The Black is Beautiful, Black without Apology exhibition is a transformation of Aston Hall’s Boudoir into a young Black girl’s contemporary dressing room. Featuring an imaginative combination of contemporary and 18th century items the display celebrates Black women and the rich diverse culture within the Black diaspora.

The narrative for the display springs from Sarah Newton, Lady of Aston Hall’s involvement in the enslavement of Black people during the 18th century. Black is Beautiful, Black without Apology has been created by local young people as part of Don’t Settle – a collaboration between Beatfreeks and Birmingham Museums Trust. The initiative empowers local young people of colour to change the voice of heritage through the arts, research and governance.

Join us for a free afternoon of performances and conversations to celebrate the launch of the exhibition.

We will be celebrating in Blacknificent style, honouring the diversity in Black culture that is often missing from Heritage sites.

As part of the event we will be running pre-booked tours from 13:30 – 3:00 pm.

What you can expect:

• A market with local Black owned businesses
• Spoken word performances
• A panel and discussion around the theme of ‘Healing and Overcoming’ led by Black women from all walks of life
• And of course there will be music and celebration!

About Don’t Settle

Don’t Settle is a Beatfreeks project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund which empowers 16-25-year-old People of Colour in Birmingham and the Black Country to change the voice of heritage through the arts, research, and governance.