BHM Events - Literature - Black Heritage Today

BHM Events : Literature 2008

Listings in London:

Throughout Oct
BOOK DISPLAYS
Black People in History who have influenced politics and have had a positive impact on the lives of people in their own countries and worldwide. The books will be available for loan during BHM. Age 8 plus. Venue: All Children's Libraries. Adm: Free, (wheelchair access).

Throughout Oct
THE LAST YEAR OF MALCOLM X
Revolution, Internationalism, and Socialism: The Last Year of Malcolm X. A series of events to mark BHM. Venue: Pathfinder Books (1st, Ent on Brick Lane) 120 Bethnal Green Rd, E2 6DG. Adm: donation £3. Info: 0207 613 3855

Sun 5 Oct
VICTOR RICHARDS
Actor and author Richards bring his unique experience, sensitivity and perspective to capturing sixty years of West Indian life in Britain with his new book Poetry Trilogy. Venue: Wood Green Central Library, Gallery, High Road, London N22 6XD. 2pm -3.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 489 2780.

Sun 5 Oct
AN AUDIENCE WITH PROF. MARIMBA ANI
Prof Marimba Ani will lecture on the Maat/Maafa/Sankofa paradigm which she has developed as a context for understanding the nature of the construction, destruction and reconstruction of Afrikan civilization. @ New Initiatives, 55 Willington Road, Stockwell, London SW9 9NB. 6pm. Adm: £10, conc £8. Info: 0207 738 5833 / www.newinitiatives.co.uk,

Mon 6 Oct
YASUS AFARI
As part of National Year of Reading, author, poet and philosopher Yasus Afari will share experiences of writing his Jamaican best seller 'Overstanding Rastafari', including poetry performance and black history. Venue: Stratford Library, 3 The Grove, Stratford, E15 1EL. 7.00 - 8.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 430 6890.

Tues 7 Oct
COURTTIA NEWLAND
He never saw himself reflected in the pages of anything he read. and this prompted Newland to write. His latest books include a novella, The Dying Wish (2006), and a collection of macabre short stories. He is currently working on the screenplay. Venue: African Caribbean Community Library, Battersea Library, 265 Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JB. 6.30pm - 8pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 871 7466.

Tues 7 Oct
BLACK POETS SOCIETY
Poetry from some of the world's best and renowned black poets. Venue: Idea Store Bow, 1 Gladstone Place, Roman Road. 4.30pm-6pm, Adm: Free, Full disabled access. Info: 0207 364 4332.

Tues 7 Oct
WOMEN IN THE GARVEY MOVEMENT
Nzinga Assata discusses her reasons for writing her book, about the contribution made to the advancement of Black people by women at a time in history when women could not vote and were agitating for their rights. Nzinga Assata is the former co-ordinator of the Universal African People's Development Association. Venue: Marcus Garvey Library, Tottenham Green Centre, 1 Philip Lane, N15 4JA. 7pm -8.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 489 5309.

Tues 7 Oct
HOOK LIBRARY READERS' GROUP
Discussing "Purple Hibiscus by the Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Venue: Hook and Chessington Library, Hook Centre, Hook Road, Chessington, KT9 1EJ. 10.30am -11.30am. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 547 6499.

Wed 8 Oct
ALEX WHEATLE: THE DIRTY SOUTH
South Londoner Alex Wheatle talks about his seventh novel The Dirty South, set in Brixton 20 years after the riots. Venue: Ealing Central Library, 103 Ealing Broadway Centre, The Broadway, London, W5 5JY. 6.30pm. Adm: £2. Info: 0208 567 3670.

Wed 8 Oct
NEW MALDEN READERS' GROUP
Discussing "Cloth Girl" by M. H. Mills. Venue: New Malden Library, Kingston ROAD, New Malden, Surrey KT3 3LY. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 547 6499.

Thurs 9 Oct
NATIONAL POETRY DAY
National Poetry Day provides a workshop giving children the opportunity to write their own poetry and have a chance to win prizes. Venue: Idea Store, Chrisp St, 1 Vesey Path, Poplar, E14 6BT. 4pm-6pm, Adm: Free Info: 0207 364 1505.

Thurs 9 Oct
BLACK INTEREST READING GROUP
Developing Diasporas: be part of a world wide three-year project investigating the relationship between reading, location, and migration, discussing two recent bestselling novels. Venue: Kilburn Library, Salusbury Road, Kilburn, London NW6 6NN. 7pm-8.30pm. Info: 0208 937 3530.

