Literature / Poetry / Readings / Workshop Events
Please note: The listings for BHM have been ‘retained’ to show new viewers what kinds of activities are common during the Black History Month which covers October to November annually. For regular listings visit: Arts and Entertainment
Throughout Oct
CHILDREN’S AUTHORS OF THE MONTH
We’re proud to have a whole host of wonderful authors for children. We’ll be bringing you more information on our authors. Available to borrow. Venue: Idea Store Whitechapel | All day. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 364 1738.
Throughout Oct
CROYDON CELEBRATES BHM
Choose a book to borrow from the special library display. All Day. Venue: Ashburton Library
Shirley Rd, Addiscombe CR9 7AL. Age: adults and children. Adm: drop-in. Info: 0208 726 6900.
Now 3 – 9 Oct
NO USE CRYING
Debut author Zannah Kearns takes students on a voyage of discovery as she discusses the inspiration for her story focusing on character-driven plots and highlighting the importance of the voice in bringing a story alive. Plus Q&A and time permitting a writing workshop. Suitable for secondary school students. Venue: Various Borough Libraries. For Brent Schs only. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 937 5619.
Tues 4 & 18 Oct
THE AFRICAN EXPERIENCE IN WARTIME EUROPE
When Hitler’s Nazi Party came to power in March 1933, there were an estimated 24,000 citizens of African descent in Germany. Freelance writer Akin Shenbanjo Jr tells their story. Venue: Willesden Green Library, 95 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2SF. 11am – 1pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 937 3400.
Tues 4 Oct
MAGGIE HARRIS AND ROSEMARIE HUDSON
MsHarris introduces Kiskadee Girl, ‘a memoir that reads like a novel.’ The setting is Guyana, the land of many waters, and the time one of great change in Maggie’s life. Followed by Q&A. Venue: Lewisham Library, 199-201 Lewisham High Street, Hither Green, London SE13 6LG. 8pm -9.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 8501.
Fri 7 Oct
CONSTANCE BRISCOE
The Accused is the debut crime novel by the bestselling author of “Ugly and Beyond Ugly”. Constance Briscoe is a practicing barrister and one of the first black women to sit as a judge in the UK. Venue: Wanstead Library, 7.15pm – 9pm. Adm: £5, Info: 0208 708 7400.
Fri 7 Oct
PRECIOUS WILLIAMS
Precious Williams has written for Elle, The Mail on Sunday and Cosmopolitan, and is now the author of “Precious: A True Story”. Venue: Enfield Town Library, 7pm – 8.45pm, Adm: Free (adv bking), Info: 0208 379 8341.
Sat 8 Oct
SATURDAY READING GROUP
All are welcome to join this month’s reading group to discuss black writing.
Venue: Manor House Library, 34 Old Rd, London SE13 5SY. 11am–12noon. Adm: Free. Info: 0203 14 7779.
Wed 5 Oct
AFRICAN CULTURAL MEMORY IN THE CARIBBEAN
Dr Morgan Dalphinis will examine African cultural memory in the Caribbean and amongst the Diaspora in England, the Creole Languages and use of European languages, as well as in Caribbean oral literature and writing. Venue: Hackney Central Library, Hackney Technology and Learning Centre, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ. 6.15 – 7.45pm. Info: 0208 356 3000.
Thurs 6 Oct
LONDON WRITING BOOK GROUP
Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman. Discuss this powerful, Man Booker prize long listed, novel at our monthly book group. Venue: Bethnal Green Library, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 0HL. 6.30pm. Info: 0208 980 3902.
Fri 14 Oct
THE POMEDY SHOW
A wonderful opportunity to see Jamaica’s legendary “edutainer,” Yasus AfarI, provide his special blend of poetry and comedy which will excite and inspire, while educating and entertaining. Venue: Broadway Theatre, Catford Broadway, London SE6 4RU, 8-10pm. Adm: £17.50-£20.Info: 0208 690 0002.
Mon 17 Oct
PREDICTION – A SCIENCE, A CRAFT, OR AN ART?
Speakers from a wide range of disciplines present and discuss what it takes to make predictions. Chaired by journalist and broadcaster Samira Ahmed with speakers Jon Turney and Ian Harwood. Curated by Sebastian Scotney. Venue: King’s Place Hall One, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG. 7pm. Adm: £9.50. Info: 0191 443 4661
Fri 7 Oct
COME AND MEET AUTHOR & WRITER
Karlene Rickard gives a brief summary of her life and how she came to develop her writing skills and got published. Venue: Walthamstow Library, High Street, Walthamstow E17 7JN. 7 – 8pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 496 3189.
