We’ve got a fantastic programme of events lined up at Manchester Libraries to celebrate Black History Month. Panel discussions – paint and sip – comic festival – comic creation workshops – key note talks – plus special guests. Something for all the family!

Brushstrokes of Bridgerton

Monday 2 October, Manchester Central Library, 5:30-7:30pm

Dear Gentle Reader,

I am Lady Whistledown, and as the social season draws near, I believe it my responsibility to keep you informed. 

Allow me to introduce you to our latest event in celebration of Black History Month.

Brushstrokes of Bridgerton, Monday 2nd October 2023, 5:30 – 7:30pm, Period dress optional!

A delightful evening of painting the dear Gentle Folk of the Ton, partaking in a glass of wine with quality music.

Panel discussion about the show, colour blind casting, changing the narrative and our guests’ experience within the world of theatre, TV and film.

Our esteemed guests:

Keisha Thompson – Artistic Director, Contact Theatre / Kevin Dalton-Johnson – International artist and curator

Cllr Prof Erinma Bell MBE DL – Councillor, Peace Campaigner and Bridgerton Fan / Carol-Ann Whitehead, Festival Director and Heritage Trustee 

And of course you, our artists in residence just like Benedict Bridgerton.

This event is part of the Ubuntu Festival of Events in collaboration with The Zebra Partnership, Creative Society Manchester and Manchester Central Library. Attendance is for everyone, from any ethnicity or background with mutual enjoyment of the books and the show.

Suitable for 18yrs+ – Booking essential via Eventbrite – Cost £5

Zebra Tribe Comic Festival

Manchester Central Library, Saturday 21 October, 11am – 4:30pm

Here in Manchester, UK and hot on the heels of Europe’s Biggest Black Book Festival tour is the North West’s first Black Indie Comic Festival – Zebra Tribe Comic Festival – brought to you by The Zebra Partnership who introduced Ella Upgraded, Hex Loader and Frankenstein Texas to name a few. Join the comic creators for a free children and adult event. Exciting, interactive, and motivational children’s event that breathes life into not only superhero characters but stories that embrace diversity, acknowledge Black History but weave in people of colour into world history where once their story had been omitted.

Special guest is award-winning writer, editor and creative consultant, Corey Brotherson, co-writer of the world’s first Windrush comic and video game – Windrush Tales – an in-development branching narrative, co-created with writer/narrative designer Chella Ramanan. Corey has scribed over a dozen comic book stories since 2005, including women-focused sci-fi anthology Deadlier Than…, and the critically acclaimed ongoing graphic novel series, Magic of Myths (with artist and co-creator Sergio Calvet).

Engaging and entertaining workshops with New Yorker, Jamal Blair, who will get you started on your very own comic! There will be fireside style and panel keynote talks celebrating the finest works of Black British comics, mentoring zone where you are able to ask the comic creators and illustrators questions plus the opportunity to buy your own and get it signed by the author.

This event is part of the Ubuntu Festival of Events in collaboration with The Zebra Partnership and Manchester Central Library.

The Festival is drop-in, suitable for ages 8yrs+

Booking is essential for the three workshops listed below via Eventbrite – Suitable for ages 10yrs+ Free

Zebra Tribe Comic Festival Satellite Workshops in Community Libraries

#SalutingOurSisters

The theme of ‘Saluting our Sisters’ highlights the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities.

Researching the Greater Manchester pioneering women of colour, their stories, achievements and influence, we will show children and young people how to retell their stories through comic. 

Defining achievements from feeding children of all ethnicities who did not have enough to eat to creating a safe haven for women who wanted childcare facilities and have the confidence to look for a job. They will learn the key steps in storytelling and use a template to capture their creative writing and drawing. 

Brooklands Library, Tuesday 3 October, 3:15-4:45pm

Gorton Library, Thursday 5 October, 3:30-5pm

Abraham Moss, Friday 6 October, 3:15-4:45pm

All workshops are drop-in, free and suitable for 8yrs+