Merton libraries will be celebrating Black History Month in a variety of ways
By Reaz Kurimbux
Merton families can celebrate Black History Month throughout October with a series of events in the borough’s libraries.
From Caribbean cuisine to craft sessions, there will be something for everyone, including Black History Month-themed film showings.
Martin Whelton, Merton Council’s cabinet member for community and culture, said: “Merton is a diverse community and Black History Month celebrates the great contributions black people make to our community.”
Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a Dream’ is the theme of family learning workshops at Mitcham and Donald Hope libraries.
The idea of Mitcham’s ‘I have a Dream’ workshop is to encourage children to write or draw their own dreams for the future.
Nicola Antunes, Mitcham Library Manager, said: “We have a large black community in Merton, and especially around Mitcham, so it is important to us that we celebrate these events and figures in history.
“This is particularly the case for children and young people as there are some important role models that can be learnt from.”
Black History Month is held every October in Britain and it aims to promote knowledge of black history, culture and heritage, and to disseminate information on positive black contributions to British society.
Merton was home to a number of people who campaigned against slavery.
One of those was William Wilberforce MP, who lived in Lauriston House on Southside, Wimbledon, for some time before becoming active in the abolition campaign.
He was responsible for the passing of the Abolition of the Slave Trade bill, after many years of trying to convince Parliament.
For more information on Black History Month events in Merton’s libraries visit www.merton.gov.uk/libraries or contact your local library.