Sat 8 Oct
BLACK INTEREST READING GROUP STARTS TODAY
This new monthly reading group starts today with a discussion about the books everyone would like to read. Venue: Thornton Heath, Brigstock Rd, CR7 7JE. 11am – noon. Age: Adults. Adm: Session. Info: 0208 726 6900.
Sat 8 Oct
RHYME AND REASON POETRY FESTIVAL: POETRY SLAM
Aspire Creativity and Southwark libraries present an evening focusing on spoken word skills and performance. Anyone can enter and the panel of judges will vote for the prize winner of the slam. Venue: Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill St, SE15 5JR. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 358 9645.
Thurs 11 Oct
A CUPBOARD FULL OF COATS
Local author Yvette Edwards will be reading from her recently published book. Venue: Wood Street Library, Forest Road, Walthamstow E17 4AA. 7pm – 8pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 496 1156
Tues 11 Oct
LOUISE LEVENE
Journalist and ballet critic Louise Levene discusses the inspiration behind her second novel, Ghastly Business, described as “a riveting tale of an ingénue’s initiation into murky inter-war London“. Venue: Willesden Green Library, 95 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2SF. 7 – 8.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 937 3400.
Tues 11 – 14 Oct
ALEX WHEATLE: UPRISING
Marking the 30th anniversary of the Brixton riots, award-winning author Alex Wheatle presents his autobiographical story of how he became a writer. A moving journey through 1980s Britain. Venue: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG. 7.30pm. Adm: £10, conc £7. Info: 0208 692 4446.
Wed 12 Oct
PATIENCE AGBABI
Part of the rhyme and reason poetry festival: Patience Agbabi, acclaimed poet and performer. Venue: Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 358 9645
Wed 12 Oct
SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN’S WRITING
Gillian Slovo will talk about her books including ‘Red Dust’, giving insights into her childhood and her relationship with her parents, well known activists in the South African struggle. June Bam-Hutchison will read from her book ‘Peeping Through the Reeds’, a novel about growing up in apartheid era South Africa. Venue: The Women’s Library, 25 Old Castle St, Aldgate, E1 7NT. 7-8.30pm. Adm: £8, concs £6. Info: 0207 320 2222.
Thurs 13 Oct
TILT’S LONDON LIMING
Tilt’s London Liming is a spoken word mash up where people can mix, drink, dance and experience the best performers interspersed with intoxicating Brazilian, soca tunes played by DJ Cliffy www.ontilt.org. Venue: Rich Mix, 35–47 Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green, E1 6LA. 7.30pm. Adm: £7, concs £5. Info: 0207 613 7498.
Thurs 13 Oct
STEPHEN BOURNE
Mother Country – Britain’s Black Community On The Home Front 1939-45. An illustrated talk unearthing a ‘hidden history’ of Britain and the Second World War, including the community leaders Dr Harold Moody and Learie Constantine, and black senior citizens who Stephen interviewed about the home front in Africa and the Caribbean. Venue: Willesden Green Library, 95 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2SF. 7 – 9pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 937 3400 / Info: www.stephenbourne.co.uk
Fri 14 Oct
BANNED BOOKS
Banned Books is an annual campaign first established in the US. It seeks to celebrate the freedom to read while drawing attention to the harms of censorship. Venue: Willesden Green Library, 95 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2SF. 7 – 8.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 937 3400.
Fri 14 –15 Oct
BHM PROGRAMME
Join Rhema Publication & Teens4choice for fun, friendly, family festival that will celebrate Brent’s multicultural neighbourhood. Venue: Willesden Green Library, 95 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2SF. 11am – 6.30pm. Info: http://bbhmf.wordpress.com/2011
Sat 15 Oct
MOTHER COUNTRY
Stephen’s illustrated talk will highlight some of the forgotten Britons he features in the book including the community leaders Dr Harold Moody and Learie Constantine. Venue: Imperial War Museum London, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 416 5320.
Sat 15 Oct
MULTI-CULTURAL WRITERS GROUP
A time and space for those interested in writing to meet and discuss their work. Each person reads their own work aloud to the group and members give constructive feedback.
Venue: Lewisham Library, 199-201 Lewisham High Street, Hither Green London SE13 6LG. 2pm-3.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 9800.
Sat 15 Oct
MULTI-CULTURAL WRITERS GROUP
A time and space for those interested in writing to meet and discuss their work. Each person reads their own work aloud to the group and members give constructive feedback to assist in development. Venue: Lewisham Library, 199-201 Lewisham High Street, Hither Green London SE13 6LG, 2-3.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 9800.
