Pen to Print: Black History Month Through Art, Migration & Identity

NB: This is an in-person event only at Dagenham Library

In celebration of Black History Month, join authors, poets, and cultural storytellers: Jerry Chiemeke, Alex Murdock, Danny Baxter, Damilola Olaniyi in a powerful conversation with Amaka Obioji.

Together, they will reflect on the significance of Black history through the lens of art, migration, and identity, exploring how storytelling and creative expression shape narratives, preserve heritage and strengthen community connections.

Celebrate Black History Month with us at Dagenham Library through an evening of meaningful dialogue and creative expression!

Please note an open mic poetry session will take place following this event. Click here to reserve your spot, whether you'd like to perform or simply sit back and enjoy an evening of spoken word and poetry.

Jerry Chiemeke is a Nigerian-born writer and author of the short story collection "Dreaming of Ways to Understand You" (2020), the poetry chapbook "Notes For Nnedimma" (2019), and the hybrid manuscript "The Colours In These Leaves" (2017).

Born in Jamaica and raised in East London, Alex Murdock discovered his passion for writing in his adult years, Alex, also known as the MadPo3t, is a poet, performer, and author whose work is fueled by his life experiences and is the host of MadPo3t Podcast, showcasing his artistry.

Damilola Olaniyi, a Nigerian author and playwright, lives in Scotland, where she writes young adult books, children’s stories and movies. Her short story collection We Have Come Home has been hailed by critics for its “poignant deployment of diction to paint vivid pictures.” She is currently working on a young adult novel.

Danny Baxter, a local artist, poet and musician, expresses his creativity by participating in different arts programmes and activities that promote arts and culture in the local community.

Amaka Felly Obioji, a Nigerian writer and poet based in London, has been published in literary journals across West Africa. Mother, Did You Call My Name? is her debut poetry collection, Amaka enjoys participating in Open Mic Night and hosts the conversation this evening.

If you have any accessibility requirements, please directly get in touch with us at pentoprint@lbbd.gov.uk

Booking is essential and you will be asked to present your booking confirmation upon arrival.

Pen to Print and partners shall not be liable to attendees for any injury, loss or damage to personal equipment belonging to the attendees or any indirect or consequential loss or damage whatsoever arising out of the attendance of the event.

Pen to Print reserves the right to cancel, delay or postpone the event for any reason, including adverse weather conditions, an emergency situation or unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances out of its reasonable control. In such cases, the event organiser will endeavour to inform participants as quickly as is possible.