £3 - £5. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Mon 8 Oct
PORTRAIT OF SLAVERY IN FICTION
Literature & Spoken Word event looking at how slavery has been depicted in fiction. Disabled access, car park. Venue: Northfield Library, 77 Church Road, Birmingham B31 2LB. 11am - 12noon. Info: 0121 464 1007.

Thurs 11 Oct
THE COTTON TREE PASSAGE
A cutting edge dance theatre production depicting the ‘spiritual journey’ from Africa through the passage of slavery to the Caribbean and the UK. This dynamic, thought provoking piece combines multi-media techniques and contemporary African, Caribbean and urban dance, including African Hip-life and Jamaican Dancehall. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7.30pm. Adm: £8, conc £6. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Fri 12 Oct
ABOLITION OF THE SLAVE TRADE - AUTHOR TALK BY RICHARD REDDIE
Richard Reddie organised the National Abolition of Slavery Commemorative Service at Westminster Abbey on 27 March 2007. In addition he has written Abolition, published by Lion Hudson. Today he gives a talk as part of the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade. Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, 7.30pm. Adm: Adults £5, kids £4. Info: 0121 704 6962 / www.lionhudson.com

Fri 12 Oct
AVA MING
A talk from writer and broadcaster Ava Ming and coffee morning. Disabled access. Venue: Stirchley Library, Bournville Lane, Birmingham B30 2JT (Bournville station). Adm: Free. Info: 0121 464 1534.

Fri 12 Oct
BEST OF BRITISH URBAN
showcase of the best in British Black music, from gospel-soul stalwarts Four Kornerz share a stage with Mercury Prize nominees Terri Walker and Ty, as well as singer-songwriter Natalie Williams. Disable access. Venue: Town Hall, Birmingham, Victoria Square, Birmingham B3 3DQ (Birmingham, Snow Hill station). Adm: £10 adv. Info: 0121 780 3333.

Sat 13 Oct
CARIBBEAN CHILDRENS BOOK FESTIVAL
A day of celebration of the wealth and diversity of books for Children and young people being published in the Caribbean. Venue: Handsworth Library, Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham B21 9DP.

Sat 13 Oct – 11 Nov
ASPECTS OF BLACK
An exhibition of photographs by Anthony MacFarlane documenting Black performers on stage in Birmingham. Disable access, parking. Venue: Shard End Library, Shustoke Road, Birmingham B34 7BA. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 464 6779.

Sun 14 Oct
SHAHID BHAGAT SINGH: CENTENARY OF A LEGEND
Screening to commemorate the birth centenary of Indian activist Bhagat Singh followed by a Seminar discussion with Professor Jagmohan Singh (Bhagat Singh's nephew) and Dr. Varinder Singh (University of Manchester). Contains mild language and moderate violence. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 4pm. Adm: £5, family ticket £13. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Sun 14 Oct
THE BATTLE IN THE BOX
A night of lyrical kung fu set against a backdrop of musical madness where MCs, unrehearsed and unprepared, battle each other in the heat of the moment, alongside a live jazz band: an exciting evening of improvised wordplay and music. Tonight’s session is hosted by Soweto Kinch with the local Live Box Crew musicians. Venue: The Live Box at The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham. 7.45pm. Adm: £3 - £5 Info: 0121 333 2444.

Sun 14 – 28 Oct
UNSHACKLED
A community exhibition by the Hockley Youth Project inspired by the story of Olaudah Equiano. Venue: Soho House Museum, Soho Avenue, Handsworth B18 5LB. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 554 9122.