Mon 17 Oct
HENRY OLONGA: BLOOD, SWEAT & TREASON
Join Henry Olonga gives a riveting talk on his nominated British Sports Book of the Year described as sports book meets real-life thriller. Venue: Willesden Green Library, 95 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2SF. 7 – 8.30pm. Adm: free. Info: 0208 937 3400.
Mon 17 Oct
THE POETRY OF EDWARD KAMAU BRATHWAITE
An introduction to the poetry of one of the major voices of Caribbean literature. Venue: Newington Library, 155 Walworth Road, SE17 1RS. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 525 2000.
Tues 18 Oct
SHARING SPACE WITH INSPIRED WORD
Local creative writing collective with recent work. You can join in with Open Mic or sit back and enjoy. Venue: Torridon Rd Library, 103 Torridon Rd, London SE6 1RQ. 7-8.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 3712.
Tues 18 Oct
A CUPBOARD FULL OF COATS
Out of nowhere, Lemon arrives on her doorstep. An old friend of her mother’s, he wants to revisit the events leading to that terrible night, and Jinx sees the opportunity to confess. Meet the author Yvette Edwards and buy a signed copy of her debut novel nominated for 2011 Man Booker Prize. Venue: Marcus Garvey Library, Tottenham Green Centre, 1 Phillip Lane N15 4JA. 7pm – 8.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 489 5309.
Tues 18 Oct
POETRY GROUP: FAMOUS BLACK POETS
Reading poems from Maya Angelou to Tupac Shakur, to celebrate Black History Month. Venue: Grove Vale Library, 25-27 Grove Vale, SE22 8EQ. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 525 2000.
Thurs 20 Oct
AN EVENING OF POETRY AND PROSE WITH EMINENT POET JOHN PRINCE
Come along and hear this broad spectrum of human experience as John Prince reads from his latest work, expressed in his masterful and insightful style. Refreshments will be provided. Venue: Hackney Central Library, Hackney Technology and Learning Centre, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ. 6 – 7.45pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 356 3000.
Fri 21 Oct
THE STREETS ARE PAVED WITH GOLD
A fantastic drama, poetry session/workshop delivered by Victor Richards delivering run for approx one and half hours. Venue: Fulham Library, 598 Fulham Road, London SW6. 2pm.
Sat 22 Oct
LAUNCH, POETRY & DISCUSSION
The theme for this year’s Somali festival will be introduced by Sarah Maguire, director of the Poetry Translation Centre, then followed by Mahamed Haashi Dhama ‘Gaariye’ who will launch SWF 2011. The evening will be close with a performance by Abdinasir Ma’alin Aydid who will play the lute. Venue: Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG. 6–10pm. Adm: £10. Info: 07903 712 949.
Sat 22 Oct
CONSTANCE BRISCOE AT PECKHAM LIBRARY
Acclaimed author and barrister Constance Briscoe will be talking about her life and discussing her new novel ‘The Accused’. Venue: Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 358 9645.
Sun 23 Oct
COMMEMORATION OF MUSE GALAAL
Martin Orwin highlights the significance of Muse Haaji Ismail, know as Muse Galaal, who was a writer and one of the founding fathers of written Somali. To mark the 30th anniversary of Muse Galaal’ s death, colleagues and friend will pay tribute to him and will read some of his work in both Somali and English language. Info: Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG. 6–10pm. Adm: £5. Info: 07903 712 949.
Sun 23 Oct
SOMALI WISDOM STORIES:
Dr Georgi Kapchits discuss the importance of both translating Somali work into other languages and of expanding the availability of Somali literature in world literature. He will read from his book ‘Hikmada Somalida’ (Somali Wisdom). Venue: Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG. 2–6pm. Adm: £5. Info: 07903 712 949.
Mon 24 Oct
ANGLO-SOMALI SOCIETY EVENT
The British Museum in London holds about 1,300 Somali artefacts almost all of which are not on public display. Osman Abshir Egal will talk about the RAAD Somali-British Heritage Project. The Anglo-Somali Society has launched an appeal to help the Alfardus Relief Organisation. A representative of the organisation will give a talk about their achievements and plans. Venue: Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG. 6–7.30pm. Adm: £2 (food not included in price). Info: 07903 712 949.
Mon 24 Oct
CONVERSATION WITH AMIN AMIR
Amin Amir, a famous Somali painter, political cartoonist and visual artist from Mogadishu, currently based in Canada, presents his new satirical cartoon book and participate in a Q&A session. He is famous for his satirical socio-political cartoons. Venue: Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG. 8–10pm. Adm: £5. Info: 07903 712 949.
