Black History Month
October is Black History Month, and an opportunity to learn about the history of migration, diversity and hidden histories across Scotland. Events throughout the month encompass the history of African, Caribbean and Asian people in Scotland; people who are often connected to Scotland through slavery, colonialism and migration.
In this way, Black History Month focuses on people whose sacrifices, contributions and achievements are often forgotten about against a backdrop of inequality and injustice.
Read on to find out more about events and resources this Black History Month.
Edinburgh’s Talking Statues, Mercat Tours
11am, Saturdays throughout October, Edinburgh
Mercat Tours have partnered with the Scottish Storytelling Forum, as part of its Talking Statues project, to deliver an Edinburgh walking tour which explores Edinburgh's different statues. On the tour attendees will discover how the statues came to be, the stories behind them, and hear history from a variety of diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Stories told include LGBTQ+, Black History, and Women's History.
Tickets and more information available here: Talking Statues - An Edinburgh History Tour
“Blood and Gold”: A Journey of Shadows, National Library of Scotland
17:00-18:00, Thursday, 14 October
Free online event, book via Eventbrite
At this online event, performance storyteller Mara Menzies will take attendees on a journey of tragedy, wonder and magic. Her new novel, 'Blood and Gold', explores themes of loss and oppression, while asking us to examine our own identities, attitudes, and humanity. Menzies will perform stories from her book, exploring African ancestry through tales of slavery, cruelty and colonisation, unearthing pride, love and sacrifice along the way. Menzies will also be joined by author Tendai Huchu to discuss her novel.
BLM Mural Trail
Returning October 2021
Various Locations
In 2020, the whole world was rocked by the murder of George Floyd in the USA and, in response, Scotland’s Black and Asian artists created a Mural Trail across the country. While the murals have currently been taken down, it will return in time for Black History Month. The artwork is inspired by the themes of I Can’t Breathe and Black Lives Matter and are in a variety of forms such as paint, photography, video and digital art.
The Hidden Stories Map
Created by CRER, Councillor Graham Campbell, Hoskins Architects and Stuco Design, The Hidden Stories Map, guides visitors through Glasgow and time, uncovering stories of past events and forgotten people through the buildings, statues and place names in the city centre. From the 17th century, Scotland was significantly involved in the transatlantic slave trade and Glasgow played a significant role in this chapter of history, with many of the city’s buildings constructed from the profits of slavery. The Hidden Stories Map can be accessed here: The Hidden Stories Map - Introduction (guidigo.com).