Thurs 9 Oct
NATIONAL POETRY DAY
National Poetry Day is holding a poetry and rapping workshop. Listen to readings, write, perform or recite your own favourite poems. Venue: Idea Store, Whitechapel, 321 Whitechapel Road, E1 1BU. 5pm-6.30pm, Adm: Free (Ages 12-18) Full disabled access. Info: 0207 364 4332

Thurs 9 Oct
SPEECHLESS
How free is free speech? Are there things that just can't be said? Four brilliant UK-based poets on the theme of freedom of expression in a multi-lingual spoken word show. Venue: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG. 8pm. Adm: £8, conc £5. Info: 0208 692 4446 / www.thealbany.org.uk

Wed 9 Oct
BACK TO OUR ROOTS
A look at past and present contributions to our society from both the young and old. A video diary room is operating throughout the day to capture reminiscences and observations of residents. Winner of the local primary schools poetry competition will be invited to along to read their poem to this live audience. Venue: Protheroe House, 6 Chestnut Road, N17 9EQ. 11am to 4pm. Adm: Free: Suitable for the elderly. Info: 0208 489 2354.

Fri 10 Oct
THE STUDENT HOUR
In celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Africa World Press, Word Power 2008 hosts reading for students by top academics, published by the press: with reading by Dr Gaim Kibreab, author of Critical Reflection on the Eritrean and Muhammed Umar, author of Amina. Venue: The Emirates, Arsenal Stadium Conference Hall, London N7. 4pm-5pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 254 9632.

Fri 10 Oct
SANKOFA
Launch Of The Marcus Garvey Library, Book Club. The word Sankofa come from the Akan language of Ghana, and symbolizes one taking from the past what is good and bringing it into the present. The aim is to make positive progress through the benevolent use of knowledge. Cloth Girl by Marilyn Heward Mills, is the first book chosen. Venue: Marcus Garvey Library, Tottenham Green Centre, 1 Philip Lane, N15 4JA. 6pm -7pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 489 5350.

Sat 11 Oct
WOMEN POETRY HOUR
Performance poetry by women who contributed to the anthology "Temba Tupu". Hosted by the editor, Dr. Nagueyalti Warren. Venue: The Emirates, Arsenal Stadium Conference Hall, London N7. 12noon-1pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 254 9632.

Sat 11 Oct
WORD OF MOUTH
As part of 2008 National Year of Reading, we will be celebrating this month's theme with poetry, stories and music written by black artists, competitions and activities. Venue: Idea Store, Whitechapel, 321 Whitechapel Road, E1 1BU.10am-3pm. Adm: Free, (All ages). Info: 0207 364 1505.

Sat 11 Oct
BROTHERS ON A VIBE
Performance poetry by three male poets: M.K.Asante, Jr., Victor Richards and Kwame McPherson. Venue: The Emirates, Arsenal Stadium Conference Hall, London N7. 3pm-4pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 254 9632.

Sat 11 Oct
JACOB ROSS
An audience with launching his first novel Pynter Bender. With guest Bernadine Evaristo. Venue: The Emirates, Arsenal Stadium Conference Hall, London N7. 6pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 254 9632 / www.word-power.org.uk

Sun 12 Oct
AN EVENING OF JAMAICAN DUB POETRY
A poetry performance by the Jamaica born internationally recognised, African conscious poet, activist and reggae artist, Mutabaruka. Venue: The Emirates, Arsenal Stadium Conference Hall, London N7. 6pm-8pm. Adm: £10. Info: 0207 254 9632.

Wed 15 Oct
SADE ADENIRAN
Local author Sade Adeniran gives a reading from her new novel Imagine this and takes questions from the floor. Winner of the Commonwealth Writers Prize, Imagine this is a poignant story of one girl's journey to adulthood. Venue: Shepherds Bush Library, London W12. 7pm.

Mon 13 Oct
CONSTANCE BRISCOE
Author Constance Briscoe talks about her book 'Beyond Ugly'. Venue: Stratford Library, 3 The Grove, Stratford, E15 1EL. 7pm-9pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 430 6890.

Tues 14 Oct
JACQUELINE WALKER
Author of Pilgrim State reads from her novel. Venue: Mitcham Library, London Rd, Mitcham, CR4 2YR. 7.15pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 648 4070.

Tues 14 Oct
LONDON LIVES - CAPITAL BLACK WRITING
From Andrea Levy's Small Island to Sam Selvon's Lonely Londoners, writer and storyteller Sandra Agard takes you on an engaging Literary London tour through some of her personal favourites including Levy, Sam Selvon, Alex Wheatle and Mike Phillips. Venue: Dulwich Library, 368 Lordship Lane, SE22 8NB. 2pm-3pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 525 6229.

