The Redwing Gallery in Penzance has begun Black History Month proceedings this week, starting with a series of talks on ‘Black history Enslavement and Reparations’.

The inaugural event was hosted by a group of speakers who support the campaign to remove the memorial to slave trader Thomas Corker in KCM Church in Falmouth. The talks drew attention to Cornwall’s Black history, as well as the much-ignored role of the transatlantic slave trade in Falmouth’s past. Other speakers included former Truro City Councillor Clinton Sealey, who spoke of his experiences of living as a black man and community leader in Cornwall.

Throughout October, the Redwing Gallery will be hosting art exhibitions and music events, with donations going towards the community purchase of the building.

27th Sept – 10th Oct – FREE – Display of handwoven textiles from Ghana, Togo, and Benin

30th Sept – 10th Oct – FREE – ‘The Worldwide Influence of Black Slave Music’ Image exhibit

10th Oct – 7.30pm – £5 Suggested Donation – The Festival of Roots Music: ‘The Slaves Lament’ gig

See full details of events here

Black Voices Cornwall are also hosting a day of music, film, and discussion on 11th October at St. German’s Priory, further exploring Cornwall’s links to the transatlantic slave trade.

The Gallery was established in 2011 at the site of the old Humphry Davey pub, and exists for the benfit of the community. Their website states:

“We exist to showcase the art created by socially excluded people (“outsiders”) to the wider community.

Our aim is to promote positive wellbeing and facilitate social change through the creation of opportunities for access and social inclusion.”

Image via: Redwing Gallery