Sun 14 Oct
SHAHID BHAGAT SINGH: CENTENARY OF A LEGEND
A screening of The Legend of Bhagat Singh starring Ajay Devgan followed by a Seminar discussion with Professor Jagmohan Singh (Bhagat Singh's nephew) and Dr. Varinder Singh (University of Manchester) to commemorate the birth centenary of Indian activist Bhagat Singh looking at his life and legacy as an inspiration for activists and freedom fighters today. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham. 2pm & 7.30pm. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Mon 15 Oct
HAIRDRESSING IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
Live demonstrations and consultations at the Annual Black Hairdressing Project hairdressing open day invites you to explore a range of hairdressing treatments, especially for those with black and curly hair. Disable access. Venue: The Spa, Richmond House. Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, 84 Newhall St, Birmingham, B3 1PB. 10am – 5pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 604 1020.

Tues 16 Oct
WRITING THE WORLD
Writers presents poetry in languages from Africa to the Caribbean via Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Crossroads is the stunning fusion band featuring Steve Yimga and poet Sue Brown. Disable access. Venue: Library Theatre, Birmingham. 7.45pm. Adm: Free. Info: 07786 027 875.

Tues 16 Oct
WOZA ALBERT
Revival of one of the most important and entertaining theatrical events of the 1980’s. Woza Albert is based on one dazzlingly simple idea... that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ should take place in South Africa during the height of apartheid. Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Birmingham. 7.30pm. Adm: Adults £9, kids £8. Info: 0121 704 6962 / www.macarts.co.uk.

Wed 17 –20 Oct
THE BROTHERS
Following its massive success over the past two years, much-loved comedy drama This is a story of three close friends who have to test just how tight their friendship is when betrayal and deceit turns up at their door. With Richard Blackwood, Footballers’ Wives’ Chucky Venice and Jason Barrett. Suitable for age 14 plus. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7.30pm. Adm: £8.50-£19.50. Info: 0121 333 2444

Thurs 18 Oct
PAUL CROOKS – AUTHOR VISIT
Meet Paul Crooks, author of Ancestors. Paul was inspired to write his first novel after spending 13 years researching his family history and successfully tracing his roots back to Africa. Disabled Access. Venue: Hall Green Library, 1221 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 9AD. 8pm – 9.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 464 6633.

Thurs 18 Oct
ABOLITION OF SLAVERY
Literature & spoken word workshop with Roy McFarlane. Disable access, parking. Venue: Spring Hill Library, Spring Hill, Birmingham B18 7BH. Adm: Free.

Thurs 18 Oct
AN AUDIENCE WITH TAHMIMA
Born in Bangladesh, brought up in Paris, Bangkok, New York City and now living in London Tahmima Anam comes from a family of gifted writers and thinkers. Tahmina will be discussing her life and work with Aftab Rehman (BYF), answering audience questions and reading extracts. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7.30pm. Adm: £5 conc £3. Info: 0121 333 2444

Fri 19 Oct
BLACK HISTORY QUIZ NIGHT
In teams of 4 find out more about the important contribution the black community has made to all aspects of life. Great prizes, live music, refreshments and a bar. Disable access, parking. Venue: Great Barr Leisure Centre, Aldridge Road, Birmingham B44 8NU. 7pm. Adm: ?20 per team. Info: 0121 303 9846.

Sat 20 – 28 Oct
HALF TERM FAMILY EVENTS
Family activities include drumming and mask making workshops, storytelling with Fiona Collins. Venue: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, B3 3DH.

Sun 21 Oct
AMANI
A night of words, music and rhythm featuring contemporary blues poet Anne-Marie Woods, aka Amani. Born in London, of Trinidadian and Tobagan parentage, Amani spent her formative years in Nova Scotia, and is now based in Toronto. Venue: The Live Box at The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham. 7.45pm. Adm: £3 - £5 Info: 0121 333 2444.

Wed 24 Oct
CULTURAL AWARENESS EVENT
This year the ‘Cultural Awareness Day’ will be a commemoration of the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Abolition of The Slave Trade Act. With workshops and performances that will explore the impact of the slave trade on dance and other creative art forms. For youngsters aged between 13 and 19 years. Venue: Kingshurst Youth & Community Centre. 10am-3pm. Adm: £1. Info: 07919 887 066 / www.solihull.gov.uk.

