A PROGRAMME of exhibitions, displays, talks and author events will take place across Leicester's museums and libraries this October as the city celebrates Black History Month.
The month-long programme will highlight the stories, contributions and cultural heritage of Black communities in Leicester and beyond, with activities taking place at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, Newarke Houses Museum and libraries across the city.
At Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, visitors can explore Leicester Windrush Memories, a free exhibition running until 18 October that’s dedicated to the Windrush Generation who answered the call to help rebuild Britain after the Second World War. Presented by Kainé and the Better Together project, the exhibition celebrates the lives and contributions of Leicester's Windrush community through personal stories shared with dignity and pride.
Throughout October, the museum will also host We Had One Of Those, a display created in partnership with Kainé Management. It invites visitors to reminisce about much-loved household items, including the iconic Murano glass fish that became familiar features in many African and Caribbean family homes during the post-war years.
During Black History Month, visitors will also be able to see a portrait of American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. as the museum's Object of the Month. Painted in 1968 by Leicester artist Sarup Singh MBE, the portrait commemorates King's role in the struggle for civil rights and racial equality.
A newly acquired portrait, The Inimitable Mrs Morton (pictured), will also go on display in the Leicester Stories Gallery. Painted by Caribbean British artist Yvadney Davis, the work celebrates Elvy Morton, a leading figure in Leicester's Caribbean community and founding chair of Leicester Caribbean Carnival. And on Thursday 22 October, Elvy Morton and Yvadney Davis will be in conversation at the museum, at an evening event hosted by Pawlet Brookes MBE, of Serendipity Institute.
Meanwhile, there are two opportunities during Black History Month to visit new permanent galleries at Newarke Houses Museum. Windrush: The Legacy will be open on Saturday 17 October and Wednesday 21 October, with free admission on both days.
Presented by Opal22 Arts and Edutainment in partnership with Leicester Museums & Galleries, the exhibition celebrates the lives, achievements and enduring contribution of Leicester's Windrush Generation. Featuring powerful portraits by Denise Lensi, personal video testimonies and a recreated Windrush front room, it tells the stories of those who travelled from the Caribbean to Britain after the Second World War and helped shape modern Leicester.
Black History Month is also being marked in Leicester's libraries, which are hosting a series of author talks and conversations throughout the month.
On Saturday 3 October, the Central Library will welcome award-winning playwright and author Mel Pennant and Jamaica Road author Lisa Smith for a special discussion hosted by broadcaster Merisha Stevenson.
British-Nigerian humanitarian and writer Louisa Bello will visit St Barnabas Library on Friday 23 October to discuss her debut novel, Where The Shadows End.
Highfields Library will host award-winning author and columnist Arathi Menon on Wednesday 28 October, when she will discuss her debut literary novel Da.
Later the same evening, acclaimed writer Gerard Alfonzo Daley will appear at the Central Library to read from his award-winning novel The Book of Erin, before taking part in a question-and-answer session with the audience.
Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for leisure and culture, said: "Black History Month is an important opportunity to celebrate the stories, achievements and lasting contributions of Black communities in Leicester and across the UK.
“Throughout October, our museums and libraries will be hosting a wide range of exhibitions, displays, talks and events that explore our city's rich and diverse heritage, while highlighting the individuals whose talent, resilience and community spirit have helped shape Leicester.
“I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to get involved and discover the inspiring stories being shared as part of this year's programme."
For more information about Black History Month events in Leicester's museums and libraries, visit Leicester Museums & Galleries and Leicester Libraries online.
ENDS
Image Credit: Inimitable Mrs Morton. Portrait of Mrs Elvy Morton by Yvadney Davis (2024). Charcoal, acrylic and gold ink on wallpaper. Purchased from Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, commissioned for 100 Black Women Who Have Made A Mark with assistance from Leicester Museums and Galleries Trust (2025)