10 Things To Do To Commemorate Black History Month In London This October

guides and participants of the Black History Walks dressed up in costumes
Credit: Black History Walks

From October 1 – 31, the UK and Ireland commemorate Black History Month. The month-long observance has its roots in the United States and has been marked in the UK since 1987. While Black history should be championed for more than just one month, this time of year allows us to acknowledge, celebrate, and learn about the impact Black people and culture have had on London and England as a whole. This year, the theme for Black History Month is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”. The theme has been chosen as “a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines Black communities across the globe. It celebrates the profound contributions of Black leaders, activists, artists, and pioneers — while urging us all to stand tall in our own identity and purpose.”

Across the month, there are plenty of ways for everyone to get involved, get inspired, get educated, and get thinking.

1. Catch an exhibition of Ghanaian art (until October 4)

Image: @octobergallerylondon, via IG

Over in London’s October Gallery, you’ll currently find an impressive posthumous exhibition celebrating the work of Ghanaian artist Owusu-Ankomah. ‘Freedom Rising: The Art of Owusu-Ankomah’ features a collection of large-scale paintings from the artist, which combine “monumental human figures and dense symbolic environments”. It’s free to attend, and is currently showing at the gallery until October 4.

Read more here.

2. Discover the untold stories of Black British Caribbean lives during the Second World War (October 11) an actor onstage, portraying a Black woman in Barbados, interacts with a radio Credit: CORNWALLIS CLOTH

For one day only, a powerful film installation will be on display at the Old Royal Naval College, exploring ” the untold stories of Black British Caribbean lives during the Second World War”. CORNWALLIS CLOTH blends a variety of media into a single piece that attempts to reframe the narrative of war. Catch it for one day only at the Old Royal Naval College on October 11.

Find out more here.

3. Support Black businesses a group of people waiting outside Chuku's restaurant in Tottenham Credit: Chuku’s

With everything from restaurants to retailers, salons, pubs, cafes, and more – it’s easy to make a conscious decision to support Black-owned businesses. Whether you’re indulging in a Caribbean spread at Fish, Wings & Tings or grabbing a world-class hot chocolate from Dark Sugars, you can show your support. Here are a few of our favourite Black-owned businesses in London:

🍫 Dark Sugars – wickedly indulgent hot chocolates and decadent chocolate truffles

🍻 Prince of Peckham – one of South London’s most popular pubs, landlord Clement Ogbonnaya is on a mission to turn London’s pubs into proper community spaces

🎣 Fish, Wings & Tings – one of our favourite spots to eat in all of London.

🍸 Hacha – one for the tequila fiends, they serve up some of the best margaritas in London

🍺 Bouldr Bar – the taproom for South East London-based brewery, Rock Leopard Brewing Co.

🍽️ Chuku’s – Nigerian tapas and an extraordinary, unique brunch experience

For a full list, check out Black Owned London’s comprehensive guide.

4. Browse more Black-owned businesses at Black Culture Market® (October 4 – 5)

Image: @blackculturemarket, via IG

This October, the Black Culture Market will pop up for two days at The Department Store in Brixton, with a celebration of “the rich tapestry of African and Caribbean culture”. Browse, sample, and purchase from a variety of goods and cuisine. You can expect everything from photography and artwork to children’s books, rum, sinkcare, cakes, and more.

Book your FREE ticket here.

5. And check out even more markets of Black creatives and vendors

Image: @mypopupevents, via IG

The Black Culture Market isn’t the only market you’ll want to check out this Black History Month. There are a number of other events running through October allowing you to directly support Black creators, makers, and vendors. Check out these markets – and perhaps even get an early start on your Christmas shopping!

6. Join a Black History Walks tour guides and participants of the Black History Walks dressed up in costumes Credit: Black History Walks

Proving that Black History events needn’t only take place in October, the Black History Walks team operates tours around London all through the year. There are 21 different walks to choose from, taking you around London to explore 10 areas of historic interest. But they go far beyond just historic strolls. They also offer Black History Steam Train Tours and Black History Helicopter Tours, as well as bus tours and cruises. So even if you don’t think you’re up for an educational two-hour walk around London, you can still get involved!

Book a spot on one of their tours here.

7. Visit the London Museum Docklands’ “London, Sugar & Slavery” Gallery someone looking up at a list of names of people involved in the slave trade that went through london Permanent Galleries. © London Museum. © Terry Graham / London Museum

Exploring London’s overlooked role in slavery, this permanent exhibition shines a light on the city’s history as “one of the world’s most significant slave-trading ports.” Created in 2007, the gallery is one of the only permanent displays in the country about the British trade in enslaved Africans. The gallery digs into the personal histories, sharing “the lives and stories of some of the people affected by slavery.”

10 Things To Do To Commemorate Black History Month In London This October

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