Leicester libraries mark Black History Month

Leicester's libraries are marking Black History Month this October with two free cultural events and plenty of suggestions for great books by Black authors.

Further information

Grenadian author and poet Merle Collins will be at the Central Library on 15 October to talk about her life and work.

Her latest book, Ocean Stirrings – which was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for political fiction – will be available for sale after the event.

In conversation with Merle Collins starts at 7pm on Tuesday 15 October.

Also coming up at the Central Library on Bishop Street is an opportunity to meet the British Grammy-nominated singer Tippa Irie (pictured).

The reggae pioneer will talk about his 40-year career and his 2023 autobiography, Stick To My Roots, on 30 October.

In conversation with Tippa Irie gets under way at 7pm on Wednesday 30 October.

Admission to both events is free of charge but places can be booked in advance by contacting the library on 0116 454 0290 or central-library@leicester.gov.uk

Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “Black History Month is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Black history, music, culture and art.

“Throughout October, our libraries will be celebrating the work of Black authors and helping to bring Black history to life for visitors for all ages.

“There are lots of themed events taking place at our libraries, including crafts for children and a ‘Book Detectives’ treasure hunt.

“Pop into your local library or download an eBook or audiobook from our OverDrive page and discover an author you’ve never discovered before - and mark Black History Month with a great book.”

A list of titles suitable for children, teens and adults has been specially curated by library staff to mark Black History Month.

David Olusoga’s Black and British and Barack Obama’s Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters are two of the books on the children’s list, while Kamala Harris’s autobiography The Truths We Hold: An American Journey and Troy Jackson’s biography of Martin Luther King, Becoming King, are on the list of suggested reading for adults.

The list of themed titles for Black History Month can be viewed at Leicester Libraries’ OverDrive page at leicesteruk.overdrive.com

Events and activities taking place at Leicester Libraries can be found here 

Opal 22’s exhibition Black Lives is on display at Highfields Library until 31 October, while other events taking place in Leicester to mark Black History Month include an exhibition featuring portraits of 100 Black women with connections to Britain and Ireland, led by Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, and an evening of music at the African Caribbean Centre.

100 Black Women Who Have Made A Mark opens at Leicester Gallery at De Montfort University on Tuesday 1 October.

A Journey Through Black Music takes place on Friday 18 October and will feature both local and national artists. Tickets are £10.

Listings for Black History Month events in Leicester are available at blackhistorymonth.org.uk/listings/region/east-midlands/leicester/

More events taking place during Black History Month are listed on the Visit Leicester website.

More information about Black History Month is available at blackhistorymonth.org.uk