Wed 26 Oct
WOMEN’S EVENING
Conversation with Saado Abdi Amarre who will share some of her emotionally charged work and Sarah Maguire will provide translation into English. Saado‘s work include a marsterpiece called ‘Haddaba deeqaay, dagaalkani muxuu ahaa?’ (roughly translated as ‘O Deeqa! What is the meaning for this war? Venue: Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG. 6–10pm. Venue: 07903 712 949.
Thurs 27 Oct
ALEXANDER D GREAT
Alexander D Great is a Calypsonian performance poet, writer and musician. 60 places for children at each event. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Venue: North Library, Manor Gardens, N7 6JX. 2pm – 3pm. Adm: Free Tickets. Age: 4 – 7. Info: 0207 527 7840.
Sat 29 Oct
CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP WITH PATSY ISLES
Come along and develop your writing skills – Patsy has many people raving about her writing workshops. This isn’t one to miss. Workshop has limited number of places available. Venue: Ilford Central Library, Clements Rd, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1EA. 1pm-4pm. Adm: £5.00 per ticket. Info: 0208 708 2439.
Sun 30 Oct
ALEXANDER D GREAT
Alexander D Great is a Calypsonian performance poet, writer and musician. 60 places for children at each event. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Venue: Central Library, 2 Fieldway Crescent, N5 1PF. 3pm – 4pm. Adm: Free Tickets Info: 0207 527 6900.
Thurs 27 Oct
ROOTS AND RHYMES
With the Cool Learning Team. Celebrate where you come from and what makes you unique. Give your ideas wings and set them free through poetry and song in this family activity. Venue: Hackney Museum, Ground Floor, Technology and Learning Centre,1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ. 2 – 4pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 356 3000.
Fri 28 Oct
OPEN MIC/POETRY SLAM
Word play! An ancient art – come along and drop rhymes or poetry, it’s all good. Express your roots ‘n’ culture, creativity and style. Venue: Hackney Central Library, Hackney Technology and Learning Centre, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ. 6.30 – 8pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 356 3000.
Thurs 27 Oct
CHATTERBOOKS
Book a chat about favourite Black writing. Venue: Manor House Library, 34 Old Rd, London SE13 5SY. 4-5pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208314 7794.
Sat 29 Oct
PARIAH
With author Thomas Emson Thomas Emson author of best selling Maneater and Skarlet discusses his new book, Pariah. ‘In the nineteenth century a sinister killer ripped four souls from this world. But he needs a fifth and he’s back to find it… Jack the Ripper’s back and hell’s coming with him’. (session for grown ups). Venue: Willesden Green Library, London NW10. 8 – 9pm. Info: 0208 937 3400.
Sat 29 Oct
LITERATURE DAY – REDSEA BOOK FAIR
You will be able to purchase books which are only available via Redsea-online, such as, ‘Shufbeel’ by Saed Jama which is a collection of essays and short stories touching on modern and traditional themes of Somali wisdom and entertainment (murti iyo madaddaalo), and ‘Baqaya-Rogad’ (Somersault) by Abdirahman Yusuf Arten, which is a short volume including three plays by the same author. Venue: Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG. 6–10pm. Adm: Free. Info: 07903 712 949.
NOVEMBER
Tues 1 Nov
IN CONVERSATION WITH THE BROTHERS
Literature and discussion & Music.Be inspired by award-winning Jazz Pianist Emmanuel Waldron and Young self-published local author Abiodun Balogun discuss and read from his anthology London’s Invisible Tears. Venue: Manor House Library, 34 Old Road, London SE13 5SY, 7-8.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 7779.
Thurs 3 Nov
COURTTIA NEWLAND: A BOOK OF BLUES
The blues speak of many things, love most of all. Courttia uses the short story format to compose vivid contemporary songs of self-discovery, tenderness and hope. Celebrated local saxophonist Jimmy Beckley provides the mood music. Venue: Lewisham Library, 199-201 Lewisham High Street, Hither Green London SE13 6LG, 8-9.30pm. Adm: Free, Info: 0208 314 9800.
Tues 15 Nov
INSPIRED WORD
Performance and Open Mic with thisBlack History themed performance of poetry, prose and monologue. Venue: Lewisham Library, 199-201 Lewisham High Street, Hither Green London SE13 6LG, 8-9.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 9800.
Thurs 17 Nov
JACOB SAM-LA ROSE: BREAKING SILENCE
Described as a “one man literary industry”, Jacob’s newly published poetry anthology is a stand-out reflection upon contemporary Britain. Venue: Lewisham Library, 199-201 Lewisham High St, Hither Green London SE13 6LG, 8-9pmAdm: Free: Info: 0208 314 9800.
