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Black History Month
Black History Month runs throughout October celebrating the culture, history and achievements that Black African and Caribbean people have brought to the United Kingdom
This year's theme: Reclaiming Narratives
This year’s Black History Month theme, “Reclaiming Narratives”, focuses on correcting and highlighting the true stories of Black history and culture. By embracing this theme, we aim to correct historical inaccuracies and celebrate the untold achievements and complexities of Black heritage.
Stay tuned for more on this important theme.
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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.
We are excited to announce, we have new nominees. Mark your calendars for October 1, when we'll unveil the names, make sure to check back and see who has made it to the Hall of Fame!
Events
Events are being held across Barking and Dagenham and online.
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.
Main Programmes
| DATE | TIME | Venue | About the event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 October | 11am | Outside Barking Town Hall |
Flag Raising Ceremony Let’s come together to show our support, learn, and reflect on the importance of diversity and inclusion. Your presence will make a difference. See you there! |
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3 – 25 October During Opening Times |
10am – 4pm | Eastbury House |
B&D Black Idols Children’s Trail Throughout Black History Month 2024, Eastbury Manor House has an exciting new trail for young people, exploring some amazing people, both past and present, with connections to Barking & Dagenham. Hunt high and low throughout the house to learn about their incredible achievements and match them with the item that most closely connects to them. Completely free, just pick up your trail sheet from reception on your visit! Full details here- What's On - Eastbury Manor |
| 13 October | 1pm to 2:30pm | Eastbury Manor House |
BHM: Exploring Our Histories Eastbury Manor House, built in 1573 by Clement Sysley, has seen a number of residents, owner and tenant, come and go throughout history. Through research, we’ve discovered how some of these lives were connected to lesser documented histories, including colonial histories. Building on initial research, the team at Eastbury want to unlock conversations to explore these lesser-known histories with local people. Join us for this exploratory, interactive session alongside local artists AJ Haastrup and Abel Holsborough to broaden horizons and help to start shape a vision for how these histories, and more contemporary local history can be made accessible and relevant to our diverse community. This workshop is FREE to attend- Please register your interest by Booking your Place today. |
| 15 October | 1pm to 2.30pm | Dagenham Library |
Pen to Print - Join Us for an Inspiring Author Talk: Blessed Struggles with Regina Williams Discover the extraordinary journey of Regina Williams, a woman of remarkable resilience and determination. From her humble beginnings in rural Kenya to becoming the first Black Kenyan woman politician in London, Regina’s story is a powerful testament to the message: “Never give up.” Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Regina share her incredible experiences and insights. Join us for the Pen to Print Author Talk and be inspired by her journey of overcoming immense challenges to achieve success. Book free tickets |
| 16 October | 12pm to 2pm | Women's Museum |
Have a Go at Weaving (18+). Join artist Yemi Awosile for an afternoon of making. Explore new and experimental ways of weaving using colourful fabric, lace and thread. Materials provided. |
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23 October Junior members, aged 8-12 |
4-8pm | Future Youth Zone |
Future Youth Zone Black History Month Carnival Events Young people can expect Future's Black History Month Carnival events to be filled with energetic Afrodance choreography, creative art activities, carnival themed rec games and costumes, Afrobeats music (maybe even some steelpans), and some delicious Caribbean snacks and food cooked specially in our kitchen. Become a member online for £5 a year, and 50p per session. |
| Thursday 24 October | 6:30pm to 8pm | Women's Museum |
Sound, Word and Rhyme Night (16+) Join Belinda Zhawi and guests for an evening of poetry, spoken word, and sound. Perform your work, recite a poem, or sit back and enjoy new voices. All experience levels welcome and no obligation to perform. |
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24 October Senior members, aged 13-19 (or 25 with additional needs) |
4-9pm | Future Youth Zone |
Future Youth Zone Black History Month Carnival Events Future Youth Zone is excited to host some dedicated celebration events for Black History Month this October. With over two thirds of their young members identifying as Black or Minority Ethnic, reflecting Barking & Dagenham's diverse community, Future knows the value of celebrating and educating young people on Black history and culture during October in particular. Young people can expect Future's Black History Month Carnival events to be filled with energetic Afrodance choreography, creative art activities, carnival themed rec games and costumes, Afrobeats music (maybe even some steelpans), and some delicious Caribbean snacks and food cooked specially in our kitchen. Become a member online for £5 a year, and 50p per session. |
| 25 October | 6:30 - 10:30pm | Boathouse Studios 62-76 Abbey Road Barking IG11 7BT |
