AWARD-WINNING rapper Nate Ethan-Watson (main photo) will be among the contributors to a busy programme of Black History Month events taking place across Belfast and Derry in October.
Known for his lyrical honesty and emotionally driven performances, transgender musician Ethan-Watson will perform at an ‘Honouring Our Communities’ evening in Stormont Castle on October 23.
It is one of a list of events being organised by the North West Migrants Forum as part of Black History Month.
Traditionally the Forum holds several small local events in October prior to its flagship Black History Summit showcase at the end of the month.
But this year the charity is casting its net wider with educational discussions, community conversations, celebration and comedy.
As well as Nate Ethan-Watson, also making the trip to Northern Ireland for Black History Month is Keith Fraser, former UK Commissioner on Race and Ethnic Disparities and former Chair of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales. He will address a conference in the Indian Community Centre, Belfast, on October 16 exploring how public institutions can build greater trust and belonging. Other confirmed speakers include Dr Umar Al-Qadri, head of the Irish Muslim Council.
On October 22 British political activist and journalist Femi Oluwole will be among the speakers at a conference on online hate in Derry’s Guildhall. Alongside him will be Chief Commissioner of the NI Human Rights Commission Alyson Kilpatrick, Ireland’s Special Rapporteur on Racial Equality and Racism Dr Ebun Joseph and the Belfast Telegraph’s Crime Correspondent Allison Morris.
President of Washington’s Howard University Wayne Frederick will travel from the USA to be keynote speaker at the North West Migrant Forum’s annual Black History Summit in the Ulster Museum on October 23.
The theme of the Summit will be ‘Learning Together: Knowledge Changes Everything’. It will bring together teachers, communities and leaders to explore Black history, racial justice and the transformative role of education.
Speakers will include President of the National Education Union NI Charlotte Carson, researcher and lecturer Dr Naomi Green and Liverpool councillor, author and activist Chantelle Lunt.
Later on October 23 a ceremony to celebrate individuals who have contributed to racial equality and community life across the island of Ireland will be held at Stormont.
On October 24 the focus turns back to Derry where a historical and cultural tour of the city has been organised followed by an informal discussion in North West Migrants Forum’s Intercultural Café.
Winding down Black History Month will be American comedian Tanael ‘TJ’ Joachim who will kick off his new European tour with a special gig in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on October 28.
Aynaz Zarif is Manager of the North West Migrants Forum’s ‘Black Heritage in NI: Hidden History’ project. She said October was shaping up to be a fascinating exploration of Black heritage, education, leadership, racial justice, belonging and community.
Ms Zarif said, “When we sat down to discuss how we wanted to mark Black History Month 2026, we agreed there needed to be something for everyone.
“And we feel we have achieved that through our programme of workshops, conferences, discussions, celebrations and even a comedy show.
“What we also want to do though is use this Black History Month to cement links with other like-minded organisations. That is why, for example, we are supporting our allies in All Nations Ministries with their World Cultural Day celebrations on Friday October 9 and Saturday October 10.
“I want to thank everyone who has agreed to participate in our events so far. Your voices and knowledge will add significantly to what is going to be an absorbing series of events.
“I would also encourage anyone with an interest in current affairs, social justice and critical discussion to go to our website, have a look at the programme and get registered.
“It is going to be a busy few weeks but we are really looking forward to welcoming people to venues across Derry and Belfast.”
You will find the full Black History Month programme, including registration, HERE.
