Black History Month 2022: what is planned in Birmingham and how to get involved in events across the city

Black History Month 2022 is nearly here, and there is set to be a wide range of events taking place across Birmingham.

Following on from the launch event that took place in September, October will be busy with events such as talks and workshops about Black History within Birmingham.

The launch took place at the Birmingham Hippodrome and included events such as speakers and creative performances, pieces by Aston Performing Arts Academy, Eloquent Praise Dance, and a reading from She’s Royal and poetry readings.

Ahead of the start of Black History Month, here’s what you need to know about the month including the events taking place across Birmingham.

What is Black History Month?

Black History Month takes place throughout October and aims to celebrate and promote contributions from black people to British society.

In the UK it was launched in the 1980s in London, but can be traced back to the 1920s in the USA.

Which events are taking place in Birmingham?

Among the wide range of events taking place across Birmingham are the following:

We Don’t Settle & B:Music present: Poetry Jam: Live!

Poetry Jam has opened its doors every first Thursday of the month and it is a monthly open mic night.

During Black History Month, the Poetry Jam takes place on Thursday October 6.

COBO: Comedy Shutdown Black History Month Special – Birmingham

A night of comedy is coming to The Glee Club on Hurst Street in Birmingham.

The lineup for the night on Sunday October 9 is listed below:

• Robbie G (The Real McCoy, Netflix)
• Eddie Nestor (The Real McCoy, BBC London)
• Kane Brown (BBC, 1Xtra, Amazon Prime)
• Aurie Styla (ITV, C4, Radio 4)

Tickets are available for £19.99 and can be purchased online through Eventbrite.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

The South African male chorus group sings in the vocal styles of isicathamiya and mbube.

According to the Black History Month website, the group: “rose to worldwide prominence as a result of singing with Paul Simon on his 1986 album Graceland, and have won multiple awards, including four Grammy Awards.

“They were formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960 and later became one of South Africa’s most prolific recording artists, with their releases receiving gold and platinum disc honours.”

Following the very sad news about Joseph Shabalala death, Ladysmith Black Mambazo confirmed that they will be celebrating the life and music of their founder Joseph in their concerts.

For sixty years Ladysmith Black Mambazo have sung powerful, uplifting songs that emote the struggles and passion of South Africa. Nelson Mandela called Ladysmith “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors”.

The performance takes place at the Birmingham Town Hall on October 27 and tickets can be purchased online. 

For the full and detailed list of events taking place around Birmingham during Black History Month, visit the Black History Month website