Talking: Candice Brathwaite

An inspirational evening with critically acclaimed author, podcaster, advocate and TV presenter CANDICE BRATHWAITE.

From perspectives on the Black British experience addressed in her Sunday Times Bestsellers I Am Not Your Baby Mother, and Sista Sister, the response to her must-see fashion videos and the smash hit Closet Confessions podcast, to game-changing gems for manifesting the life you deserve – Candice is a powerhouse voice of today.

Mic Check!

Whether you’re a seasoned poet or amateur spoken word artist, come and take centre stage at this open mic session hosted by Leeds poet and literary activist KHADIJAH IBRAHIIM.  

Enjoy smooth rhythms with a Lovers Rock tribute from reggae songbird PAULETTE MORRIS and DJ FLUID on decks.

Browse our ‘bring one take one’ Book Swap Station and the vibrant Black artisans’ marketplace curated by EBONY MILESTONE.

Wiki-editathon

Ever thought a Wiki page doesn’t do its subject justice or simply doesn’t exist?

Are you looking to shine a light on an unheralded local trailblazer or artist? Or perhaps tell the story of a community organisation that deserves to have their story and contributions shared with the world?

Join Leeds Libraries for guidance on writing and editing for Wikipedia, aimed at addressing under representation of Black subjects and narratives.

FREE tickets by registration HERE

Perfecting Poetry Performance with Malika Booker

Join this free online workshop to hone your poetry delivery and performance skills led by none other than acclaimed Forward Prize-winning poet MALIKA BOOKER. Learn pointers on projecting your voice, scripting your poem for stage and more to help bring your words to life for live audiences.

Tip: Great prep for our Mic Check! open mic event on October 29th. More details here.

Age 18+

Dialogues: a series of seminars about sustaining your arts practice.

Out of the Blue presents an evening of conversation between curator Dr Kerry Harkerand artist Richard Baker, generously supported by the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society. Bringing together two leading voices from the region’s cultural landscape, the event will offer insight into contemporary painting and curatorial practice, exploring the ideas, influences, and processes that shape artistic work today. This is a free event and we expect a full house.

Sound System: Music & poetry of the black atlantic

A constellation of powerful poetic voices takes us on a global journey of music and poetry across the African continent, Black Britain, the Caribbean and South America;

Iconic dub poetry and Black British activism pioneer, LINTON KWESI JOHNSON, giant of Brazilian poetry CONCEIÇÃO EVARISTO and internationally acclaimed T S Eliot Award-winner ROGER ROBINSON

Two-time Forward Prize-winning writer, poet and artist MALIKA BOOKER chairs this not-to-be-missed evening of poetic excellence.

Tracing your African Caribbean Ancestry

Sign up for a session guiding participants through steps and resources to trace their ancestry via online platforms such as ancestry.co.uk and UK and Caribbean databases including Census returns, the Birth, Marriage and Death Index, parish records and registers of enslaved African people. Suitable for beginners with some proficiency with a computer and mouse.

Also Tuesday 7 October, 2:00–4:00pm Reginald Centre, 263 Chapeltown Rd, Leeds LS7 3EX

ROOTED partner events delivered by Leeds Libraries.

Tracing Your African Caribbean Ancestry

Sign up for a session guiding participants through steps and resources to trace their ancestry via online platforms such as ancestry.co.uk and UK and Caribbean databases including Census returns, the Birth, Marriage and Death Index, parish records and registers of enslaved African people. Suitable for beginners with some proficiency with a computer and mouse.

Also on Tuesday 14 October, 6:00–7:30pm Leeds Central Library (Gott Room), Calverley St, Leeds LS1 3AB

ROOTED partner events delivered by Leeds Libraries.