Welcome to Black History Month 2024

Black History Month is an important, annual opportunity to showcase the immense contributions made by those of African and Caribbean descent to British society.   

Reclaiming Narratives is the theme for Black History Month 2024, in which the aim is to take control of the stories, celebrate the heritage and ensure that the voices of African and Caribbean people are heard.  

We are proud to celebrate those individuals and communities in our borough by supporting a month-long programme of activities through which people of all backgrounds can come together, enjoy a diverse line-up of what’s on offer, learn and engage.  

We have commissioned a range of projects, including a series of films and talks looking at heritage with The New Black Film Collective. There will also be the opportunity to look at heritage through the borough’s Local History Archives, demonstrating how to become a custodian of your family history.  

There will also be a mixed programme of events and activities over the month with an exhibition, panel discussions, poetry, and Black Makers market at Poplar Union.   

KAYD Somali Arts and Culture will be putting on a free to access event looking at beauty, wellness and fashion in the Somali community, where beauty and fashion ethics such as skin bleaching will be addressed as part of the Somali Week Festival.   

Arts Collective Trapped in Zone One 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 with a series of workshops.  

For further information about what is happening over Black History Month please visit our what’s on page, which will be updated regularly throughout the month.   

 Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets  
Councillor Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation