Celebrating Black History Month in London
Black History Month celebrates the contributions of Africa and its peoples to world civilisation; from educational events to exhibitions and performances, there’s a lot going on in London this October
By James Stokes | Updated Sep 19 2024
Black History Month is about recognising that, for too long, the history of black people has been told by and through the lens of other people, and so it exists to encourage Black people to tell their own stories and celebrate their culture.
This year the theme of Black History Month is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, and it serves as an invitation to communities to tell the untold stories of unsung heroes throughout history and today and celebrate Black excellence in the arts, science, politics and everyday life. So how can you celebrate?
Here’s our guide to what’s going on in London for Black History Month 2024:
Learn about Black History
First and foremost, Black History Month is about just that - Black history. Here’s a quick rundown on the history of Black History Month, followed by some events you can get involved in that celebrate and commemorate Black history in London and further afield:
The first Black History Month took place in the UK in 1987, but it began in the United States of America. The first ever national Black History Month took place in 1976 following years of campaigning that can be traced back to the 1920s, with the efforts of Dr Carter G. Woodson and various associations to teach children the real history and culture of Africans in America and throughout the world.
In the UK Black History Month was conceived by the Ghanian analyst and activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who came to the UK in 1984 as a refugee and was absorbed in community activism from the start. This was a time of considerable racial tension, following the UK race riots of 1981 and controversial education policies at the time. Working as the Special Projects Officer for the Greater London Council, Addai-Sebo saw that Black children faced a crisis of identity because schools and institutions were not really teaching the true history of Africa and its people. In order to address this, he set out to produce “an annual celebration of the contributions of Africa, Africans, and people of African descent to world civilisation” (Adai-Sebo in an interview with the UK Black History Month organisation in 2017).
Whereas in America Black History Month takes place in February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Douglas Adams, in the UK it was decided that October would be the best time for children to take pride in Black history - fresh into the school year, without the pressure of exams.
So, now that you know, here are some great events you can get involved in all about Black history:
Culture Mile BID Black History Walking Tour - Wednesday 2nd October at Holborn Viaduct - click here for more information
City of London: Slave Trade Money Trail Tour - Saturday 5th October at Royal Exchange London - click here for more info
The Making of My Dad, Mr Brixton with Claudette Parry Laws: an illustrated talk by Claudette about her father Courtey Laws OD, OBE, a pioneer of the Windrush Generation who helped thousands to adjust to life in Britain, and the making of her nine-part podcast series My Dad, Mr Brixton -Monday 7th October at Brixton Library - click here for more info
British History, Black Music, Racism & The music Industry: 1507 to 2020 - Tuesday 15th October at Clapham Library - click here for more info
The Persecution of the Black Community in Nazi Germany - Thursday 17th October at Lambeth Archives - click here for more info
City of London: Slave Trade Money Trail Tour - Saturday 19th October at Royal Exchange London - click here for more info
Tooting Black History Walk - Saturday 19th October in Tooting Broadway - click here for more info
How to Trace Your Black Ancestors - Thursday 24th October at Finsbury Library - click here for more info
City of London: Slave Trade Money Trail Tour - Saturday 26th October at Royal Exchange London - click here for more info In addition to these there are some more specialised events - for full listings visit BlackHistoryMonth.org.uk
Cultural Events
There are a whole host of cultural events going on in London relating to Black History Month, including: Brixton Poets Celebrate Benjamin Zephaniah - Thursday 3rd October at Brixton Library - click here for more info
Neneh Cherry: A Thousand Threads - Sunday 6th October at The Southbank Centre: the Swedish singer-songwriter, rapper and producer discusses her memoir, “a kaleidoscopic story celebrating love, family and the joy of creativity – and a call to arms to own your journey” (BlackHistoryMonth.org.uk) - click here for more info
The Half of It: A Discussion of Race, Identity and Political Polarisation - Tuesday 8th October at Carnegie Library: authors Emma Slade Edmondson and Nicole Ocran, hosts of the critically acclaimed podcast Mixed Up, discuss what it truly means to be of mixed heritage. Click here for more info
Reclaiming Narratives - Tuesday 8th October at Lambeth Town Hall: an evening of exhibits, performances, entertainment and discussion around reclaiming narratives in the local context of Lambeth - click here for more info - Friday 11th October at Brixton Library - click here for more info
Show your support to Black-owned businesses in London
Black Culture Market pops up in iconic London venues to promote Black-owned businesses in the retail space, from food to fashion and much more. They are hosting their Black History Month event on Saturday 4th and Sunday 6th October from 11am to 5pm, with over 40 stalls all operated by Black-owned businesses.
This month (and all year round), you can find and support Black-owned businesses in the capital; if you're feeling peckish, there’s Chuku’s Nigerian tapas in Tottenham and the Prince of Peckham pub, plus the the iconic Dark Sugars in Brick Lane (who make incredible hand-crafted chocolate truffles).
Obviously there’s plenty more than just food - for a full and comprehensive guide to Black-owned businesses in London, check out this directory compiled by BOLO (Black-Owned London).
Visit an institution dedicated to Black culture
Whether It’s during Black History Month or any other time of year, there are some fantastic institutions in London dedicated to Black culture that are well worth a visit.