Now - 13 Oct
‘BLACK HEROES’ COLLECTION
A visual arts exhibition, which pays homage to some of our most, cherished cultural figures: its multi-sensory and educational, and much more than a catalogue of portraits in oil pastels. You can also read each hero’s biography, listen to their voices and interact with quizzes and commentary. Come and see if your favourites are here. Venue: Kuumba, St Paul’s Bristol BS2 8UD. 11am – 6pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0117 942 1780

Thurs 4 –6 Oct
TOMATOES TRAINING AND TRADE
A three day event consisting of a mixture of activities that encourage participation to explore how community empowerment has been operating in Upper East Ghana. This event include: short films highlighting the relationship between food and trade, internet based quiz, discussions and drumming and dancing. Venue: Circomedia Centre, St Paul’s Church, Portland Square, Bristol. 12noon – 5pm, 7.00pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0797 122 9048.

Sat 6 Oct
BRIDGING THE GAP
Are you are concerned about your child’s schooling and want to get more involved with school life? Then this is definitely an Educational event not to be missed! Compere: Sherrie Eugene, with key speaker Professor Gus John. Venue: City Academy, Bristol. 11am – 5pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0117 941 5844/0787 611 7660

Thurs 11 - 13 Oct
OUR STORY MAKES WAVES PRESENTS: I WITNESS
The performance features Jamaican folk mento, along with ska jazz music, poetry and dance. An exhibition of unique archive photographs, letters and pamphlets accompanies this performance of 75 minutes. Venue: Kuumba, St Paul’s Bristol BS2 8UD. 7pm. Adm: £5/£3concs. Info: 0117 942 1780.

Thurs 11 Oct
CLARKSON
Gordon Young introduces a viewing and discussion of a film about Thomas Clarkson, an unsung hero in the campaign to abolish slave trading. Venue: Bristol’s City Record Office, The Council House, College Green, BS1 5TR. 7pm–8.45pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0117 922 4224 / www.bristol.gov.uk

Sat 13 Oct
'BREAKING THE CHAINS' EXHIBITION
CARAF Centre Coach trip to Bristol to see a ground-breaking exhibition with authentic artefacts, film, music, photography, video and personal testimonies to provide visitors with an incredible multi-sensory experience Venue: British Empire & Commonwealth Museum, Bristol. 9.45am-6.30pm. Adm: Free.

Sat 13 Oct
FAIR TRADE – MAKING A DIFFERENCE
A La Bouche Du Roi Event. Join Rachel Corbin, Spokesperson from Traidcraft South West, as she discusses the realities of economic exploitation. Venue: Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, The Council House, College Green, BS1 5TR. 12pm-1pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0117 922 4224.

Sat 13 Oct
A LA BOUCHE DU ROI EVENT
A described tour for the visually impaired Join Donnie Houser, Museum Learning Officer, for a described tour of the exhibition, including objects to touch. La Bouche du Roi is a powerful sculptural installation linked to Abolition 200. Venue: Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. 2pm–3pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0117 922 3658 / www.bristol.gov.uk

Tues 16 Oct
KUUMBA AGM
Kuumba will be holding it’s 33rd Annual General Meeting. The Committee and Staff will present the Annual Report covering 2006/07 period and take questions regarding the strategy for the future. We are currently looking for new people to join the management committee, particularly people with administration, finance and personnel skills. Venue: Kuumba, St Paul’s Bristol BS2 8UD. 7pm. Info: 0117 942 1780/944 7510.

Wed 17 Oct
SILVER SERVICE SLAVERY: THE BLACK PRESENCE IN THE BRITISH HOME
A look at the representations of black domestic servants in art and design of the mid-to late eighteenth century.  Found on prints, textiles and ceramics of the period, such images provide rare visual evidence of the black British presence.  Helen Mears is African Diaspora Research Fellow at the Victoria and Albert Museum, where she researches objects in the collection of relevance to black and minority histories.This talk highlights work by artists, such as Hogarth and Yinka Shonibare. Venue: Pugsley Lecture Theatre, Queen's Building, University Walk, Bristol. 7.30pm–9pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0117 922 3658.

Thurs 18 Oct
AMIRI BARAKA
Kuumba welcomes Amiri Baraka the American Playwright and poet, he is also the author of the play Slave Ship presented by Say it loud. The show will be followed by a talk by Amiri Baraka. Info: 0117 923 9095. Venue: Kuumba, St Paul’s Bristol BS2 8UD. 7pm. Info: 0117 923 9095.

Fri 19 Oct
SPLENDID MUMMER BY LONNE ELDER
It is October 1825! A Black man strides onstage at London’s Royal Cobourg Theatre (now know as The Old Vic). He plays a classic role with great authority. The audience applauds wildly, but he is mercilessly slated by the critics and hounded out of London. Ira Aldridge (1807- 67) went on to become the most decorated actor of modern times. Venue: Kuumba, St Paul’s Bristol BS2 8UD. 7pm. Info: 0117 942 1870.

Sat 20 –31 Oct
HOO’S STORY
An exhibition of poems by Lawrence Hoo accompanied with images that show a personal journey of discovery of Afrikan history and identity. Venue: Centrespace Gallery, 6 Leonard Place, Bristol, BS1 1AE. 10am - 6pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0117 942 1870.

Sat 20 Oct
THAT BAHAMIAN T’ING
Based on a startling true story, That Bahamian T’ing takes us down the traffic less roads, and into unspoilt paradise beaches of a tiny isolated island in the Bahamas, Carnival and Christianity hold plenty of surprises as the new young preacher from England learns there’s more than meets the ear of those old Caribbean tales… Venue: Kuumba, St Paul’s Bristol BS2 8UD. 7pm. Adm: £7/5concs. Info: 0117 942 1870.

Sat 20 Oct
HAS SLAVERY BEEN ABOLISHED?
To combat contemporary slavery join Dr Christien van den Anker, reader in politics at the University of the West of England, as she discusses modern forms of slavery found throughout the world today. Venue: Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, The Council House, College Green, BS1 5TR.12pm-1pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0117 922 3658.

Mon 22 – 26 Oct
LET’S GET HANDS ON
Get in touch with the La Bouche du Roi artwork by handling authentic and replica objects. La Bouche du Roi is a powerful sculptural installation linked to Abolition 200. Venue: Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, 11am–4pm. Adm: Free Info: 0117 922 4224.

Sat 27 Oct
GREGG KOFI BROWN
Back by popular demand! Gregg Kofi Brown returns to Kuumba and music lovers can expect a universal musical experience of African rhythms, jah spirit and Brit-funk. With fellow Osibisa alumni Emmanuel Retzos (keys), Kari Bannerman (guitar) and jose Joyette (drums). Venue: Kuumba, St Paul’s Bristol BS2 8UD. 8pm. Adm: £7/5concs. Info: 0117 942 1870.

Wed 31 Oct
RHYMES OF RESISTANCE
Showcasing some of Bristol’s finest poets including the poet Malusi, also an open mic session for up and coming wordsmiths. This event is part of Compass of Resistance International Film Festival in partnership with Kuumba. Venue: Kuumba, St Paul’s Bristol BS2 8UD. 6pm. Adm: £6/4concs. Info: www.compass-film.co.uk.