Black History Month in Sheffield
Be empowered, educated and entertained! Each October, Sheffield joins a national celebration to highlight Black history, culture and heritage, and empower people to take action against racism.
From fascinating talks and thought-provoking film screenings to music performances that will get your blood pumping and feet tapping - there is something for everyone.
The official theme for Black History Month 2024 is “Reclaiming Narratives” to properly recognise and shine a light on authentic voices and narratives of Black history and culture.
Events listed on this page have been collated in partnership with the African Heritage Culture Forum, who work with organisations across Sheffield to help raise awareness of the city’s diverse history and culture - you can see their year-round event listings here.
Black History Month event listings
The Unfinished Harauld Hughes: Richard Ayoade
Richard Ayoade is a BAFTA-winning actor, director and writer. The gifted filmmaker chances upon a copy of The Two-Hander Trilogy by Harauld Hughes in a second-hand bookshop.
Black Women Writers – Dorothy Koomson and Kit de Waal
Bestselling authors Dorothy Koomson and Kit de Waal discuss their paths to publication, what it was like being Black women writers when they began their careers, what it’s like now, and advice for new writers.
Introduction to Translating Poetry - Mymona Bibi and Ibrahim Hirsi
How would you translate a poem? Join translator Ibrahim Hirsi and poet-translator Mymona Bibi for a unique poetry translation workshop that faces this impossible question.
Born on Sunday Silent – Désirée Reynolds and Maisha Wester - And screening of film directed by Eelyn Lee
Born on Sunday Silent is a new Black British Gothic Horror short film based on the true story of Kai Akosua Mansah who is buried in Sheffield General Cemetery.
Where We Come From: Aniefiok Ekpoudom
Vivid and compassionate, Where We Come From offers a rich chronicle of rap, identity, place and, above all, the social and human condition in modern Britain.
The Principle of Moments – Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson and The Map That Led to You – Ella McLeod
Genre-defying SFF: Two Authors Breaking the Mould of Fantasy Fiction - Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson (The Principle of Moments) and Ella McLeod (The Map that Led to You).
Somali Poetry Showcase
Catastrophe/Galiilyo by Weedhsame is a poem of anguish about the displacement of the Somali people, western Europe’s response to the refugee crisis and a message of hope to refugees.
Jackie Kay – May Day
One of our best-loved poets and former Makar of Scotland, Jackie Kay reads from new collection May Day.
Tomi Oyemakinde, Benjamin Dean and Helen Comerford In conversation with Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson
Thrillers, Mystery, and Romance: Three rising stars of Young Adult fiction talk about their work with author Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson.
Black History for Every Day of the Year – David Olusoga and Yinka Olusoga In conversation with Professor Hugo Dobson
A unique and vital celebration of Black history, sweeping across the world from ancient times to the modern day with David Olusoga and Yinka Olusoga.
