Black History Month is being celebrated in October – here’s what east London boroughs have in store for residents.

Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets will play host to more than 80 events this month. Visitors can enjoy music, art, workshops, talks and much more.

Tower Hamlets' celebrations will also include a tribute to Black women who have helped inspire change and shape history in line with this year’s theme of Celebrating Our Sisters.

Lutfur Rahman, mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “Black History Month is an important, annual opportunity to showcase the immense contributions made by those of African and Caribbean descent to British society.”

Some of the events being held by the council include:

  • ‘Living Legacies’ – commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Windrush, which explores stories from the first and second generation with a hope to create conversation about the experience of migration.

  • Opening at the Brady Centre, Whitechapel – ‘Here and Now’ exhibition by Black British photographers. Inspired by African and Caribbean culture in London.

  • Mental health and wellbeing for adults – A community-based party at St Paul’s Church Bow.

For more events and specific dates and times, visit Black History Month Tower Hamlets - What's on

Newham

Newham is also set to host interactive and free events from October 1 to October 31.

Visitors can experience:

  • A talk with Marcia Brissett-Bailey - the author of Black, Brilliant and Dyslexic.

  • Free screening of The Little Mermaid with The New Black Film Collective in partnership with Newham Council

  • Celebrating Black Women through Silhouette Painting workshop by local artist Antonietta Torsiello

For more events and specific dates and times, visit Newham Black History Month - What's On

Redbridge

Redbridge will be holding more than 30 food, music, dance, family events and much more all in the name of Black history and culture.

Locals will share their stories, including that of James Alexander who set up a housing association in Ilford in 1969.

Other events include:

  • Iroko Drumming

  • Island Movements: A tale of the lives of a family from the Windrush generation by the Black British Ballet

  • COBO: Comedy Shutdown.

For the full list of events and dates, visit Black History Month Redbridge - What's On

Barking and Dagenham

Celebrations in Barking and Dagenham kicked off with a flag-raising event on September 29 for Nigerian Independence Day. Ugandan Independence day will also be celebrated on October 9.

Visitors will be able to take part in tours of Eastbury Manor House to look at the colonial heritage of the 16th century building.

There will be a pop-up market on October 31 to showcase black-owned businesses and local community groups.

Other events in October will include:

  • Jus Jamin Jazz Night

  • Future Youth Zone Community Day

  • Cultural Experience and Fashion Show

Sade Bright, cabinet member for employment, skills and aspiration, said: “Barking and Dagenham is one of the most unique and diverse boroughs in the capital, which is what makes it such a great place to live, work, study and stay. 

"Black History Month is not just about recognising the past, it’s about shaping the present and building a better future.

"It's a month dedicated to celebrating, and I couldn't be more excited to see us all come together to learn, share, and grow this month.”

For a full list of events in Barking and Dagenham, visit Barking & Dagenham Black History Month - What's On

Havering

Havering’s celebrations started on Monday, October 2 with a flag raising ceremony at the town hall.

Havering libraries will be showcasing themed book displays throughout the month.

Romford Library is set to host Triple O’s performances of poetry and rapping in a number of visits, and will also showcase the works of African artist Olu Eche in exhibitions.

Mayor of Havering, Cllr Stephanie Nunn, said: “It’s an honour to mark Black History Month and join the national celebrations throughout October.

“Our Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities have contributed so much to Havering.

“Thank you to the council’s BAME Staff Forum and our libraries for their continued efforts in showcasing a variety of events and activities again this year.”