Black History Month in Norfolk

From EDP24:
Black History Month is getting underway in Norfolk, with four weeks of events aiming to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds.

This year's Black History Month (BHM) promises to be bigger than ever, according to organisers, with more than 80 events scheduled to take place right across the county.

“Last year's BHM was such a success,” said Malika Rahman, of the Norwich and Norfolk Racial Equality Council.

“Our aim now is to keep getting bigger and better, so we can involve more and more people.”

Black History Month (BHM) was initiated by Carter G Woodson in America in 1926 as a way to respond to the often-expressed view that Black Americans and other peoples of African descent had made no significant contribution to human civilisation. It was first celebrated in the UK in 1987.

The event in Norfolk, which is organised by the Norwich and Norfolk Racial Equality Council, provides entertainment, but also aims to educate and to give people across the board the opportunity and confidence to look into and appreciate their own and also other people's history and heritage.

“This year there will be lots of lectures and talks, as well as musical performances,” said Malika. “There will also be people tying their events in with the 50th anniversary of Motown and plenty going on for children and families.”

For more information or to download a brochure visit www.norfolkblackhistorymonth.org.uk

FILM SHOWS

After the success of last year's Norfolk Black Film Festival, Community Arts East is screening an exciting selection of films.


■Karen Hill as DJ Hilary Spin - a 60s housewife who works in a typing pool and livies a boring routine. Then she hears soul music. Hilary is in a spin as she presents the iconic biopic Tina: What's Love Got to Do With It? (cert 18) on Friday October 2 at 7.30pm at Blofield Court House. Tickets are from 01603 715253 or S&S Mitchell newsagents. Also showing on Saturday, October 10, 7pm, at North Creake Village Hall. Tickets are £5 in advance from 01328 738959. The film will also be shown at Tittleshall Village Hall on Saturday October 31, at 7.30pm. Tickets from 01328 700952.


■Standing in the Shadows of Motown (cert PG) is a 2002 documentary film directed by Paul Justman. It recounts the story of The Funk Brothers, the largely uncredited studio musicians who performed on Motown Records' recordings from 1959 to 1972. Cinema City, Wednesday October 7, 8.30pm.


■Am I Black Enough For You? (cert 12A) This documentary tells the story about 70s Philly soul music artist Billy Paul, the city of Philadelphia and the lifelong companionship between Billy and his wife Blanche. Cinema City Wednesday October 14 at 8.30pm.

by Abigail Saltmarsh