Dear Friend, The Newport Black History Month Planning Group is pleased to invite you to the first 2 events of our 2010 programme to celebrate Black History Month: Event One: The Annual Black History Month Lectures Hosted by the South People's Project (SoPPro - www.soppro.co.uk) and the Global Arts and History Institute (GAHI). This year's lectures over two evenings follow the twin themes of slavery and colonialism, or more precisely their impact on the Africa of today. The first evening of lectures takes place on 1st October, 6.30 - 8.30 pm at the Share Centre, 88 Stow Hill, NEWPORT (admission is free): * Black History Revisited: The Impact of Slavery in Africa by Dr Olivette Otele (University Paris VIII) * "To be with": an introduction to Black African Bantou Philosophy and Culture by Norbert X Mbu-Mputu, philosopher and researcher in anthropology and sociology The second evening will take place on the 8th October, same time and place. Event Two: Newport BHM Launch 2010 - Saturday This year's launch is dedicated to great Black writers, but who are the 'great' Black writers? Our launch event includes an open mic session where we want you to step up to the mic and read your favourite piece of Black writing. Political, poetical or prose, let's hear it! Join us from 2 - 4pm on Saturday, 2nd October at Newport Central Library and Museum (admission is free). For a full listing of events across Black History Month in South East Wales click here www.sewrec.org.uk/bhmprog1.jpg or check out the SEWREC 'News and Events' blog - http://sewrecnews.wordpress.com We hope that you will take part in some of these events whatever your background, learn a little, make a few new friends and celebrate a lot! Marilyn Bryan Chair Newport Black History Month Planning Group C/o SEWREC St David's House 137 Commercial Street Newport NP19 9QR Tel: 01633 250 006