West London and Black History Workshop-Hillingdon Literary Festival

 Did you know that 16th century Elizabethan London was once home to hundreds of black African-descended men and women, working as musicians, dancers, entertainers and domestic servants? Historical records also show African-descended figures have impacted on 18th century Hillingdon and 1920s Acton?

For Black History Season with Hillingdon Literary Festival, I’ll be running the ‘West London & Black History’ Workshop with Georgiana Jackson-Callen (veteran WAPPY member & Oxford University graduate), Sunday 6th October from 1 pm -2 pm at Brunel University.

This family-centred WAPPY workshop for young people (ages 8+, parents & carers welcome) will use icebreakers, quizzes, interactive spoken word and audience participation to explore what Black History Month means plus map out key themes.

We will also explore contributions that London/West London key men and women of African heritage have made to Black History from ancient/Medieval times, journeying through to the present day, ending with a spoken word tribute to Ealing-based Civil Rights activists & Bogle L’Ouverture publishers, Jessica and Eric Huntley.  Under 8s with parents present (if they can stay focused) are welcome to stay.

Later on at 5 pm there will be the Local Anthology Publication Party. This is the grand finale of the festival and the announcement of this year’s anthology winner in a special celebration of the talented and diverse voices of within the Hillingdon Borough. See the Flyer and full festival programme, Friday 4th October - Sunday 6th October‬ here (https://www.hillingdonliteraryfestival.com/). Booking advisable as there is limited space. Hope to see you there!