Exhibition celebrating 70 Years of Caribbeans in the UK launched in Hull as part of Black History Month

Museumand, The National Caribbean Heritage Museum, has curated 70 Objeks & Tings – a colourful Caribbean exhibition and hardback book to celebrate Black History Month 2021. 

The exhibition opens at the Streetlife Museum in Hull on Saturday 2 October.

70 Objeks & Tings – Celebrating 70 Years of Caribbeans in the UK: Explore the stunning exhibition and get lost in the pages of an accompanying book that takes you on a journey into the history, heritage and culture of the Caribbean. Hear stories about Caribbean life in the UK this Black History Month. 

The title ’70 Objeks & Tings – Celebrating 70 Years of Caribbeans in the UK’ is a nod to patois, a traditional form of language for many Caribbeans. The objeks & tings refer to the things that Caribbeans, especially those of the Windrush Generation hold dear. 

500 copies of the book are available for free in Hull’s libraries for local people to read and enjoy this Black History Month and beyond. Each chapter is full of fun facts, insights and stories exploring Caribbean Food, Contributions, Homes, Hair, Beauty & Dress and Culture. 

At the exhibition at the Streetlife Museum, visitors can get up close and personal with some of the objeks & tings featured in the book from Saturday 2 October (when Museumand will be hosting a Family Friendly Walk & Talk through the exhibition from 10am – 12 noon) to Sunday 31 October 2021. This is a real opportunity for everyone to engage with and learn more about Caribbean culture. 

In partnership with Hull City Council, Hull Libraries, Hull Museums, the University of Hull, the Wilberforce Institute for the study of Slavery and Emancipation and Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, 70 Objeks & Tings is a new way to experience the Caribbean.

Catherine Ross, Founder and Director of Museumand, said:  “We want to show the common thread in the stories of all the different peoples that have made their home in Hull, and we hope the programme will resonate with all cultures and communities. We are all connected, wherever we are from.”

Councillor Marjorie Brabazon, chair of Hull Culture and Leisure, said: “There is no doubt that the influence of Caribbean people from the Windrush Generation and their descendants enrich our culture in Hull.

“The 70 Objeks & Tings exhibition is a very exciting project, with lots of opportunities for residents to interact with it, raise understanding and celebrate the Caribbean community’s remarkable contribution to our city’s heritage.”

Use the project hashtag #HullBHM, #HullBHM2021, #BlackHistoryMonth2021 and @ us in your posts to ask questions and keep the conversation going.