Honouring Our Communities: Black History Month 2026

24/09/2026

Throughout October, we're celebrating Black History Month and this year's theme, "Honouring Our Communities."

Every community is shaped by the people who live in it. The stories they carry, the connections they build and the ways they show up for one another. More than 310,000 people call Tower Hamlets home, including a thriving Black community that makes up 7.3% of residents. Their contributions have helped shape the borough’s culture, community life and identity for generations.

This month, we’re celebrating those contributions through Lisa’s story and highlighting the many Black History Month events taking place across Tower Hamlets, offering opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate throughout October.

Lisa, a lifelong East London resident and regular at the St Paul’s Way Food Co-op, shares how family, community and everyday acts of kindness have shaped her life and deep connection to East London.

Celebrating community through Lisa's story

Read Lisa's story

Local Black History Month events

There are lots of opportunities to celebrate Black History Month across Tower Hamlets this October, from performances and workshops to storytelling, conversations and cultural events.

Whether you want to learn something new, hear different perspectives or celebrate with others, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.

Black History Month at Poplar Union

Wednesday 8 October to Saturday 25 October
Poplar Union, 2 Cotall Street, E14 6TL

Poplar Union is marking Black History Month with a vibrant line-up of community events celebrating Black culture, heritage and creativity. From poetry, film and live music to heritage tours, markets and the Afro Hair Fayre, there are plenty of opportunities to come together, learn, connect and celebrate throughout October.

See what's on

Places Of Me: A Storytelling Experience

Saturday 31 October, 6pm to 9pm
18 Aberfeldy Square, E14 0XA
Free | Limited tickets available

Experience an evening of photography, visual art, film and live performance from a collective of Black artists, featuring filmmaker Esther-Rennae’s powerful short film Places Of Me, which explores family, grief and the stories that shape who we are.

Free tickets are available for local community members. Please contact the Feldy to book.

Contact the Feldy

Black History Month with Tower Hamlets

As well as our own programme, communities across Tower Hamlets will be marking Black History Month through a range of events designed to celebrate Black culture, share stories and bring people together.

View Tower Hamlets Black History Month events