Black History Month
As part of Black History Month, Idea Store is hosting a variety of events to celebrate Black culture and heritage. With author talks, information stalls, children's activities and more, it's a chance to explore the history and contributions of Black communities. The events are designed to help people connect, learn, and appreciate the impact of Black identity and achievements.
Events at Bethnal Green Library
Author event: Tammye Huf
Winner of the Diverse Book Award 2021, Tammye's debut A More Perfect Union was longlisted for the Jhalak Prize and featured in the BBC Radio 2 Book Club. She will visit Bethnal Green Library to discuss her novel, its historical research, and her personal connection to the main characters, Henry and Sarah.
Events at Idea Store Bow
Author event: Marcia Brissett-Bailey
Wednesday 30 October, 6:30 - 8pm
Idea Store Bow
Celebrate Black History Month with Marcia Brissett-Bailey as she shares her powerful journey of embracing dyslexia and neurodiversity. Drawing from her book Black, Brilliant, and Dyslexic, Marcia will explore resilience, identity, and success.
Get your weave on
Saturday 5 October, 2 - 3pm
Idea Store Bow
Design your very own African paper weave. For children aged 5+.
SoulFlow African/Caribbean arts and crafts collage
Monday 7 October, 10am- 12pm
Idea Store Bow
Hear stories from residents, guest speakers and have a chat over a cuppa!
Join SOULFLOW CIC, in Partnership with Idea Store and Tower Hamlets Council, to Celebrate Black History Month.
Just thread it!
Saturday 19 October, 2 - 3 pm
Idea Store Bow
Celebrate the Art form of African hair threading. For children ages 5+.
Date to donate
Wednesday 23 October, 6.30 - 7.30pm
Idea Store Bow
Blood donation is a friendly gesture, come along and find out why!
African Creole storytelling
Saturday 26 October , 10.30 - 11.00am
Idea Store Bow
Experience traditional west African storytelling. For children aged 0 - 5 years.
Last chance to get your weave on!
Monday 28 October, 2 - 3pm
Idea Store Bow
More fun designing your very own African paper weave. For children aged 5+.
Events at Idea Store Watney Market
Author event: Bobby Joseph
Inclusion and Representation in Graphic Novels
Comic Laureate and acclaimed comic creator Bobby Joseph will discuss the representation of black and minority characters over the decades, how their stories have evolved and why is it important.
Events at Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives
Caring for Your Collections with The New Black Film Collective & London’s Screen Archives
Thursday 10 October, 6.00-8.00pm
Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives
Did you know that videos start deteriorating after 30 years?
The New Black Film Collective and London’s Screen Archives present an evening of films from the 1970s-2000s filmed in Tower Hamlets on the themes of love, community, protest and racism.
The event will also explore why it is important to protect and preserve your own personal collections. Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives and London's Screen Archives will host a workshop on how to care for your documents, photos and films (digital, VHS, super 8mm etc), including a chance to get hands on with old film formats.
This workshop is part of The New Black Film Collective and London’s Screen Archive’s project ‘Undocumented’ delivered with the support of the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding and Tower Hamlets Council.
Ijaw People's Association Heritage project and book launch
Thursday 24 October | 5.30-8.00pm
Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives
The Ijaw (Izon) people are from the Niger delta region of southern Nigeria, with a substantial diaspora community living across London and beyond. A National Heritage Lottery Fund project titled ‘Immigrant to citizen: the Ijaw (Izon) people of London from the earliest times to the present’ aims to bring awareness and celebrate the diverse communities that have made London their home.
The early Ijaw community established their roots in Tower Hamlets with the purchase of a building in Mile End that provided a communal gathering space for pastoral care and cultural occasions. The project documents many of these early Ijaws, who arrived from the 1930s and lived in Tower Hamlets, through oral history interviews and written testimonies. We are very pleased to be taking in the materials generated by the project for permanent preservation.
This event will celebrate the launch of a publication that documents the history and heritage of Ijaw people in London.
Drop in - no need to book.
eBooks and Audiobooks to celebrate Black History Month
Discover our curated collection of eBooks and audiobooks to celebrate Black History Month, honoring the rich legacy, culture, and contributions of Black voices through powerful stories, history, and literature
