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.
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.
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 nightA 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 FestA 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 ClubExploring and Celebrating "Black History Month" |
Thames Community Hub |
26 October 2023 |
12pm-3pm |
Stay and Play SessionsAt 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 pupilsA 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 campaignAn 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 |