People and communities
Walsall Council shows support for Black History Month
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Walsall Council is urging residents to show their support and take positive action by familiarising themselves with the ways in which they can support people facing racism.
This year the theme for Black History Month is Time for Change Action, Not Words.
Walsall Council is urging residents to show their support and take positive action by familiarising themselves with the ways in which they can support people facing racism.
“ I am delighted to mark Black History Month once again, it is an important reminder of the struggles faced by black people in society as well as an opportunity to educate people on how they can actively help put an end to racism.
Our priority is to ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome here in Walsall, and one of the ways in which we aim to achieve this is by maintaining a zero-tolerance policy on racism.
This Black History Month we want to encourage residents to take action against racism by reporting hate crimes if they witness them and showing their support to black and ethnic minority groups. By taking positive action against racism residents can help make Walsall a safe and welcoming environment for everybody. “
A number of other events and activities have been taking place throughout October in Walsall to celebrate Black History Month,
The New Art Gallery Walsall
The New Art Gallery has been offering private tours to colleges of African art and artefacts in the Garman Ryan collection to mark Black History month. Students have been able to explore artefacts made by African makers, including the Cameroon Wood Stool and Egyptian Mask of Nefertiti.
As well as tours of African art, the gallery’s Breaking the Mould exhibition, which represents the work of over forty-five female sculptors, includes work by artists Sokari Douglas Camp (British-Nigerian artist who focuses on socio-political issues and the history of the African Diaspora in her work) and Veronica Ryan (Montserrat-born British sculptor).
Walsall Libraries
Libraries across Walsall have put together reading lists and book displays that highlight prominent and important works by black authors, with some books available to purchase.
Walsall Leather Museum
Walsall Leather Museum’s exhibition From City of Empire to City of Diversity which features beautiful images from the important Dyche Collection which documents post- 1945 migration to the region and the huge contribution made by those who settled in Birmingham from the Commonwealth. The exhibition runs until Monday 31 October.
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Notes to editors
Walsall Council’s website has a number of resources to help people understand the law and the processes in place to report incidents, information can be found here:
