Black History Month 2025
We’ve got a fantastic programme of events lined up here in Manchester Libraries to celebrate Black History Month! The year’s theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride honours Black British history with pride and purpose.
Read on for a selection of some of the amazing free events and activities taking place across Manchester Libraries and schools in October!
More information coming soon at your local library, and Loads to do near you in Manchester and Home – Library Live websites.
Marcus Rashford Archives handling sessions, Central Library. Wednesday 15 October, 12 noon-1pm and Saturday 18 October, 2-3.30pm
Drop in to these free sessions, as we offer a rare glimpse into this significant collection, much of it created by children. Read their messages, thoughts and feelings as they voice their inspiring stand, united against bullying and racism.
In 2021 following a missed EUFA penalty, a community-funded mural in Withington of local footballer Marcus Rashford was defaced with racist messages. The community responded with heartfelt messages of support for Marcus which snowballed into a collective demonstration of solidarity and a united stand against racism and online hate. Manchester Archives carefully collected these messages which now form a unique collection and have inspired the creation of an educational resource for children and communities – themes of community action, empathy and the power of the collective. There will also be class visits to various libraries taking place throughout October.
Ashley Thorpe, Central Library, 2 October, time TBC
Children’s author Ashley Thorpe will be at Chorlton Library all day to share his latest book, ‘Spirit Warriors’, a captivating fantasy adventure that blends ancient magic with modern-day heroism. He will also be visiting primary schools later in the month. Free event.
Courage, vision, planning and fearless work: the Congress Lives On, Central Library, Monday 3 November, 5-7.30pm
The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre and Trust, who are an Archives+ partner based at Central Library, host ‘Courage, vision, planning and fearless work: the Congress Lives On’. This event is an evening of reflection, resistance and creative expression which will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the historic Fifth Pan-African Congress held in Manchester in 1945. Book via this Eventbrite link”
Joseph Ayavoro / Creative Hands Foundation, Longsight Library, Saturday 4 October, 2 – 4pm
Joseph Ayavoro and Creative Hands Foundation will be making paper figure sculptures in traditional African dress with families and participant at this Fun Palace event at Longsight Library.
Black History Month Health Event, Chorlton Library, Saturday 4 October, 11am – 3pm
Try some tasty African food from bahar cafe whilst finding out ways to improve your health and well-being at this free event, open to all.
Joseph Ayavoro / Creative Hands Foundation, Powerhouse Library, Monday 6 October
Joseph Ayavoro and Creative Hands Foundation will be making paper figure sculptures in traditional African dress with invited schools.
Let’s Talk Money – Exclusive Book Launch and Talk with Tynan Matembe, Central Library ,Tuesday 7 October, 5.45–7.30pm
This award-winning money coach, global speaker and passionate advocate for financial inclusion will be launching her new book, Conquer Your Financial Giants: Proven Steps to Master Your Money and Build Wealth. Free event – more details soon on Home – Library Live.
Hello Saturdays, Saturday 18 October at:
Avenue Library, 11am-12noon
North City Library 10:30am-12noon
Beswick Library 12:30-2pm
Newton Heath Library 2-3pm
Join our free themed craft sessions at our Hello Saturdays events, based on the painting style of Alma Woodsey Thomas.
Tọlá Okogwu, In various Manchester Schools, 23 October
Bestselling author Tọlá Okogwu will be joining primary schools via Zoom this Black History Month to introduce her brand-new sci-fi action-adventure, ‘Champions of the Galaxy’.
Shelley Reads, In various Manchester Schools,, 24 October
Shelley Reads will be joining our staff in schools across the city. Blogger Shelley Reads will be to giving students a joyful, representative reading experience while highlighting the power of fantasy rooted in diverse storytelling traditions. Using the book ‘Forged by Blood’ by Ehigbor Okosun, a Young Adult fantasy rooted in West African mythology, Shelly will engage KS3/4 students with the book and bring a real reading for pleasure influence to the classroom.
Thursday Craft Clubs, Powerhouse Library, Every Thursday
Every Thursday in October at Powerhouse Library, all the Thursday Craft Clubs for families will be using the theme of Black History Month.
Black History Month Exhibition,Powerhouse Library, Throughout October
An installation by Reclaimed Narratives & OT Creative Space – ‘My Hair is my Identity/Don’t touch my Hair.’ The installation explores how it feels when people reach out and touch without permission – an everyday ‘micro-aggression’ experienced by many Black women that carries deeper emotional weight and cultural significance.
