Explore the history, creativity and changing experiences of Black communities in Waltham Forest through archive displays, conversation and live performance.
Waltham Forest Archives and Local Studies Library welcomes the community for a special Black History Month open day featuring Red Light Busking and Frank Sweeney.
The afternoon will explore Black history across the borough, from everyday lives and community achievements to stories of celebration, resistance and social change.
Visitors will be able to discover original archive material relating to local Black history. Special table displays will look at the experiences of Black people in Waltham Forest and consider how those histories continue to shape the borough through memory, culture and community legacy.
The programme will include a talk and performance from two of the co-curators working on the new displays for Vestry House Museum.
About Frank Sweeney
Frank Sweeney is a senior arts manager with more than 30 years of experience in the voluntary and community sector. His work uses carnival and community arts to encourage social change, participation and cultural engagement.
As a co-curator with Vestry House Museum, Frank has been developing a new display telling the story of carnival in Waltham Forest. During the event, he will discuss his career coordinating Leyton Mas and the importance of carnival to the borough’s Black communities.
Frank is also supporting Hackney Carnival as it moves from a council-led model towards a community-led partnership. Throughout his career, he has worked with artists, directors and producers to help turn creative ideas into reality.
About David Anglin and Red Light Busking
David Anglin is the director of 4TY – For The Youths.
Red Light Busking brings together David’s experience of working with young people connected to the care and criminal justice systems with his creative ideas for imagining a different world.
Working alongside artists and other professionals, young people create immersive, music-led experiences designed to encourage audiences to think, participate and enjoy themselves.
Their contribution to the event will focus on the present-day experiences and creativity of young Black people in Waltham Forest.
About Waltham Forest Archives
Waltham Forest Archives and Local Studies Library holds manuscripts, photographs, maps, newspapers and printed collections documenting the development of the borough and its communities.
The collections can be used to explore local Black history, family history, the story of a house or street and the lives of people who have helped shape Waltham Forest.
These resources are free to use and available to everyone by prior appointment.
Booking ahead for this event is advised, although visitors will also be able to drop in during the afternoon.
Chingford Assembly Hall is a short walk from Chingford Station. The venue has level access and accessible toilet facilities.
For enquiries, contact sarah.vallois@walthamforest.gov.uk.
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