Wed 15 Oct
OLD MALDEN READERS' GROUP
Discussing "Half of A Yellow Sun" winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction 2007, by the Nigerian Writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Venue: Old Malden Library, Church Road, Worcester Park, KT4 7RD. 11am - 12noon. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 547 6499.

Thurs 16 Oct
BLOND ROOTS
By Author Bernadine Evaristo gives a talk about BHM and her brand new novel about the Slave Trade. Venue: South Woodford Library, 116 High Road, South Woodford London E18 2QS. 7.30pm-9pm. Adm: £2. Info: 0208 708 9067.

Thurs 16 Oct
UNHEARD VOICES
A script-in-hand performance of extracts of four plays written by young people from the Royal Court's playwriting project for young Muslim writers. Featured plays are Arab in the West by Osama Al-Tamimy, Shades by Alia Bano, The Next Step by Hasan Minhas and For God's Sake by Siama Shah, followed by a Q&A with the writers. Venue: Westbourne Studios, 242 Acklam Road, London W10 5JJ. 7pm- 8.30pm. Info: 0207 361 3204.

Thurs 16 Oct
CATHERINE JOHNSON
Writer Catherine Johnson is author of eleven novels for teenagers including Stella, Landlocked and Face Value and was co-writer on award-winning 2004 British film Bullet Boy. Her latest book, A Nest of Vipers, was published this year. Venue: Ealing Central Library, 103 Ealing Broadway Centre, The Broadway, London, W5 5JY.1pm. Invited classes 1.30pm-2.30pm.

Fri 17 Oct
TELL TALES LIVE - BOOK SLAM
Six internationally renowned authors, a major new singer-songwriter and a mesmerising poet gather together to create a rich mix of imagery and prose. A narrative of words, sound and power Weaving story and song fused into a stimulating night of storytelling. Venue: Brixton Library, Brixton Oval, London SW2 1JQ. 7.30pm Info: 0207 926 1056 / www.telltales.co.uk.

Fri 17 Oct
BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION NIGHT
Join writer and poet Victor Richards with his one man play celebrating Windrush in music, drama and words. Features sensational saxophonist Justin and historian S.I. Martin. Adv booking vital. Venue: Willesden Green Library Centre (WGLC), 95 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2ST. 7pm-9pm. Info: 0208 937 3600.

Fri 17 - 18 Oct
BOOM BAP - SHOWTIME!
Moving verse and verse that moves. Two 2-man shows combining physical and verbal gymnastics, beatbox , improvisations, hip-hop theatre and life stories. With Morganics (Sydney) & JoJo Zolina ( Vancouver ) , Baba Israel ( New York ) & Yako 440 ( New York ). Venue: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG. 8pm. Adm: £10, conc £6. Info: 0208 692 4446.

Mon 20 Oct
IMAGINE THIS!
Sade Adeniran talks about her incredible journey from writing and publishing her first novel "Imagine This" to seeing it win the 2008 Commonwealth Writer's prize. Venue: Peckham Library, 5th Floor Pod, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR. 7pm -8.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 525 1570.

Tues 21 Oct
A NEST OF VIPERS - CATHERINE JOHNSON
Catherine Johnson reads from her compelling new children's novel A Nest of Vipers. Suitable for children aged 8 plus and their carers. Venue: Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR. 6pm -7pm. Adm: Free.

Wed 22 Oct
LEVI ROOTS - REGGAE, REGGAE COOKBOOK
TV's dragon slayer, Levi Roots' launches his Reggae Reggae Cookbook which brings together influences as diverse as Jamaican folk tales and Notting Hill Carnival. Venue: Brixton Library, Brixton Oval, London SW2 1JQ. 7pm. Info: 0207 926 1056.

Thurs 23 Oct
BOOK LAUNCH: BEFORE THE SLAVE TRADE
Historian Robin Walker, author of the highly informative When We Ruled launches his brand new book. Venue: Marcus Garvey Library, Tottenham Green Centre, 1 Philip Lane, N15 4JA. 7pm - 9pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 489 5309.

Thurs 23 Oct
NA'IMA B ROBERT - FROM SOMALIA WITH LOVE
Meet the author of the wonderful debut novel for teens, From Somalia With Love. The story quite brilliantly interweaves the modern Muslim world of a Somali girl brought up in London with that of a father who has spent his daughter's whole life fighting in Somalia. Venue: Ealing Road Library, Ealing Road, Coronet Parade, Wembley, Middlesex HA0 4BR. 3.30pm - 5pm. Info: 0208 937 3560.

