Suffolk Community Libraries marks Black History month with celebrations throughout October

Suffolk Community Libraries are marking Black History Month in October by working with the Black British Ballet project and Aspire Black Suffolk to offer a host of events in libraries.

The Black British Ballet project by Oxygen Arts aims to fundamentally change the way that ballet is seen and operates in Britain. Oxygen Arts is a social enterprise that specialises in targeting and working with diverse communities. Black British Ballet aims to share the hidden history of black dancers in British ballet, bringing ballet to new and diverse audiences and driving change in the industry.

Black British Ballet by Oxygen Arts

Oxygen Arts are bringing the following events to libraries in Suffolk:

Into the Light exhibition at Ipswich County Library from 3-28 October

This exhibition will include almost 30 images, posters and news articles from the past 60 years including video clips of dancer’s stories.

Onisere and the Ballet Queen

Join Oxygen Arts for fun filled sessions of dance and storytelling to find out more about the Black dancers who blazed a trail through British ballet! ​Suitable for ​children aged 4-8 years.

Sessions take place as follows:

• Ipswich County Library – Tuesday 28 October, 11:00 – 12:30
• Gainsborough Community Library – Tuesday 28 October, 14:00 – 15:30
• Lowestoft Library – Wednesday 29 October, 11:00 – 12:30
• Beccles Library – Wednesday 29 October, 14:00 – 15:30
• Bury St Edmunds Library – Friday 31 October, 11:00 – 12:30.

Dance Workshops

Join dance workshops at Ipswich County Library and Gainsborough Community Library, led by a professional dancer from Oxygen Arts. The workshops will explore ballet mixed with contemporary, African and Caribbean dance, followed by an informal Q&A with the dance instructor. Suitable for ages 7+. Children ​must be accompanied by an adult. No dance experience necessary – just come along and join the fun!

• Ipswich County Library – Thursday 29 October from 11:00 – 12:30
• Gainsborough Community Library – Thursday 29 October from 14:00 – 15:30.

Dance Photography Workshop

Ipswich County Library on Saturday 18 October, 11:00 – 13:00.

Come along to a practical group session at Ipswich County Library for budding photographers who want to learn more about movement and dance photography. Sony mirrorless cameras are provided, or participants can bring their own. We’ll also have a professional dancer on hand to practise with! Suitable for ages 14+

BOM Media VR Workshop

Online on Tuesday 7 October, 18:30 – 19:30.

An engaging and accessible online talk presented by BOM (Birmingham Open Media) which will show you the process of making the Black British Ballet virtual reality experience. Come along to find out how to create a VR experience and talk to the experts!

Beyond the Bassline with Aspire Black Suffolk

Suffolk Community Libraries is also working with Aspire Black Suffolk to deliver a ‘Beyond the Bassline event’ at Ipswich County Library.

This will be a day of celebration, creativity and community with music, art, storytelling, and activism at Ipswich County Library on Saturday 18 October.

The ‘Beyond the Bassline’ event is an extension of a project and exhibition held at the library in 2024 which celebrated Black British Music.  The event is free and runs from 1pm to 5pm with activities including:

• Steel Pan Performances featuring uplifting live music that moves the soul
• Creative Stalls and zine-making corner – A chance to express yourself through art and words
• Learning Zone – Explore untold Black histories and community resources
• Capoeira and Cultural History – Experience the movement, roots, and resistance
• Silent Cinema – Watch thought-provoking films via headphones
• Beyond the Bassline Audio Space – Hear powerful stories and reflections
• Build a Sound System – set up speakers, amps, and wiring to enjoy music together
• Museum on the Move – Pop-up exhibits bringing history to life.

Stallholders will be in the library selling a range of items, including Caribbean food. Aspire Black Suffolk are also organising a special event in the evening to continue the celebrations. This will involve deeper conversations focusing on the role of music as a fuel for change and the history of sound systems. Poet Kimba Bush Ramsey will be joining as a special guest.

Eleanor Root, Suffolk Community Libraries Cultural Partnerships Lead, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with the Black British Ballet project and continuing our partnership with Aspire Black Suffolk to be offering these fantastic activities. Our libraries are great places for people to enjoy different experiences and get involved. There are events for everyone regardless of your age or background and everyone is welcome to come along and celebrate Black History.”

Suffolk Community Libraries also offers a series of recommended books which can be borrowed from libraries in Suffolk about Black History. These include:

• Younger children’s books celebrating Black History
• Older children’s books celebrating Black History
• Young adult books celebrating Black History
• A Beyond the Bassline reading list on the history of Black British Music.

You can read more information about the Black British Ballet project on their website.