October is Black History Month, and events and activities are happening across the Bradford district to commemorate it.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Jerry Barker, will attend a flag-raising ceremony in Centenary Square, city centre, on Sunday 1st October at 11am to inaugurate the month’s celebrations. The clock tower of Bradford City Hall will be illuminated in red, yellow, and green in honour throughout October.
This year’s theme is ‘Celebrating our Sisters’, and events in the district encompass exhibitions, comedy shows, mindfulness sessions, parties, music, entertainment, workshops, and much more.
Catch ‘The Drifters Girl’ at the Alhambra Theatre from Tuesday 3rd October to Saturday 7th October and uncover the extraordinary tale of The Drifters and the woman who shaped their destiny. From the pinnacles of chart-topping records to the depths of legal disputes and personal adversity, Faye Treadwell stands as the iconic manager of The Drifters who never gave up on the group she adored.
In collaboration with the University of Bradford, Bradford Cathedral is hosting an exhibition showcasing stories of Ugandan Asian migration, alongside narratives from the Windrush Community, as part of the ‘Journeys of Hope’ exhibition from Monday 5th October to Tuesday 14th November.
COBO: Comedy Shutdown at the Studio Theatre on Friday 6th October brings a Black History Month Special to Bradford, promising an evening of uproarious, bellyaching laughter.
The BRAVE Festival at Kala Sangam, on Saturday 7th October from 10am to 6pm, offers a day of thrilling activities suitable for all ages and abilities, including dance, music, and spoken word workshops culminating in a lively party at 5pm.
Engage in an afternoon of poetic exploration at a Windrush Poetry Workshop with Simone Yasmin at Kala Sangam on Saturday, 7th October at 3pm.
Immerse yourself in the serenity of mindful movement through ancient yoga, tapping into the wisdom of our forebears and paying homage to the grace and resilience that flows within us at the Ascension Vibrations event held at Checkpoint B.W.I.C.C.A on Saturday, 14th October from 10.30am to 6pm.
Nabil Abdulrashid’s ‘The Purple Pill’ on Saturday 14th October at 8pm delves into the struggle to balance being a good person while maintaining a tough exterior. Join the star of ‘Live at the Apollo’ at the Studio Theatre for this exploration of empathy, morality, and political paradox.
‘So Diva’, acclaimed by Sir Tom Jones on ITV’s ‘The Voice UK’, embarked on their inaugural national theatre tour with a unique set list of 80s dancefloor classics from Irene Cara, Lipps Inc, Debarge, The Pointer Sisters, Evelyn Champagne King, Kool and the Gang, Stacey Lattishaw, Shalamar, Stephanie Mills, and many more. Catch ‘The Last Days of Disco’ at St George’s Hall on Thursday 19th October at 7.30pm.
Bradford Council’s Museums and Galleries Service will be marking Black History Month with events at two of its venues.
Bradford Industrial Museum will host Theatre In a Box’s “Curiosity, The Laser and Me – The Story of Patricia E. Bath” on Tuesday 24th October from 11-12pm and 1-2pm. Patricia E. Bath was an African-American ophthalmologist and a pioneer of laser cataract surgery. This show briefly touches on themes of segregation, racism, and gender equality in 1950s-70s America and is suitable for ages 4-11 and families.
On Thursday 26th October, Bolling Hall invites people to ‘Come and Get Astronomical’ and learn about the historic Bradford astronomer Abraham Sharpe and the modern-day British astronomer Maggie Aderin Pocock. The event, suitable for all ages and families, will see participants engage in astronomical activities working alongside poet Natalie Davies.
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “Black History Month is an important time of year. As a diverse district, it is essential that we take the time to explore and understand the heritage of all of our residents. There’s an exciting programme of events happening throughout October, so please take the time to see what’s on offer.”
