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Black History Season 51Âþ»­connect banner 1130 x 400px

51Âþ»­'s Black History Season will present events throughout the month of October that will look at issues facing the black community today and celebrate the heritage, history, arts, culture and accomplishments of people across the African, Caribbean and Asian diasporas.

All of this year’s events will be held online, you can view the full schedule below:

Karl Lokko Talk

Monday 5 October, 1-2pm

Karl Lokko is a former gang leader turned activist, poet, influencer, public speaker and adventurer.

Having grown up on a gang-ridden estate in South London, he has managed to harness his life experiences which have propelled and uniquely situated him as an activist and influencer within the U.K and globally.

The story of his incredible transformation, combined with his unique ability to connect with people on a human level, makes Karl one of the most potent voices in the country, allowing him to bridge the gap between worlds and unite communities.

Carnival Dance Class

Tuesday 20 October, 5.30-6.30pm

Another dance fitness class combined with Soca and Calypso in a carnival atmosphere straight from the Caribbean islands! Dress in bright colour and bring your national flag and come and rep your inner power through the form of dance! 

Partnered with 51Âþ»­ Active

Black British Writers on Navigating the Book Industry

Tuesday 20 October, 6-7pm

As part of Black History Month, Rise Up and Leicester Centre for Creative Writing's Anthony Joseph will be joined by authors Courttia Newland and Irenosen Okojie to discuss their writing life and the challenges of navigating the book industry as a writer of colour. This event will feature readings alongside a panel discussion. Chaired by publisher Farhana Shaikh.

Stephen Lawrence Research Centre: Let’s Talk About IT! Race, Gender and Media Representation 

Thursday 29 October, 4.30-5.30pm

Centred against a backdrop of racial tensions, systematic discriminations and global activism, The Exchange will host a panel-led discussion to explore issues of race and black masculinity within the media.  

The panel will identify constructions of negative black typologies and the impact such characterisations have on the black male psyche. We will explore the impact and legacies of Blackness on screen and celebrate the pioneers who continue to place race at the forefront of this generation.   

Annie Price Talk

Friday 30 October, 3-4pm

Annie Price is a presenter and fitness trainer.

She began her television career in 2016, telling the story of her childhood in the film Annie out of the Ashes for BBC Three. Following on from this, with her characteristic warmth and humour, Annie went on to make Plastic Surgery Capital of the World and Tiredness Tears and Tantrums: Diary Of A New Mum, both for BBC Three.

She was named on the 2018 BAFTA Breakthrough Brits along with 19 other talented newcomers across film, games and television.

2019 saw Annie make new documentary Inside the Cage: The Rise of Female Fighters for BBC Three.