Thurs 23 Oct
AN EVENING WITH CONSTANCE BRISCOE
Come along and listen to popular author Constance Briscoe talking about her latest novel Beyond Ugly, the equally successful follow up to her debut book Ugly. Booking vital. Venue: Willesden Green Library Centre (WGLC), 95 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2ST. 7pm-8.30pm. Info: 0208 937 3600.

Fri 24 Oct
THE DIRTY SOUTH
Alex Wheatle talks about his latest critically acclaimed novel - The Dirty South. Venue: Camberwell Library, 17-21 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR. 6.30pm-8.pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 525 1570.

Mon 27 Oct
VERNA WILKINS
Wilkins founded Tamarind Books in 1987 to redress the profile of black children and those with disabilities. She discusses the crucial steps to takes to become a successful children's author. Venue: Peckham Library, 5th Floor Pod, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR. Adm: free. 7.pm - 8.30pm. Info: 0207 525 1570.

Tues 28 Oct
TAP 'N' RAP WITH MALAIKA ROSE STANLEY
Interactive fun with Malaika Rose Stanley, author of Man Hunt, Operation X, Dad Alert, A Different Drum, and Getting Bigger. Venue: Ealing Central Library, 103 Ealing Broadway Centre, the Broadway, London, W5 5JY. 2pm-4pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 567 3670.

Tues 28 Oct
SURBITON LIBRARY READERS' GROUP
Discussing literature in honour of Black History Month. Venue: Surbiton Library, Ewell road, Surbiton KT6 6AG. 7pm - 8pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 547 6499.

Wed 29 & 30 Oct
WALL OF WORDS
Contribute your words, phrases, or sentences on 1968 on the wall. The artist Beyonder will look at the wall at regular intervals during the two days and create a poem using it as inspiration. Venue: Swiss Cottage library, London NW3 3HA.12noon-3pm then 4pm-7pm.

Thurs 30 Oct
POETRY SLAM
To mark the closing of BHM enjoy what promises to be a dynamic and entertaining evening! Venue: Peckham Library, 5th floor, 122, Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR. 7pm-10pm. Adm: Free (wheelchair access). Info: 07814 451 938.

Thurs 30 Oct
KINGSTON LIBRARY READERS' GROUP
Discussing the award-winning "Small Island" by Andrea Levy. Venue: Kingston Children's Library, Wheatfield Way, Kingston-Upon-Thames, KT1 2PS. 7pm - 8pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 547 6499.

Thurs 30 Oct
BLACK WRITING AT PECKHAM LIBRARY
Peckham's daytime reading group will be discussing a range of books by prominent black authors. Venue: Peckham Library, 5th Floor Pod, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR. 10.30am - 11.45am. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 525 0231.

Fri 31 Oct
LITERARY & POETRY JAMBOREE
Sandra Agard, writer and storyteller host and leads a discussion about well-known authors of our time. Spaces will be provided for cultural displays and stalls. Free refreshments will be provided. Venue: Clubland, Walworth Methodist Church, 54 Camberwell Road, London SE5 0EN. 6pm-9pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 703 2477.

Fri 31 Oct
DOING THINGS WITH WORDS
Sundiata-The Great King Of Mali: Retold by generations of Griots-the guardians of African culture- the epic history of Sundiata has been handed down from the 10th century and captures all the mysteries and majesty of African medieval kingship. With contemporary Griot Adesose Wallace and Jelibas; Mosi Conde, Explore the historical, literary, musical and cultural perspective of the story of the true Lion King Of Africa with traditional West African musical orchestration. Venue: Dogon Music Worldwide, Greenwich Heritage Centre, Woolwich Arsenal, Woolwich, SE18 4DX. 7pm. Adm: £4 adult, £2 children. Adv booking. Info: 0208 465 7390 / 07931413567 / www.dogonmusic.co.uk

NOVEMBER

Fri 7 Nov
IT'S MY LIFE INNIT
So says poet Zena Edwards , and who are we to argue? Tonight , she lets her hair down with a crew of famous faces and future stars , featuring jazz-rap hero Soweto Kinch and poet Adisa, plus Leeto Thale. Venue: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG. 8pm. Adm: £10, conc £8. Info: 0208 692 4446.

DECEMBER

Wed 3 Dec
ALFRED FAGON AWARD 2008
be among the first to get a glimpse of the work-in-progress of a brand new play! Come and enjoy a rehearsed reading of the winning play from this year's Alfred Fagon Award 2008 which inspires British writers of African and Caribbean descent. Venue: Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS. 4pm to 6pm. Info: 0207 565 5000

Listings in London: