{"id":463519,"date":"2025-09-30T16:33:27","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T16:33:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/463519\/"},"modified":"2025-09-30T16:33:27","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T16:33:27","slug":"10-things-to-do-to-commemorate-black-history-month-in-london-this-october","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/463519\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things To Do To Commemorate Black History Month In London This October"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCredit: Black History Walks<\/p>\n

From October 1 \u2013 31<\/a>, 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 \u201cStanding Firm in Power and Pride\u201d.<\/strong> The theme has been chosen as \u201ca 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 \u2014 while urging us all to stand tall in our own identity and purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Across the month, there are plenty of ways for everyone to get involved, get inspired, get educated, and get thinking<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

1. Catch an exhibition of Ghanaian art (until October 4) <\/p>\n

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Image: @octobergallerylondon, via IG<\/p>\n

Over in London\u2019s October Gallery, you\u2019ll currently find an impressive posthumous exhibition celebrating the work of Ghanaian artist Owusu-Ankomah<\/strong>. \u2018Freedom Rising: The Art of Owusu-Ankomah\u2019 features a collection of large-scale paintings from the artist, which combine \u201cmonumental human figures and dense symbolic environments\u201d. It\u2019s free to attend, and is currently showing at the gallery until October 4.<\/p>\n

Read more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Discover the untold stories of Black British Caribbean lives during the Second World War (October 11) \"anCredit: CORNWALLIS CLOTH <\/p>\n

For one day only, a powerful film installation will be on display at the Old Royal Naval College, exploring \u201d the untold stories of Black British Caribbean lives during the Second World War\u201d. CORNWALLIS CLOTH<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Find out more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

3. Support Black businesses \"aCredit: Chuku\u2019s <\/p>\n

With everything from restaurants to retailers, salons, pubs, cafes, and more \u2013 it\u2019s easy to make a conscious decision to support Black-owned businesses<\/strong>. Whether you\u2019re indulging in a Caribbean spread at Fish, Wings & Tings<\/strong> or grabbing a world-class hot chocolate from Dark Sugars<\/strong>, you can show your support. Here are a few of our favourite Black-owned businesses in London:<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf6b Dark Sugars<\/strong> \u2013 wickedly indulgent hot chocolates and decadent chocolate truffles<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf7b Prince of Peckham<\/strong> \u2013 one of South London\u2019s most popular pubs, landlord Clement Ogbonnaya is on a mission to turn London\u2019s pubs into proper community spaces<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa3 Fish, Wings & Tings<\/strong> \u2013 one of our favourite spots to eat in all of London.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf78 Hacha<\/strong> \u2013 one for the tequila fiends, they serve up some of the best margaritas in London<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf7a Bouldr Bar<\/strong> \u2013 the taproom for South East London-based brewery, Rock Leopard Brewing Co.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f Chuku\u2019s<\/strong> \u2013 Nigerian tapas and an extraordinary, unique brunch experience<\/p>\n

For a full list, check out Black Owned London\u2019s comprehensive guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

4. Browse more Black-owned businesses at Black Culture Market\u00ae (October 4 \u2013 5) <\/p>\n

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Image: @blackculturemarket, via IG<\/p>\n

This October, the Black Culture Market<\/strong> will pop up for two days at The Department Store in Brixton, with a celebration of \u201cthe rich tapestry of African and Caribbean culture\u201d. Browse, sample, and purchase from a variety of goods and cuisine. You can expect everything from photography and artwork to children\u2019s books, rum, sinkcare, cakes, and more.<\/p>\n

Book your FREE ticket here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

5. And check out even more markets of Black creatives and vendors <\/p>\n

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Image: @mypopupevents, via IG<\/p>\n

The Black Culture Market isn\u2019t the only market you\u2019ll 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.<\/strong> Check out these markets \u2013 and perhaps even get an early start on your Christmas shopping!<\/p>\n

6. Join a Black History Walks tour \"guidesCredit: Black History Walks <\/p>\n

Proving that Black History events needn\u2019t 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<\/strong>. So even if you don\u2019t think you\u2019re up for an educational two-hour walk around London, you can still get involved!<\/p>\n

Book a spot on one of their tours here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

7. Visit the London Museum Docklands\u2019 \u201cLondon, Sugar & Slavery\u201d Gallery \"someonePermanent Galleries. \u00a9 London Museum. \u00a9 Terry Graham \/ London Museum <\/p>\n

Exploring London\u2019s overlooked role in slavery, this permanent exhibition shines a light on the city\u2019s history as \u201cone of the world\u2019s most significant slave-trading ports.\u201d Created in 2007, the gallery is one of the only permanent displays in the country about the British trade in enslaved Africans<\/strong>. The gallery digs into the personal histories, sharing \u201cthe lives and stories of some of the people affected by slavery.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"aPhoto: chrisdorney via Shutterstock <\/p>\n

Wander around London and you\u2019ll find innumerable examples of famous Londoners, or visitors to London, being immortalised in the form of the iconic blue plaques. You\u2019ll find a few around London (albeit nowhere near enough) honouring the capital\u2019s Black history. These include plaques for Jimi Hendrix, Ellen and William Craft, Ottobah Cugoano, Bob Marley, and more.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Find out more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

9. Find the Gilt of Cain \"aCredit: The City of London <\/p>\n

Hidden away in plain sight you\u2019ll find an oft-overlooked piece of public art that marks an important time in Black History around the world. The Gilt of Cain, by Michael Visocchi & Lemn Sissay, is a powerfully simply, yet evocative, work that combines sculpture and poetry to commemorate the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in 1807<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd You\u2019ll find the Gilt of Cain in Fen Court, EC3M 5BA.<\/p>\n

10. Dive deeper into Black History Month <\/p>\n

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Image: @bhm_uk, via IG<\/p>\n

The official Black History Month website boasts all manner of ways for people to engage with and commemorate Black History Month. Whether you want to learn more about Black History, or are looking for events near you,<\/strong> they\u2019ve got you sorted. Check out their educational resources<\/a> or their event listings<\/a> to find out more.<\/p>\n

Head here to see more<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udd70\ufe0f Black History Month runs from October 1 \u2013 31.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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