Black History Month
October is Black History Month, a chance to celebrate Black history, culture and creativity, and to learn more about the people and communities that have helped shape the world around us.
There are lots of ways to get involved with young children, from exploring local exhibitions and joining creative workshops to sharing stories at home. Here are a few ideas for families around Burgess Park, Elephant and Castle and the surrounding area.
Get creative with Art in The Park & 1st Place
On Saturday 24 October, families can take part in Painting Our Histories, Drawing Our Futures, a free creative event at Art in The Park, Burgess Park. Through drawing, painting and other creative activities, families can explore the stories and contributions of people from Black and Global Majority backgrounds who play important roles in our communities.
It’s a great opportunity to make something together, share ideas and introduce children to different stories and experiences through art.
When: Saturday 24 October, 11am–1pm or 2pm–4pm
Where: Art in The Park, 12 Chumleigh Street, Burgess Park, SE5 0RN
Discover local history in Camberwell
Head to Camberwell Library to see All Our Histories, a free exhibition exploring Black British history and the history of enslavement in Camberwell, Southwark and beyond. It brings together local research, artwork by young people and audio performances, offering families a chance to learn more about the history of the area.
The exhibition is suitable for all ages, so it could be a good starting point for conversations with older children about history, identity and the different stories that make up our local community.
Where: Camberwell Library, 48 Camberwell Green, SE5 7AL
Entry: Free, with no booking required. Check the library’s opening hours before visiting.
Celebrate through music, dance and movement
Black history is also about celebrating culture today. Music, dance and movement are fun ways for children to explore different rhythms, sounds and forms of expression.
Look out for Black History Month events and family activities taking place across Southwark, including community celebrations in Elephant and Castle and Peckham. Southwark Council’s events listings are a useful place to find out what’s happening locally.
Keep the conversations going at home
Black History Month can be a starting point for conversations and activities that continue throughout the year. Try listening to music by Black artists, creating a family artwork inspired by someone you admire, or learning about a Black historical figure who has made a difference in your local area.
Reading together is an easy way to introduce children to people, places and experiences they might not have come across before. Visit your local library and look for picture books featuring Black authors, illustrators, historical figures and families from different backgrounds.
Sharing stories, asking questions, making things together and exploring different cultures through everyday experiences can all help children grow up curious about the world and respectful of others.