It is October which means Black History Month has arrived. We’re proud to present a jam-packed schedule of events and workshops to celebrate the history, achievements and culture of Black, African and Caribbean people.



Due to Covid-19 restrictions, most events will be virtual but that won’t stop us celebrating such a monumental month! The Black History Month flag will be raised outside Barking Town Hall this Thursday (1 October) and will be proudly flying high for the duration of the month.



This year’s fantastic programme has an incredible line up with so many highlights for you to enjoy including: 

•         Studio 3 Arts' '3Style Fridays' live-streamed dance battle

•         Pen to Print’s 'Open-Mic Poetry Evening' and writing workshops

•         Black Lives Matter Barking & Dagenham’s showcase 'Cultured 2020'

•         A special screening of the film 'My Mother’s Trunk Box' by Sew London

•         'Digesting Politics' - Barking and Dagenham’s Good Food Collective’s month-long series of workshops and events



Councillor Lynda Rice, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Diversity, is eagerly anticipating the month’s events. She said: “I know the format of our events will be different this year, but I’m really excited about the Black History Month programme. I hope all our residents will be open to the learning and sharing from the variety of events on offer this October. 



"Black History Month is a fantastic time to really celebrate and acknowledge the contributions that Black African and Caribbean communities have made not just to the borough but globally.” 



View the full programme of events at www.lbbd.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth



Cllr Rice introduces Black History Month 2020 along with Cllr Rodwell in this video.