Norfolk Black History Month 2009

Norfolk Black History Month won an award in 2008

Norfolk Black History Month (NBHM) returns to celebrate black culture through music, film and the arts.

Events looking to teach and inspire take place throughout Norfolk, including Norwich and Great Yarmouth, from 1 October - 1 November, 2009.

"Black History Month is an opportunity for the whole community to come together," said Jan Holden from the NBHM steering group.

The 2009 agenda has a strong focus on black film.

Being voted the UK Black History Month champions in 2008, the Norfolk events look to expand upon their success in 2009, despite the economic downturn.

"This year the Black History Month programme will give even more people the opportunity to get involved and learn a little bit more about black history," said Jan.

"Not as many organisations that sponsored us last year were able to do the same this year, but we still managed to get by to put a fantastic events programme together," said Malika Rahman from the Norwich & Norfolk Racial Equality Council.

Black History Month has been running throughout Britain since 1987 and has been held in Norfolk since 2003.

Launch

The official launch in Norwich on Friday, 2 October, 2009, will see speeches from Paulette Randall, one of the leading black female directors in Britain, plus entertainment from comedy duo Jefferson & Whitfield and music from jazz musician Pete LeTanka.

Norfolk Black History Month does a lot of good in Norfolk by bringing a diverse set of people together Malika Rahman, Norwich & Norfolk Racial Equality Council

"The [Norwich] launch is set to be our biggest so far!" said Malika.

"Guests will get a taste of what to expect throughout the rest of the month, with an eclectic mix of music, comedy, drama and thought-provoking discussions," she added.

The launch in Great Yarmouth on Saturday, 3 October, 2009, has been organised by the Great Yarmouth International Association and they are inviting the local community to a family fun day, to preview the events being held in the town.

The main events start with music on Thursday, 1 October, 2009, with David 'Honeyboy' Edwards playing the Delta blues at the Norwich Arts Centre.

A pioneer of the blues from before the times of Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, Honeyboy still regularly tours, but his date in Norwich will be one of his last in the UK.

Jazz musician Courtney Pine and vocalist Ruby Turner perform at the Norwich Playhouse on Friday, 2 October and Thursday, 8 October, 2009.

Norwich's reggae sound system Rebel Lion create their own cultural mix with vocals from MCs Chanter and Kingjay at Mustard Lounge on Friday, 9 October, 2009.

The music at NBHM culminates with Donaeo at the Norwich Arts Centre on Friday, 30 October, 2009, with Great Yarmouth bringing together an evening of music, entertainment and traditional dances on Sunday, 1 November, 2009.

Film festival

With an eye on the 50th anniversary of Motown and its influence on popular music, the 2009 film festival at the NBHM boasts an array of screenings.

The Wiz shows Michael Jackson during his Motown era

The Wiz, starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Richard Pryor, is being shown at Norwich's Cinema City on Sunday, 25 October.

Biopic Standing in the Shadows of Motown pays homage to The Funk Brothers who played on the majority of Motown hits in the 1960s and 1970s on Wednesday, 7 October, 2009.

The finale screening What's Love Got To Do With It? portrays the life of Tina Turner at Tittleshall, King's Lynn, on Saturday, 31 October, 2009.

Away from artistry, an African market comes to Norwich and Great Yarmouth for six days throughout NBHM, with books, clothing, food, arts and crafts, all inspired by the continent and a host of talks and workshops will take place for all ages throughout the county.

Detailed radio coverage throughout the month is being broadcast on Norwich's Future Radio.

"Norfolk Black History Month does a lot of good in Norfolk by bringing a diverse set of people together," said Malika Rahman.

"It provides great entertainment but, more importantly, great education for those of us involved as well as the young and old across the county," she added.

Norfolk Black History Month 2009 takes place from 1 October - 1 November, 2009, throughout the county.

For a full list of events, visit the Norfolk Black History Month website.