Black History Month comes to Barking and Dagenham this October, as the borough gets set for a jam-packed schedule of events to celebrate the history, achievements and culture of Black and Minority Ethnic people.



A number of events including; festivals, film screenings, workshops, performances and talks will take place throughout October. The start of the activities kicks off officially on Monday 30 September at the Broadway Theatre, with a launch event. The exciting night of performances and discussions will be hosted by Barking and Dagenham's very own Janice Francis-Irwin, former World and European Karate Champion.



The Black History Month flag will be raised outside Barking Town Hall on Tuesday 1 October from 12pm.



The programme highlights include African craft activities, The Gascoigne Experience – a collection of short films, plus much more. View the full programme of events.



The celebrations will come to a close with foodies enjoying the delights on offer at the International Soul Food Festival at the Barking Learning Centre on Friday 1 November.



Councillor Lynda Rice, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Diversity, is eagerly anticipating the season of events:



“Black History Month this year will be both informative and entertaining. I’m excited to see the whole community coming together to celebrate what will be an amazing set of events. I hope all of our residents will be open to the learning and sharing of knowledge this October.

“Black History Month is a fantastic time to really celebrate and acknowledge the contribution that Black and Minority Ethnic communities have made not just to the borough but globally.” she said.

 For more information on events and activities taking place this October, visit our Black History Month webpage.