Thurs 25 Oct
A TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN
Fun for all the family. Enjoy thrilling stories, interwoven with Caribbean music and drumming performed by Andrea Green. Caribbean style refreshments served. Venue: Chelmsley Wood Library, Birmingham 11am-12.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 788 4371.

Thurs 25 Oct
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO CHELMSLEY WOOD
An evening of fun, laughter and song. This event celebrates the 200th anniversary of the passing of the law to abolish slavery. With a line up of talent from comedian to poet with song and dance in between. The all black line up has local connections with most of the artists coming from in or around the local area. Venue: Grace Academy. 7pm-10pm. Adm: Free. Info: 07825 336 089.

Thurs 25 Oct
EXOTIC FRUIT TASTING: "HANDA’S SURPRISE"
Children can watch & listen as the story of Handa’s Surprise unfolds. Follow Handa on her journey as she fills her basket of fruit to take to her friend Akeyo. Under 5’s & family. Disabled access. Venue: Kents Moat Library, 55 57 Poolway, Birmingham B33 8NF (Lea Hall Train Station). 10.30am – 11.30am. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 464 5755

Thurs 25 Oct
LADYWOOD READING GROUP
Literature & spoken word session with Maeve Clarke. Disable access, parking. Venue: Spring Hill Library, Spring Hill, Birmingham B18 7BH. Adm: Free.

Fri 26 Oct
WORKING AND LIVING TOGETHER
A family workshop with writer and storyteller Roi Kwabena. Free drop-in half term activity based on themes of culture, identity and family roots. Venue: Soho House Museum, Soho Avenue, Handsworth B18 5LB.1pm-3.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 554 9122 / www.bmag.org.uk

Fri 26 Oct
SLAVERY
The UK premiere of this phenomenal one-act play by Jonathan Payne. Slavery brings the consequences of the slave trade to life through the actual testimonials of American slaves, their music and passion. Drawn from interviews with former slaves this powerful drama combines personal testimony with Negro spirituals to create a remarkable sense of this dark time in history. Suitable for age 16 plus. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 2pm & 7.30pm. Adm: £8 conc £6. Info: 0121 333 2444

Sat 27 Oct
BY THE SWORD UNITED
Lecture about Joseph de Bologne, born in 1745 to an African slave and an aristocratic French plantation owner. de Bologne was forced into exile after his father fatally wounded a man in a fencing duel. However it was fencing that was to become his saviour. By the age of 17 few men could match him with a sword and even fewer would dare to question his right to the title of the Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Learn the story of the Chevalier, also known as ‘the Black Mozart’, and the skills of swordsmanship that propelled him through the social scale, in this lecture and fencing demonstration by the Sussex Rapier School. Venue: Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, 11am-12.30pm, free, tel: 01273 290 900 / www.royalpavilion.org.uk

Sun 28 Oct, 25 Nov, 16 Dec
ANDY HAMILTON & THE BLUE NOTES
Birmingham Jazz icon saxophonist Andy Hamilton returns to The Drum to brighten up your Sunday lunchtimes throughout the Autumn season. Treat yourself and the family to some lazy afternoon jazz whilst you soak up the relaxing vibe and tuck into a delicious Caribbean Sunday lunch. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 12.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Sun 28 Oct
SPARLHA SWA
Jamaican-born, New York-based, guitarist/singer Sparlha Swa describes her sound as like ‘Sade and Tracey Chapman drinking coconuts in Brazil on the beach with no straws’. Touches of folk, soul, blues, rock, Latin jazz, Brazilian, African and classical Indian can all be found in Sparlha’s velveteen vocals; she performs tonight with a full band. Venue: The Live Box at The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Tues 30 Oct
ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE
A special screening of Dream to Change the World by Horace Ove a moving portrait of political and cultural activist John La Rose, who died in 2006 and an extract from A World To Win. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7.15pm. Adm: £4 conc £3. Info: 0121 333 2444.

