By KLTV Newsdesk –
This October is set to be a vibrant and enriching celebration of Black History Month in Kirklees, with a diverse array of events and activities that pay homage to the rich cultural heritage and contributions of African descent individuals and communities.
Local Sisters, a window display hosted by Kirklees Libraries at the Local Studies Library on 16a Victoria Lane, is a compelling visual tribute to the achievements of Black women.
Other public spaces across Kirklees are also hosting various events, including the Big Drum workshop at The Tolson Museum, offering an immersive experience of Caribbean dancing and drumming every Monday.
On Tuesdays, model Citizens workshops at Kirklees College provide young people access to cutting-edge technology and industry support.
A series of podcasts and radio broadcasts on social media shed light on the Windrush Generation’s impact, and the libraries are offering Black History Month-themed school visits year-round.
Later in the month, don’t miss out on events such as the Melanated Reading Book Group, the Youth Crime Conference, World Mental Health Day, and “Our Music, Our History”.
Exploring the Huddersfield Windrush Generation, a quilt poster event and an open discussion for the African and Caribbean diaspora communities (“Let’s Talk”) also await attendees.
Finally, the Windrush Symposium & Black History Month Showcase promises entertainment, education, and unity at The Hudawi Centre.
These events encapsulate the essence of Black History Month, fostering understanding, appreciation, and celebration of Black heritage and culture in Kirklees this October.
As One Magazine
Alongside these events, Kirklees Local Television is also launching two groundbreaking new platforms for African descent and broader communities.
On Monday, 2 October, KLTV is launching the As One Magazine, free on kirkleeslocaltv.com.
Designed to inform, celebrate, and empower the African diaspora, this unique publication offers a fresh and innovative take on African descendants’ diverse culture, history, and achievements.
The inaugural issue of As One Magazine promises an array of exciting features that delve into various aspects of life.
From Health and Wellbeing to Culture, Art and Music, Transatlantic news, faith, and beyond, readers will embark on a captivating journey of exploration and enlightenment.
African Descendants Forum
Later in the month, following the magazine’s launch, KLTV is launching a brand new website, the African Descendants Forum (ADF).
The ADF is an online digital platform that shapes services that build trust, collaboration, consensus, and unity to enrich the lives of those across the African Diaspora.
The site will showcase diversity – the people, places, culture, challenges, and celebrations encompassing African descent communities at home and abroad.
The vision is to educate, inspire, and instil a legacy that serves as a foundation for present and future generations to succeed.
The ADF’s mission is to connect people through multi-media online content, membership events, workshops, profiles, video productions, professional training, development programmes and digital campaigns.
Full List
Check out the complete list of events below for dates and how to get involved.
Throughout October
Local Sisters
Local Studies will have a window display celebrating our Local Sisters.
Venue: 16a Victoria Lane, Huddersfield, HD1 2QF
Organisers: Kirklees Libraries
Big Drum workshop
Every Monday throughout the year (except Bank Holidays)
As part of ‘Mondays at the Museum’, experience traditional dancing and drumming from the Caribbean. The workshop is free, and everyone’s welcome.
Time: 2 pm – 3 pm
Venue: The Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park, Wakefield Road, HD5 8DJ
For more information: Call 01484 223240, or email cathryn.pike@kirklees.gov.uk
Organisers: Big Drum is sponsored and organised by Shaping Care in Kirklees
Model Citizens workshops
Every Tuesday, 3, 10, 17 and 24 October
These workshops, led by award-winning creative artists, performers and industry specialists, provide young people with access to the latest technology and industry-led technical support. They were booking advisable.
Time: 4 pm – 7 pm
Venue: Kirklees College, Huddersfield Centre, Waterfront Quarter Manchester Road, HD1 3LD
To book, Contact Franklin Castle at 07518 820 365
Organisers: Locorum
Podcasts and radio broadcasts
A series of interviews and discussions with the Windrush Generation and its descendants. This will focus on views and arguments on the impact of the Windrush Generation’s legacy and how the future looks and will be intergenerational.
Venue: Social media
More info: Dominic Pinnock 07727 008 971
School visits
Kirklees Libraries offers several Black History Month-themed school visits throughout the year.
This includes an interactive opportunity for Year 6 students to learn about the incredible life of Black abolitionist Ellen Craft, who visited 19th-century Kirklees and other key figures in Black history.
All class visits are free and designed to encourage a love of books and reading for pleasure.
