Black History Month highlights across Birmingham

From a day celebrating the poet Benjamin Zephaniah to an evening with Sir Lenny Henry, Birmingham's Black History Month programme includes dozens of events throughout October. Here are some of the highlights.

Benjamin Zephaniah Day, 10 October

Birmingham will honour the late poet, writer and activist Benjamin Zephaniah with an afternoon of poetry, music, dance and creativity. Zephaniah, who grew up in Handsworth, became one of Britain's best-known poets, writing for adults and children, and was famous for his work on race, justice and identity. He died in December 2023.

Margaret Busby: Part of the Story, 8 October

As part of Birmingham Literature Festival, the pioneering publisher, editor and campaigner Margaret Busby will reflect on her career. She co-founded the publishing house Allison and Busby in the 1960s, becoming Britain's youngest and first Black woman publisher, and edited the landmark anthology Daughters of Africa.

Melanin Marvels Festival, 10 October

A festival for children celebrating Black history and culture, with activities designed to help young people learn about Black achievement in a fun way.

African Soul Rebels, 8 October

A concert showcasing some of the most adventurous voices in contemporary African music.

Lenny Henry: Still At Large, 19 October

The comedian, actor and writer Sir Lenny Henry, who grew up in Dudley, brings comedy, storytelling and reflection to Symphony Hall. Henry co-founded Comic Relief and has campaigned for greater diversity in the media.

Made You Look, 21 to 22 October

A new theatre production at the Birmingham Rep exploring contemporary themes.

Off-Key, 30 to 31 October

A coming-of-age drama about friendship, ambition and Black girlhood, at the Patrick Studio at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Sylvia, 6 to 10 October

The musical Sylvia, at Birmingham Hippodrome, tells the story of the suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst, a fearless and complex campaigner. The production is known for its diverse cast and its blend of hip hop, soul and funk.

BlackFest

A closing ceremony for BlackFest is planned for 30 October, bringing the month to a close with a celebration.

Free exhibitions

Students from Birmingham City University have created an open-air exhibition celebrating Black culture in Snow Hill Square, free to see throughout October.

About the programme

Birmingham's Black History Month programme is in its 35th year and is produced by the Blackstory Partnership, with support from the city council and organisations including Birmingham Hippodrome, the Birmingham Rep, B:Music, the Legacy Centre of Excellence and the National Trust.

A century of Black history

This year marks 100 years since the historian Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week in the United States in 1926, which later grew into Black History Month. The UK has marked the month since 1987.

Find out more

Full listings, including times, venues and ticket details, are available on the Birmingham Black History Month website and in brochures at libraries and arts venues across the city. Many events are free.

Learning about local history

Birmingham's archives and museums hold many records of the city's Black history, from the Windrush generation who arrived from the Caribbean after the Second World War to the stories of earlier Black residents of the city going back centuries. The Library of Birmingham and community history groups often run talks and exhibitions during October, and families can explore these stories together.

Schools and young people

Many schools in Birmingham mark Black History Month with assemblies, projects and visits from speakers. Campaigners say Black history should be taught throughout the year, as part of British history, not only in October.