Three, free workshops using this year’s Black History Month themes of ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ and ‘Before Windrush’, inspired by the museum’s Afro-Caribbean collections.
Workshops 1 and 2 are specifically for families of all ages, and workshop 3 is for people aged 16+
Workshop 1: Windrush Stories with Kelly Morgan
11am – 12pm (midday)
Bring your family along to discover the remarkable history of the Windrush Generation through a storytelling workshop led by Kelly Morgan. In this engaging workshop designed for families aged 5 and upwards, you will be transported back in time through stories of hope and resilience.
Together, we will trace the journey of the Windrush Generation, exploring their triumphs, challenges, and the vibrant cultural tapestry they brought to the UK. Join us for an educational and heart warming experience that bridges generations and inspires meaningful conversations about history, identity, and unity.
About Kelly: Kelly Morgan proudly stands as a third-generation child of Caribbean heritage. With a passion for preserving and sharing the rich tapestry of her roots, leads workshops, events, and performances which celebrate culture and diversity. Her creative endeavours serve as bridges, connecting communities and fostering unity through a shared appreciation of culture. Through her work, Kelly brings people together, instilling a sense of belonging, and reminding us all of the beauty in our diverse world
Workshop 2: African Print Inspired Print Making Workshop with EvaD (workshop repeated twice)
Inspired by our collections of African objects and traditional West African textiles, work alongside textile artist EvaD to make your own art print to take home and frame.
Using a mixture of pre-made and made by you stamps, free hand drawings, paintings and collage you’ll create a beautiful and bright artwork.
Suitable for all ages and abilities, children under 5 will need adult assistance. All materials are provided, this workshop will include paint so please wear appropriate clothing. Pre-booking is essential.
About EvaD: EvaD is an African Print Textile Artist based in Greater Manchester. EvaD’s love for wax prints came from rummaging through her parents stash from visits to Nigeria, where her dad is originally from. EvaD has been sewing for a few years and combined her passions of making and people to start her business Soleil Dee where she brings affordable brightness to these wet and grey days with her collection of African Print bags and accessories.
Workshop 3: Creative Writing and Memoir with Shirley May
Shirley will support participants to create poetry to celebrate the contributions of Black women to the infrastructure of Manchester as a meaningful way to honour their legacy. The workshop will feature poetry from Shirley’s own collection as a springboard to creating new, as well as Shirley’s eulogy that she has written herself and stories from young people in Manchester. The workshop will also use quotes from other contemporary black female writers in the UK as inspiration.
About Shirley: Shirley Anne May, co-founder of Wordsmith Awards and Young Identity, Has championed performance poetry for 25 years. A mentor in schools, she partners with Manchester’s arts organisations. Internationally, she teaches, performs, and produces Spoken Word in Amsterdam and Berlin. A respected UK spoken word artist, she’s a Royal Society of Literature Fellow, poet, and author of “She Wrote Her Own Eulogy.” Explore her work at www.shirleyannemay.co.uk
More about the themes:
The theme of Saluting our Sisters highlights the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. This year’s celebration will showcase pioneering black women who have made remarkable contributions to literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more.
The theme of Before Windrush examines the lives of Black Britons who were living in the UK before the arrival of the Empire Windrush in 1948. Along with exploring the under-reported stories of black doctors and nurses working in healthcare before the NHS.
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