NOVEMBER

Sat 3 Nov
SPLENDID MUMMER
An evocative one man show focussing on Ira Aldrige the groundbreaking 19th century actor who overcame racism and prejudice to break away from stereotypical comedy roles and become one of the first Black Shakespearean actors. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7.30pm. Adm: £6, conc £4. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Sun 4 Nov
ESKA MTUNGWAZI
Zimbabwean-born, London-based singer Eska Mtungwazi showcases tunes from her new album When Robots Go Bad exclusively at The Live Box. Classical and church music, jazz and pop have all influenced Eska's singing style. Venue: The Live Box at The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham. 7.45pm. Adm: £3 - £5 Info: 0121 333 2444.

Mon 5 – 30 Nov
IRA ALDRIDGE
A fascinating exhibition commemorating the life and times of the Ira Aldridge (1807–1867) the groundbreaking Black actor who overcame prejudice to become one of the greatest Shakespearian actors of his time. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7.30pm. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Wed 7 Nov
BELOVED (15)
A powerful and gripping adaptation of Toni Morrisson’s Pullitzer prize winning novel exploring the physical and emotional horrors of slavery and the legacy it leaves behind. Starring Oprah Winfrey as Sethe an escaped slave haunted by memory and the spirit of her dead daughter. With Danny Glover and Thandie Newton. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 2pm & 7pm. Adm: £4, conc £3. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Thurs 8 & 9 Nov
DILEMMA OF A GHOST
Ama Ata Aidoo's introduces Ato who returns to Ghana from his studies in the US, he brings with him a sophisticated black American wife. But their hopes of a happy marriage are soon confounded by both African and Western responses to the shared inheritance of the slave trade. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7.30pm Adm: £8, conc £6. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Sun 11 Nov
TOMORROW'S WARRIORS
Led by Gary Crosby, artistic director and leader of Jazz Jamaica All Stars and Nu Troop, and Abram Wilson assistant artistic director and trumpeter/vocalist. This hugely successful train continues to pick up the best young jazz talent around. Venue: The Live Box at The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Sun 11 & 14 Nov
THE CLAYBIRD (PG)
Set against the backdrop of the turbulent period in the late 1960s leading up to Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan, this film tells the story of a family torn apart by religion and war. Told through the eyes of Anu, a shy young boy torn between the Hindu and Muslim religions. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 6pm & 2pm. Adm: £4, conc £3. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Fri 16 & 17 Nov
GOD IS A DJ
Fasten your seatbelt for a globetrotting musical ride in this play by Nigerian Oladipo Agboluaje who uses music, text, visuals and movement to tell a powerful tale of people betrayed by their dreams. Directed by Paul J Medford. Venue: Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EP. Info: 0121 236 4455.

Sat 17 Nov
EQUIANO: HIS LIFE & TIMES
A conference exploring the life and times of Olaudah Equiano, bringing together national and international scholars, students, and community activists to debate and discuss Equiano’s legacy followed by an evening of poetry, dance, and performances. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. Seminar: 11am-5pm, Perf: 5pm-10pm. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Sat 17 Nov
CELEBRATING EQUIANO
His Life & Times. Speakers include Nini Rodgers (Ireland); Alexander X. Byrd (USA); Clive Harris (Birmingham), Vincent Carretta (USA); Paul Lovejoy (Canada), Helena Woodard (USA); Arthur Torrington (London), Clarice Barnes (Montserrat). Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham, B6 4UU. 10.30am - 5pm. Adm: £10, conc £8. Info: 0121 333 244.

Sun 18 Nov
PATRICK CORNELIUS
Tipped as ‘a new American name to watch’ alto saxophonist Patrick Cornelius has emerged as an exciting and dynamic new voice on the New York jazz scene. Venue: The Live Box at The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham. 7.45pm. Adm: £3 - £5 Info: 0121 333 2444.

