October is Black History Month, a time to honour the history, culture, and contributions of Black communities in Scotland. This year, Edinburgh is hosting a diverse range of events, allowing people of all ages to engage with Black history and heritage.
Key Events in Edinburgh
Maritime Leith’s Black History
This event offers a guided tour exploring Leith’s maritime history and its connections to Black history. Discover artefacts collected by sailors over the centuries, along with stories of how Leith’s maritime past is intertwined with Black culture. This tour is suitable for ages 12 and above. Find out more here.
First tour – Friday, October 4, 2024 (and more dates in October)
1:00 PM
Trinity House Maritime Museum
Decolonized Transformations: Carter G. Woodson’s Vision of Black History and Anticolonialism
This insightful talk explores the University of Edinburgh’s historical connections to slavery, colonialism, and racial thought. Led by the Research and Engagement Working Group (REWG), the session will highlight Carter G. Woodson’s vision of Black history and discuss strategies for addressing structural racism through reparatory recommendations. This event offers an important reflection on the role of institutions in perpetuating racial inequalities. Find out more here.
Friday, October 25, 2024
2:00 PM
City Arts Centre
“INTERSECTION” Exhibition by Ade Adesina
This visually stunning exhibition by Ade Adesina blends his African roots with British culture, creating captivating landscapes that reflect his diverse experiences. Featuring a mix of screenprint, lithograph, and sculptural installations, “INTERSECTION” introduces bold new elements of color and form. Adesina’s work offers a profound exploration of identity and cultural intersections, making this exhibition a must-see for art lovers during Black History Month.
Throughout October to 10th
November
6:00 PM
Edinburgh Printmakers
Spreading Racism at Breakfast
Exclusive preview of a short film about the notorious golly logo on Robertson’s jam, coming to the re-imagined Paisley Museum in Online screening and interactive
discussion, asking how effective are short films as a tool to challenge racism and raise awareness? Also features a 90-second archive film made by asylum-seekers. Hear from film commissioners, filmmakers, consultants and have your say. Book here.
Thursday 10th October
1-2pm
Online via Zoom
The Black Woman Modernist Muse in Jacob Epstein’s Art, 1915-1959
Dr Rochelle Rowe shares from her research into the Black women art models who worked with famous British sculptor Jacob Epstein, but whose lives and labours have been erased from the historical record, until now. An illuminating discussion centred on some forgotten figures of interwar Black London. Book tickets here.
Friday, October 18th
2 – 3pm
City Arts Centre
Why Attend?
Black History Month Scotland aims to recognise the historical contributions of Black communities and provide spaces for conversation, reflection, and cultural exchange. Whether you’re interested in talks, tours, films or art these events offer a fantastic opportunity to learn, celebrate, and engage with Edinburgh’s Black heritage.
Events are organised by the Coalition for racial equality and rights (CRER).
For more details on these events and the full programme, visit Black History Month Scotland.