Wolverhampton City Archives is marking Black History Month with a new display celebrating nearly 80 years of local history. The exhibition runs throughout October during normal opening times and is free to enter.
The display features the stories of Windrush arrivals, community organisations, local musicians, artists, educators, campaigners and entrepreneurs who have shaped the city. Items on show include archives from the Afro-Caribbean Cultural Centre, the Steve Biko Pan African School, reggae bands, community publications, oral histories, the 'Witnessing Gaps, Telling Stories' zine project and the Windrush Memorial, which was unveiled earlier this year.
What the display highlights
The exhibition focuses on how people have created opportunities, challenged inequality, celebrated their culture and ensured their stories are passed on to future generations.
Councillor Jeszemma Howl, Cabinet Member for Governance and Digital at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: "Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the people, experiences and contributions that have helped make Wolverhampton the diverse and vibrant city it is today. This display shines a light on nearly 80 years of local history, celebrating individuals and organisations who have made a lasting difference to Wolverhampton. This isn't just Black history, this is also Wolverhampton's history – a shared story of resilience, achievement, culture and community that has shaped the city we are proud to call home."
Other Black History Month events
Central Library has a collection of Black History Month books in stock. A bronze bust of Professor Mel Chevannes, a pioneering figure in public life, education and healthcare in Wolverhampton, is on permanent display at the Civic Centre. Free copies of Mel's autobiography are available to collect from the Civic Centre while stocks last.