To book: For details and to book, email frontline.services@kirklees.gov.uk
Organisers: Kirklees Libraries
Celebrating Creative and Cultural Roots in Kirklees
“Celebrating Creative and Cultural Roots in Kirklees” is an exhibition and celebration exploring the 70 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign and roots in Commonwealth countries.
The exhibition will run in Huddersfield Town Centre throughout October at CollaborARTi Gallery 2, Huddersfield Piazza (opposite the former library building main steps) Monday- Saturday, 11 am to 3 pm.
Sunday 1 October
Harvest Festival
A harvest celebration – the culmination of a successful growing season by this collective of Caribbean gardeners who have been sharing their skills and knowledge digitally with others.
She supported other community growing initiatives (including the Windrush Anniversary Garden in Springwood).
Time: 1 pm – 5 pm
Venue: Fartown Allotments, Off York Avenue, Fartown, Huddersfield
Organisers: WHEAT @ Fartown Allotments
Faith and the Community
United Service of churches coming together, celebrating their faith with family and friends, and recognising/acknowledging work within the community.
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Venue: New Testament Church of God, Great Northern Street, Huddersfield, HD1 6AY
Organisers: New Testament Church Of God
Thursday 5 October
Melanated reading book group
A welcoming book group, free to join. We read books from authors of many cultures and backgrounds to raise awareness of the diversity of writing talents waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. Join us if you want or think you might enjoy reading writers of many shades and hues.
Time: Drop-in, 5.45 pm – 6.45 pm every first Thursday of the month throughout the year
Venue: Huddersfield Library, Civic Centre 3, High Street, HD1 2YZ
Organisers: Kirklees Libraries
Friday 6 October
4th Annual Youth Crime Conference
We are bringing people together to hear about some of the excellent work happening locally and hear from leading national speakers on practical approaches to tackling issues related to youth crime.
The conference will interest schools, community groups and those working with young people.
Time: 10 am – 2.00 pm
Venue: University of Huddersfield, Oastler Building
To book: 4th Annual Youth Crime Conference 2023
Organisers: Conflict Resolutions / LS2Y
Tuesday 10 October
World Mental Health Day
Fear, stigma and lack of culturally sensitive treatment can act as barriers to accessing mental health care for people from Black and mixed heritage backgrounds.
There are options available to help you overcome some of these barriers and get support with any treatment. Come along to find out more.
Time:1 pm – 3 pm
Venue: The Mission, Lord Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1QA
To book: Email kamscornercentre@gmail.com
Organiser: Kam’s Corner
Thursday 12 October
Exploring ‘Our Music, Our History’
A free, welcoming space for community members to come and celebrate their memories of music and the Windrush generation’s influence on music in Huddersfield. Refreshments provided.
Time: 11.30 am – 3.30 pm
Venue: St John’s Centre, St John’s Road, Huddersfield HD1 5BW
Organisers: Oasis Care support services and Kirklees Cohesion Team
Wednesday 18 October
Who are the Huddersfield Windrush Generation?
A presentation about Huddersfield’s Windrush Generation, the many people who moved from the Caribbean to make a home here from 1948.
Stalls will sell food, greeting cards, Windrush booklets, Caribbean books and T-shirts.
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Venue: Bradley Community Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 5 Copthorne Gardens, Bradley, Huddersfield, HD2 1RH
For more information and to book, Email kamscornercentre@gmail.com
Organiser: Kam’s Corner
Wednesday 25 October
Quilt Poster Event
We are collecting local stories from the community. Would you like to contribute a story or anything positive? Add your contribution and attach it to the quilt poster to create the final collaborative quilt.
Time: 12 pm – 2 pm
Venue: Dewsbury Library
Organisers: Kirklees Cohesion Team, Yvonne Battle-Felton, Kirklees Libraries
Saturday 28 October
“Let’s talk”
This is an opportunity for the African and Caribbean diaspora communities to unite for an open discussion on issues facing our society.
Time: 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Venue: St John’s Resource Centre, St Johns Road. Birkby. Huddersfield
Organisers: Building African Caribbean Communities (BACC)
Windrush Symposium & Black History Month Showcase
An evening of entertainment, education and togetherness to celebrate Black History and the Windrush Generation. Free entry, food and complimentary drinks
Venue: The Hudawi Centre, Great Northern Street, Huddersfield, HD1 6BG
Organisers: Education 2000 and BACC