Now – Sun 11 Nov
FREEDOM EXHIBITION
A travelling exhibition, highlighting some of the issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers. Venue: Salford Museum & Art Gallery, Peel Park, The Crescent, Manchester, Salford, M5 4WU. Adm: Free. Info: 0161 736 2649.

Mon 1-31 Oct
THE EARLY BLACK PRESENCE IN MANCHESTER
An exhibition tracing the early black presence in Manchester, from the Manchester Archives. Venue: Hulme Library, Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5FQ. 2.30pm-4pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0161 226 1005.

Thurs 11 Oct
BLACK IN THE UNION JACK
Rupert Gaze discusses the contribution of soldiers from the commonwealth in the context of BHM. Venue: Withington Library, 410 Wilmslow Road, M20 3BN. 6.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0161 445 1991.

Fri 12 & 13 Oct
MY HANDS ARE TIED
A powerful piece exploring the impact of slavery on our contemporary society through the legacy it has left in our language, relationships, consumerism, child labour and women trafficking. Presented by Afrocats, a not for profit arts organisation that aims to use arts to engage young people and which relates to them in a topical, cultural and social way. 11 yrs plus, strong language. Venue: Zion Arts Centre, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA. 7.30pm. Adm: £6.50, conc £3.50.

Sat 13 Oct
4th NATIONAL BLACK WRITERS AND PUBLISHERS CONFERENCE
An exciting opportunity for black writers, and readers of black writing, to meet and have dialogue with each other and some of the major figures in the poetry and fiction publishing world.Venue: Contact Theatre, Oxford Rd, Manchester(ten minutes from city centre) 10.30am, - 5.30pm,evening’s entertainment 8pm-2am.Info: www.commonword.org.uk/

Wed 17 Oct
BROTHATALK
A diverse and tight-knit group of African poets performing together and discuss many issues in association with Top of The Tree Promotions. Venue: Forum Library Wythenshawe, Forum Square, Manchester, M22 5RX.7pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0161 935 4040 / www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries.

Sun 21 Oct
INTERNATIONAL FOOD MUSEUM
Explore food from around the world and food from Salford. Includes children’s activities such as arts, crafts and a museum trail. Venue: Salford Museum & Art Gallery, Peel Park, The Crescent, Manchester, Salford, M5 4WU. 2pm-4pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0161 736 2649.

Sun 21 – 27 Oct
ETERNAL WOUND EXHIBITION
Sally A Turner from Blue Lizard Arts’s research for this new work has taken her on an emotional, spiritual journey and marks the bicentennial of the abolition of the Slave Trade Laws. The exhibition explore the effect and Diaspora of how the past five centuries still impact on our communities today. Installations, sculpture, paintings and a solo dance performance for the preview night will take the audience on the same spiritual journey. Venue: Zion Arts Centre, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA Adm: Free. Info: Layla@zionarts.com

Mon 22 Oct
HAIR
An evening of poetry and performance from poets whose work appears in the Hair Anthology published by Suitcase Press. Venue: Moss Side Power House Library, 140 Raby Street, Moss Side, Manchester, M14 4SL.7pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0161 232 8327.

Sat 27 Oct
HISTORIES
Interactive session with Washington Alcott. Venue: Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Longsight, Manchester. Info: 0161 275 2634. 1pm-4pm. Adm: 0161 275 2634.

Sat 27 Oct
REVEALING HISTORIES
Explore our display of African costumes and textile design and take part in a family workshop. With Peddy Herbert. Drop-in All ages. Plus an interactive session with Washington Alcott. Slaves transported during the trans-Atlantic slave trade were primarily referred to as ‘cargos’. But what about the remaining cargoes such as jewellery, musical instruments, cloth, food and weapons that moved between these shores? Explore these products and discover their significance to Africa and Europe, then and now. Venue: The Manchester Museum, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL. 1pm – 4pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0161 275 2634.

NOVEMBER

Sun 4 Nov
THE DESCENDANTS GO NORTH LAUNCH
A forum for like minded people to socialize, be edutained, as well as raise funds for the valuable work of some of the health orientated community groups in our City. Venue: Raddison Edwardian Hotel, Peter Street, Manchester. 6.30pm-2am. Adm: ?40. Info: 07860783936.

DECEMBER

Wed 5 Dec
CONTESTED PASTS
Dr Gareth Griffiths on the foundation of the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum, Bristol, and the 200th anniversary of the parliamentary abolition of the slave trade. Venue: The Manchester Museum, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL. 3pm – 5pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0161 275 2634.

Wed 5 Dec
THE MANCHESTER MUSEUM RESEARCH SEMINAR: PRESENTING CONTESTED PASTS
Dr Gareth Griffiths talks about the foundation of the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in Bristol, and the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade. Venue: Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Longsight, Manchester. 3pm-5pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0161 275 2634.