Black History Month

Black History Month runs throughout October celebrating the culture, history and achievements that Black African and Caribbean people have brought to the United Kingdom

This year's theme of Saluting our Sisters #WEMATTER highlights the crucial role that Black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. 

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Black History Month logo

 

Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills & Aspiration is proud to present another packed month of events to celebrate Black History Month in Barking and Dagenham.

The rich cultures and traditions of the Black community here have for many years contributed to the diversity of our country and is a key part of what makes Britain so unique.

Hall of Fame

Barking and Dagenham is the proud home of many high-achieving black individuals. The ‘Hall of Fame’ celebrates the exceptional achievements of individuals of African and Caribbean heritage with links to the borough across a range of sectors from sport to art and culture, to volunteering and community action.

Hall of fame page

Events

Events are being held across Barking and Dagenham and online.  This interactive map will show you the events happening in the borough as well as the table below.

There will also be children’s activities focusing on Black History Month. Visit our what's on page to find out more about what’s going on at your local library or children’s centre.

Event

Location

Date

Time

Flag raising for Nigerian Independence Day

Town Hall Square, 1 Clockhouse Ave, Barking IG11 7LU

29 September 2023

12pm

Flag raising for Black History Month

Town Hall Square, 1 Clockhouse Ave, Barking IG11 7LU

2 October 2023

11am

Cultural Experience and Fashion Show

Barking Learning Centre 7 October 2023 12pm - 4pm

Flag raising for Ugandan Independence Day- with light refreshments and traditional dance

Town Hall Square, 1 Clockhouse Ave, Barking IG11 7LU

 

13 October 2023

12pm-2:30pm

Adanna Women’s Support Group ‘Saluting our Sisters’ Celebration

Studio 1&2 Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA 21 October 2023 10am-2pm

Dagenham Eagles: Ceremonial Drill & Drum Camp.

Limited spaces. Contact 07969351489 for further information

  21 - 25 October 2023  

Jus Jamin Jazz night

A night of soulful melodies, captivating digital art, tantalising food, and a serene ambiance!

The Wilds, Barking Riverside 22 October 2023 5pm - 10pm

Mental Health Day outreach stall by NELFT

Dagenham Library 23 October 2023 10am - 2pm

Dagenham Eagles: 2023 Black History Month Fest

A live performance with East London School of Music (ELSOM) and HACS Philharmonic Orchestra featuring music by Black composers. Tickets available from the The Broadway Theatre Box Office only.

Broadway Theatre, Barking 24 October 2023 6pm

Flag raising for Zambia Independence Day

Town Hall Square, 1 Clockhouse Ave, Barking IG11 7LU

24 October 2023

To Be Confirmed

Movie Screening: Soul

Thames Community Hub 24 October 2023  

When Wilberforce Came to Tea' Film Screening

Valence House 25, 27 October 2023 2:30pm

Mental Health Day outreach stall by NELFT

Barking Learning Centre 25 October 2023 2pm - 5pm

Pop-up market to showcase Black-owned businesses and local community groups.

Short Blue Place, Barking Market

26 October 2023

9.00am - 5.00pm

Excel Women's Association Black History Month celebration

Broadway Theatre

26 October 2023

5.00pm - 10.30pm

St Mark’s: Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future

St Mark’s Church Centre 28 October 2023 5.30pm - 10pm

Young, Black and In Care Talk

Make It Barking 31 October 2023 6pm-9pm

 

Children and Family Activity

Location

Date

Time

Tote Bag Making

Thames Community Hub 9 October 2023 3:30pm

Watercolour Painting

Thames Community Hub 12 October 2023 10am

Kunda Kids: Bridge Building

Barking Learning Centre 14 October 2023 10am-11am

Kunda Kids: Queen Kitami Makes Friends

Barking Learning Centre 14 October 2023 11:30am-12:30pm

Kunda Kids: Bridge Building

Dagenham Library 14 October 2023 2pm-3pm

Kunda Kids: Queen Kitami Makes Friends

Dagenham Library 14 October 2023 3:30pm-4:30pm

Necklace Making

Thames Community Hub 16 October 2023 12:30pm

Mayor's Storytime the Precious Little Angels Toddler Group

Dagenham Library 19 October 2023 12.30pm - 2pm

Pen to Print: ‘Mum’s Nasty Habit’ Reading

Dagenham Library 25 October 2023 10:30am - 11am

Kala and the Hallelujah Pumpkin’ Reading

Dagenham Library 25 October 2023 11am - 11:30am

Pen to Print: ‘Mum’s Nasty Habit’ Reading

Barking Learning Centre 25 October 2023 12:30pm - 1pm

Kala and the Hallelujah Pumpkin’ Reading

Barking Learning Centre 25 October 2023 1pm - 1:30pm

Make your Mark: Little Crafters Club

Exploring and Celebrating "Black History Month"

Thames Community Hub

26 October 2023

12pm-3pm

Stay and Play Sessions

At the children’s centres across the borough will be exploring African and Caribbean cultures, including activities such as necklace making, story-times and drumming.

Children's Centres

Throughout October 

 

 

Display

Location

Date

Time

Artwork, stories, poetry etc. by pupils

A display of artwork, stories, poetry etc. by pupils at local schools will be on at the Town Hall throughout the month.

Barking Town Hall

Throughout October 

Stocking a range of Black History-related titles

Valence House Museum Shop Throughout October 

Black History Month Book Display

Dagenham Library,

Marks Gate Community Hub, 

Robert Jeyes Community Hub

Throughout October 

Online film campaign

An online campaign highlighting the achievements of Black filmmakers and people in the film industry

Film LBBD (online) Throughout October

Black History Month Informational Display

Barking Learning Centre Throughout October