Tues 20 Nov
C.S.A. CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA (12A)
A funny but frightening fake documentary that imagines America as it would be today if the South had won the civil war and slavery had continued. With runaway slaves as the subject of reality TV shows, widespread prejudice and racist products C.S.A. mixes fabricated movie segments, with real TV footage. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7.30pm. Adm: £4, conc £3. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Thurs 22 Nov
FIELD SLAVE NUMBER 139
Two exceptional poets Roy McFarlane and Sue Brown bring to life a love story between a dark skinned field slave and a Mulatto house servant on a plantation in America’s Deep South. A powerful and moving story incorporating music and drama. For age 12 yrs plus. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7.30pm. Adm: £6, conc £4. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Fri 23 Nov
COOLIES OF THE CARIBBEAN
An event revealing the hidden history of the forced migration of over a million Indians to the Caribbean and other parts of the Empire after the official abolition of the slave trade. Hosted by Trinidadian born Bob Ramdhanie with Guyanese writer/academic Professor David Dabydeen and Jamaican Indian Mahadev Singh. Followed by after party with Caribbean Indian cuisine and DJ’s playing the very best in Caribbean Indian mixes. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7.30pm Info: 0121 333 2444.

Sat 24 Nov
TRANSATLANTIC SLAVERY: BETWEEN HISTORY AND MEMORY
How did the British become involved in the slave trade the first place? Dr Anita Rupprecht explores the significance and legacy of this crucial episode in the national story as it falls between history and memory. Dr Anita Rupprecht University of Brighton Venue: Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. 11am-12.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 01273 290 900 / www.royalpavilion.org.uk

Sun 25 Nov
DENISE GORDON
UK-born gospel diva, Denise Gordon, tours regularly throughout Europe and in countries as far away as Brazil and Australia. Although firmly rooted in gospel, Denise performs a dizzying array of styles from jazz, through funk, soul, rhythm ’n’ blues, folk and spirituals with ease and accomplishment. Venue: The Live Box at The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Sun 25 Nov
BHAGAT SINGH FREEDOM FIGHTER
An exhilarating theatre production focussing on the life of Indian revolutionary Bhagat Singh and the part he played in the anti-colonial movement. A figure of great courage, bravery and vision Bhagat Singh sacrificed his life for the cause at the age of just 30 and became a symbol of the heroism and inspiration for generations to come. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7.30pm. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Fri 30 Nov
SPEAKERS CORNER
Don Letts present street sounds and stories as he seeks a contemporary response to the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery. Venue: The Town Hall, Birmingham. 7.30pm. Adm: 0121 780 3333.

DECEMBER

Tues 11 & 12 Dec
THE AMAZING GRACE (PG)
The story of British slave trader John Newton's voyage to West Africa and the events that inspired him to write the world's most popular hymn, Amazing Grace. Putting the African experience at the centre of the story the film is a sharp contrast to others that have been criticised for overlooking the part that enslaved Africans played in the fight for their own freedom. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7.30pm & 2pm. Adm: £4, conc £3. Info: 0121 333 2444.

Sun 2 Dec
THE BATTLE IN THE BOX
Another night of lyrical kung fu set against a backdrop of musical madness where MCs, unrehearsed and unprepared, battle each other in the heat of the moment, alongside a live jazz band: an exciting evening of improvised wordplay and music. Tonight’s session is hosted by Soweto Kinch with the local Live Box Crew musicians. Venue: The Live Box at The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham. 7.45pm. Adm: £3 - £5 Info: 0121 333 2444.

Sun 9 Dec
NEIL YATES
Riding high on the success of his debut album, New Origins, Celtic-jazz trumpet innovator Neil Yates joins Soweto Kinch's trio for a session which promises some original sounds, tunes and grooves. Venue: The Live Box at The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham. 7.45pm. Adm: £3 - £5 Info: 0121 333 2444.

CONTACTS
Tel: 0121 464 6633
Web: www.birmingham.gov.uk/hallgreenlibrary
Email: hall.green.library@birmingham.gov.uk