This October, the borough will mark Black History Month with a wide-ranging programme of events reflecting the theme ‘standing firm in power and pride’.
From historical talks and drama performances to creative workshops, you are invited to take part in activities that honour the achievements, resilience and cultural contributions of black communities.
This year’s theme celebrates the strength and leadership of black communities in our borough and across the UK. It recognises the dignity, pride and power that continue to shape our shared future.
‘Building a borough where everyone can thrive’
Councillor Polly Knewstub, the council’s cabinet member for healthy equal lives, said: “Black History Month is a time to recognise the strength, pride and leadership that black communities bring to the borough every day. Generations of residents have shaped our shared history – and continue to shape our future.
“This year’s theme, ‘standing firm in power and pride’, reflects the values we’re working to embed across the borough: dignity, equality and opportunity for all. Through our Race Equality Commission, our support for black-led organisations via the Roots and Wings programme, and our investment in inclusive culture and community spaces, we’re building a borough where everyone can thrive.”
Black History Month events
Here is what is happening in the borough this Black History Month:
Community celebration event: thriving against the odds
1 Bayham Road, W13 0TQ. Wednesday 2 October: 11am to 1pm
Expect inspiring stories of success, research that challenges stereotypes, case studies of black-led change and a celebration of thriving futures. The event is free to attend. For more information, email: admin@gosad.org.uk
S.I. Martin Talk: 400 Years of young black lives in London
Ealing Central Library. Tuesday 8 October: 5:30pm to 7pm
Author S.I. Martin will explore the experiences of young black boys and girls in London across four centuries – uncovering stories of resilience, achievement and cultural impact. You can find out more on the Ealing Culture website.
Spectrum Drama: Mary Seacole performance
Northolt Library (Church Road). Wednesday 9 October: 11am to 11:45am
Watch a powerful drama performance about the life of Mary Seacole, a pioneering doctress who cared for soldiers during the Crimean War. The show is aimed at children aged 5 to 10 and is free to attend. Children must be accompanied by an adult. You can also see this performance at Acton Library on Wednesday 16 October at 11am. For more information, visit the Ealing Culture website.
Ealing Roots and Wings showcase event
Perceval House. Saturday 19 October: midday to 4pm
This flagship event will bring together peer researchers, community leaders and residents for an afternoon of presentations, project stalls, lunch and collaborative action planning. You will hear findings from local peer research projects and help co-develop commitments to tackle health inequalities and support thriving futures. Ealing Roots and Wings is a grant and peer research programme supporting black-led organisations to tackle health inequalities in the borough. Free and open to all. Book your place on Eventbrite.
Elisia Swaby talk: Chairing change
Ealing Central Library. Thursday 23 October: 5:15pm to 6:45pm
Discover the story of James Barzey and his leadership during the borough’s anti-racism movement (1967 to 1976), in this insightful talk by Elisia Swaby. For more information, visit the Ealing Culture website.
Family-centred storytelling workshop with Akuba
North Pavilion Playing Fields, Acton, W3 0JF. Saturday 25 October: 5pm to 7:30pm
Join storyteller Akuba (Grace Quansah) for an evening of poetry, drama and discovery.
Inspired by her father’s shipping trunk and the legacy of Marcus Garvey’s Black Star Line, this workshop invites families to create and share their own ‘trunk stories’. This is a free event and no booking is required.
Children’s craft activities
Throughout October, the borough’s libraries will host a series of free creative sessions themed around Black History Month. Please contact your local council-run library for more details.
