This year’s Black History Month will be marked with a series of free community activities at Southside Shopping Centre, Wandsworth.
Renowned artist Kay Rufai is bringing his S.M.I.L.E-ing BOYS PROJECT to Southside’s upper mall as a month-long photography exhibition, starting on 1 October. Inspired by his mission to empower young black boys through the arts, Rufai captures their beaming smiles as a celebration of positivity to counteract negative media perceptions.
You can tantalise your tastebuds at the Black History Month street food market on Southside’s Piazza from Thursday 24 October to Sunday 27 October. And inside the shopping centre, you’ll be able to shop amazing and unique products from black-owned designers and makers.
On Saturday 26 October, Fée Uhssi , creator of ethical luxury fashion brand Art of Fashion Wrapping, will be celebrating black fashion under this year’s theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. The spectacular fashion show will be hosted on the upper mall and supported by a performance from Vibe Squad.
Pointe Black ballet school will be dazzling with performances of their show ‘Our Windrush Story’ on Wednesday 30 October. The ballet routine pays homage to the Windrush generation, their voyage to the UK, and their incredible legacies. The ballerinas – some as young as eighteen months – will be showcasing a unique style of classic ballet fused with Afro-Caribbean culture.
Rebecca Ruddle, Centre Director at Southside Shopping Centre, commented: “Here at Southside Shopping Centre, we strive to create spaces that make a positive contribution to the local community, and enhance the lives of our guests.
“Working with Wandsworth Town BID to bring exhibitions and events to the centre is a great example of the work we do with partners to support the charge to make a positive change.
“We encourage our guests to come down to see the range of exhibitions and events on offer, whether it be through browsing the food and wares being sold at the makers’ market, attending a fashion show, or taking in the month-long photography exhibition, there’s something to suit all tastes.”
James Mbanefo, Director of Wandsworth Town BID, said: “It’s important for us to celebrate and represent our diverse community, and what better way to do that than by hosting Black History Month activities in the heart of Wandsworth.
“Working with Southside gives us the opportunity to bring exciting and accessible events our community. This Black History Month we have an incredible photography exhibition, fashion show, street food and makers’ market, and live dance. We hope to see you there.”
Full timetable of events:
| Event | Date | Location |
| S.M.I.L.E-ing BOYS PROJECT exhibition | 1-31 October | Upper mall |
| Black heritage street food market | 24-27 October | Piazza |
| Black creatives and makers market | 24-27 October | Lower mall |
| ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ fashion show, ft. Vibe Squad | 26 October, 3:30pm | Upper mall |
| Our Windrush Story ballet performances | 30 October, 1pm & 3pm | Lower mall |
October’s Black History Month events at Southside are sponsored by Wandsworth Town Business Improvement District (BID), Common Projects, and Wandsworth Borough Council.
