Ealing Council’s libraries are working in collaboration with Black History Studies to present a series of three talks that are all free to attend during Black History Month in October.
They start with a talk on The Ancient Egyptians on Wednesday (2 October) between 6-7pm. This presentation deals with the controversy of who the ancient Egyptians were and their achievements; how the classical writers described the ancient Egyptians and the evidence they provided; and the pre-history of ancient Egypt and the beginnings of civilisation.
Black History Studies was launched in 2007 by husband and wife team Mark and Charmaine Simpson. It aims to empower the community through self-knowledge and identity by exploring black history and culture.
You need to register online for a free place at the talk.
Tracing your family line
Then, on Saturday, 5 October Ealing (2-3pm) the libraries’ Black History Season continues with a talk on geneaology called: Go black in time – Trace your African-Caribbean history.
In this, genealogist and family historian Sharon Tomlin will show you how you can investigate and research your Caribbean and UK roots. Topics covered will include: Caribbean family dynamics; civil registration; census returns; parish registers; wills and probate; and surnames.
Tomlin is an experienced genealogist and historian who specialises in Caribbean family histories. She is a tutor, facilitator, podcaster, public speaker and writer with a background in community organising.
You can register online for a free place at this talk.
Sharing stories of success
The third talk on Wednesday, 9 October (6-7pm) is given by an author, Darren Douglas. He will discuss his book The Power of 21. It is a motivational book packed with inspirational stories from successful individuals sharing their experiences and expertise across various industries and professions. Its message is that it is amazing what you can achieve when an industry professional shows you how, and Douglas tells you how you could start today.
He is a qualified former youth worker and has worked with young people from diverse backgrounds for various projects and organisations including YMCA East London, Roundhouse, Arsenal Community Kickz, National Youth Theatre, People’s Palace Project and more.
Advance booking is recommended. Admission is free but spaces are limited.
The venue
All three talks will be held at Acton Library, which is inside the Everyone Active Acton Centre (the renovated former Acton Town Hall building). It is in High Street, Acton (W3 6NE).
Photo above of statue by Igor Konakov on Unsplash
