Reclaiming Black Narratives – Black History Month 2024

Events include music, to showcase the richness of Black culture

Tower Hamlets Council will host and support a varied programme of events and activities throughout October to mark Black History Month. 

Reclaiming Narratives is the national theme for the month, and it marks a shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture, by correcting historical inaccuracies, and highlighting untold success stories and the complexity of Black heritage. 

Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “Black History Month is an important, annual opportunity to showcase the immense contributions made by those of African and Caribbean descent to our society, including our own borough.  This year’s theme of Reclaiming Narratives provides opportunities for our communities to take control of the stories, celebrate the heritage and ensure that the voices of African and Caribbean people are distinctly heard.” 

The council has commissioned a range of projects including: 

• A series of films and talks looking at heritage with The New Black Film Collective. As part of the project, the borough’s Local History Archives will demonstrate how to become custodians of family history.  

• An exhibition, panel discussions, poetry, and Black Makers market hosted by community organisation Poplar Union.  

• A beauty, wellness and fashion event hosted by KAYD Somali Arts and Culture as part of the Somali Week Festival from 18 to 27 October. 

• Workshops hosted by arts collective Trapped in Zone One who will be working with a local artist of Black heritage to recognise and correct the narratives of Black history and culture in connection to Tower Hamlets.   

On Saturday 5 October, the council will host Roots and Rhythms: A Celebration of Black, Somali Culture. The event will feature Black, African and Somali artists in London, including singers, traditional dancers, documentary directors, and comedians. It will also include the screening of Untold Stories, a new documentary about Somalis in Tower Hamlets, highlighting the first arrivals of Somalilanders in Tower Hamlets and the lives of seafarers and soldiers. 

Councillor Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet member for Culture and Recreation, said:  “We invite all our communities to join in Black History Month events and embrace, learn about and empower one another through the stories that shape our collective identity.”  

Other events including music, film, arts, exhibitions, workshops, walks and talks, to showcase the richness of Black history and culture are listed on the council website. 

For further information and the full programme of events, visit the Black History Month page on our website.