Pressure As part of Black History Month, the Boathouse Community Cinema is proud to show this digitally restored classic film from 1976. Recognised as the UK's first Black dramatic feature-length film, Pressure is a gritty and dynamic study of a generation in crisis, and the problems of being torn between two cultures. The film is an uncompromising look at the challenges of growing up Black in Britain, and is as relevant today as when it was released in 1976. The film's Director, Horace Ove, sadly died last year. His daughter, Indra Ove, will be attending the screening to introduce the film. Indra is a well know actor in her own right, appearing in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Interview with the Vampire, The Fifth Element and numerous TV shows. |
| 26 October | 12pm | Valence House |
The Lion Who Never Roared – The Jack Leslie Story Discover the inspiring journey of Jack Leslie, the first Black footballer selected for England in 1925. Author Matt Tiller will share Jack’s story, featuring archive photos and a Q&A session. Bookable event to manage numbers but it is free. |
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27 October Futurebility members, exclusively with additional needs aged 8-25 and parents/carers |
10am-2pm | Future Youth Zone |
Future Youth Zone Black History Month Carnival Events Young people can expect Future's Black History Month Carnival events to be filled with energetic Afrodance choreography, creative art activities, carnival themed rec games and costumes, Afrobeats music (maybe even some steelpans), and some delicious Caribbean snacks and food cooked specially in our kitchen. Become a member online for £5 a year, and 50p per session. |
| 30 October | 9am – 5pm | Barking Town Centre |
Black History Month Pop up Market Don’t miss out on this exciting event – see you there! |
| October 30 | 7 - 11:30pm | Factory 15 at Make It Barking |
Are you a Black creative with a passion for film, music, visual arts, storytelling, or creative expression? Join us on October 30, 2024, at Factory 15, Barking, for an inspiring celebration of Black culture and artistic development as we come together for a special Black History Month event! The day will feature two unique markets, after exploring the markets, stick around for the evening's main event |
Children & Family Activity
| DATE | About the event |
|---|---|
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Week 1 1 – 4 October 2024 |
Exciting Musical Interaction Session! Experience the joy of cultural music and interactive fun! Our sessions include playing ‘musical statue’ with vibrant cultural tunes, exploring various musical instruments, and engaging in musical movement groups featuring African instruments like Bongo drums. Join us for an electrifying and enriching experience with our Musical Movement, Peep and Boo and Play and Talk sessions! Bring your child along and dive into a world of fun and discovery. |
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Week 2 7-11 October 2024 |
Join Us for a Creative Session: Becoming ‘Me’! Celebrate individuality and creativity with our “Becoming ‘Me’” sessions! Create self-portraits on paper plates inspired by Madam C.J. Walker using a variety of materials like tissue paper, felts, crayons, and more. Enjoy the story “So Much” by Trish Cooke and sing along to the Black History song from Gracie’s Corner on YouTube.
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Week 3 14 - 18 October 2024 |
Join Us for an Exciting Session: Making Sense of the World! Explore the wonders of space with our “Making Sense of the World” sessions! Create a Dr. Mae Jemison rocket ship craft using kitchen roll tubes, coloured card, and foil. Dive into a sensory bin with a moon/space theme and enjoy blue play dough fun. We’ll also read a kids’ book about Mae Jemison’s inspiring journey and sing along to “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, Jumbo Jet.” Don’t miss out on this fun and educational adventure! Experience the joy of Musical Movement, Peep and Boo, and Play and Talk sessions and Make Sense of the World. |
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Week 4 21-25 October 2024 |
Join us for a vibrant and imaginative session: Shapes and Patterns Everywhere! Celebrate the artistic legacy of Alma Thomas through our engaging art project, where you'll craft stunning patterns and colours with large paper, tissue paper, and card shapes. We’ll also dive into the story “Coming to England” by Floella Benjamin and Diane Ewen, and explore the theme “I Can See the Rainbow.” Don’t miss out on this colourful and creative experience! Check out our Musical Movement, Peep and Boo, and Play and Talk sessions. |
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Week 5 28 - 31 October 2024 |
Join Us for a Fun Session: Our World in Books! Explore the diverse world of cultural food by sharing recipes and creating food collages from magazines. Enjoy the delightful story “Handa’s Surprise” by Eileen Browne and have fun with the “Five Fat Sausages” song, using instruments for the ‘sizzle’ and ‘bang.’ |
Displays
| TIME | Venue | About the event |
|---|---|---|
| 9am – 5pm | Barking Town Hall |
Celebrate Black History Month with Art at the Town Hall! Come and admire the incredible artwork created by our talented school pupils in honour of Black History Month. Their pieces will be on display at the Town Hall during opening hours. Don’t miss this opportunity to see how our young artists express the rich history and culture of the Black community through their creativity. |
| 9am – 5pm | Dagenham Library, Barking Learning Centre (BLC) |
Celebrate Black History Month at Your Library! Explore our curated book display featuring inspiring stories and impactful works by Black authors. Visit today and discover the rich history and culture that have shaped our world. |
Have a look at whats on in our neighbouring boroughs Newham and Redbridge.