Black History Month at The Hub
During Black History Month we reflect, honour and are inspired by the achievements of Black people in the UK and across the world. It urges us all to ‘dig deeper, look closer and think bigger’. The Hub are proud to have a programme of events celebrating Black History Month including an art exhibition, film night, writing and colouring workshops, an African Drumming workshop and a Poetry Party! There’ll be something for everyone to enjoy, see or participate in.
Face: An Exhibition in honour of Francis Barber
5th-30th October 2021
Face is a Kwanzaa Collective UK exhibition showcasing the art of Black and Brown artists living and working in Staffordshire. Inspired by themes from A Young Black, the celebrated painting of Francis Barber by Sir Joshua Reynolds, this exhibition centres the faces, voices, and descendants of Black and Brown people. Named as one of the Great Black Britons, Francis was the former servant, surrogate son and heir of Dr. Samuel Johnson, writer of Dictionary of the English Language. Francis lived as a free man in Lichfield, with his descendants still living in Staffordshire today. This year marks 220 years since he passed away. Look deeper and closer at the portraits in this exhibition and let the faces tell you their story. (The exhibition is free to view and runs from 5 -30 Oct.)
Face: Exhibition Celebration Programme
Francis Barber History Talk & Look this way: A story café.
Wednesday 13/10 4pm– £4 per adult
Join poet Gabriella Gay for this ekphrastic workshop that will encourage you to think and write imaginatively about the artwork displayed in the ‘Face’ exhibition, along with a talk on Francis Barber- the former servant, surrogate son and heir of Dr. Samuel Johnson at the centre of the ‘Face’ exhibition. Book here for tickets
One Lichfield Book Club Online Event
Wednesday 13/10 7pm–8pm FREE
Join One Lichfield online as they host this special book club to discuss and celebrate poetry by Black and Brown poets, with special guest author, teacher, and poet, Maureen Roberts. Come and make new friends, learn from others, and share a poem by your favourite Black or Brown poet. Email deschanel@thehubstmarys.co.uk to register your interest and receive an invite link.
Kindness Rocks
Wednesday 20/10 2pm– £3 per adult, kids free
Would you like to paint a rock of a significant person in Black History?
Join the Kwaanza Collective as we prepare for a special afternoon of rock painting at The Hub, inspired by Lichfield’s very own Kindness Rocks which can be found all over the city! Book here for tickets
One Lichfield Family Film Night: Soul (2020)
Wednesday 20/10 6pm–8pm £5 per adult, kids free
Film lovers assemble!
By popular demand, One Lichfield will show Soul, Pixar’s first film to feature an African American lead character. Snuggle in your blanket, munch a little popcorn, order a drink from the bar, and bring a snack if you like, to have a wonderful movie experience in the company of others. All welcome. Book here for tickets
Booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
Film running time: 1h 40m. There will be a short interval. Covid safety measures will be in place to keep everyone safe.
Come le’ We Talk Face to Face: A Poetry Party
Thursday 21/10 7pm–9pm £4 per adult
In celebration of Black History Month, The Hub at St. Mary’s are hosting a poetry party that features some of Staffordshire’s finest poets. Headlined by special guest, Maureen Roberts, a published author, teacher, and trustee of Black Cultural Archives.
There will be poetry collections for sale on this night to remember, plus an exciting opportunity for new talents to showcase their work with our Open-Mic slots! (Limited availability). Book here for tickets
Inspired By…A story café.
Wednesday 27/10 4pm– £4 per adult, kids free
Join Kwanzaa Collective UK artists in this colouring book workshop aimed at families.
Be inspired by the words and lives of Black people, like Francis Barber of Lichfield, who have transformed history through leadership, education, medicine, politics and a desire for freedom and equality for all. Book here for tickets
RHYZIM Community African Drumming & Singing
Wednesday 27/10 7–9pm £5 per adult, £2.50 consessions & children
Let’s bring music and teamwork into the exhibition space with the celebratory workshop sounds of RHYZIM, a Lichfield based community drumming group led by Zimbabwean percussionist Bruce Ncube.
Beginners and more experienced players are welcome to this taster in playing traditional West African rhythms. Singing the songs Ncube loves sharing in schools, workshops, and festivals, expect to be embraced by the music in a space where everyone is part of the team! Book here for tickets
Come along to be supported and encouraged to explore your music making potential!
7 pm- 7.45pm – Singing Workshop Trial
8pm- 9pm – Drumming Workshop
