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Voices of the past and present: Black History Month 2024

24/09/2024

This Black History Month we are focusing on telling the stories of east London's Black culture. Celebrating their rich history and the lasting impact they've had on shaping our vibrant community. Find out how they've been contributing to our community.

The Black community in Tower Hamlets

In Tower Hamlets, 15% of the population are Black, highlighting the area’s rich diversity. Black people have influenced British culture and society, shaping music, fashion, politics, and more.

The Black community has always been at the core of our organisation since our founding in 1998, and it remains central to who we are today.

To celebrate this year’s Black History Month theme of reclaiming narratives, we made sure to find out the stories of some incredible individuals who have been and still are making a difference in the community. Their influence reaches far beyond our local community.

For Black History Month, we are shining a spotlight on Abisola, our Rents and Income Manager. She speaks on her role in helping residents to stay in their homes.

Growing up in Nigeria, Abisola was part of a society where helping others was a fundamental value, and she carried this with her across continents. “That sense of community and being there for each other is what I brought with me here.’’

Abisola

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To celebrate Black History Month and Black British culture, we're highlighting the vital role of east London in the Grime music scene.

Grime music, born in east London, has had a huge impact in shaping modern Black British culture. We looked at its origins, key artists, and how this genre has shaped London culture. Several Grime artists such as Crazy Titch, Villan and Tinchy Stryder regularly visited the Linc Centre to use the decks to showcase their music.

From the Linc Centre to the mainstream: Grime's journey and our role in its rise

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In celebration of Black History Month, we spoke to one of our inspiring residents, Joyce. Hailing from Saint Kitts, Joyce is a mother, foster carer, and former special needs teacher. She is now making waves as a local fashion designer, Carbon Champion, and sewing teacher at the Linc Centre.

Joyce

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Events to celebrate Black History Month

    For Black History Month, our community centres are hosting a series of free events for people to celebrate Black culture, heritage, and all the incredible contributions made by the Black community. Come join the fun and learn something new!

Reclaiming Narratives Workshop

  • Every Saturday, from Saturday 5 to Saturday 26 October, 3pm to 5pm
  • Island Point Community Centre, 51 Sark Mews, E14 3PW
  • Celebrating the untold stories of everyday Black heroes and heroines with Trapped in Zone One.
Sign up

Onisere and the Ballet Queen book reading

  • Tuesday 22 October, 4pm to 5pm
  • The Feldy, 18 Aberfeldy Square, E14 0XA
  • A fun and beautifully illustrated children’s book for ages four to eight! It’s a delightful story that highlights the experiences of Black ballet dancers, making their journey come alive for kids of all backgrounds. This book is a celebration of diversity in the world of ballet.
Sign up

City Nights

  • Friday 25 October, 7pm to 9pm
  • The Feldy, 18 Aberfeldy Square, E14 0XA
  • See Black artists perform stories through music, poetry, conversation and food.
Find out more

Reclaiming Narratives 

  • Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November, 1pm to 5pm
  • Spotlight, 30 Hay Currie St, London E14 6GN
  • Join Spotlight’s creative team and guest artists to celebrate Black History Month. We’ll use spoken word, music and theatre to tell stories and share them on Thursday Night.

After Hours: Windrush- Island Movements performance and Q&A

  • Wednesday 29 October, 5pm to 7pm
  • Spotlight, 30 Hay Currie St, London E14 6GN
  • A short ballet that tells the story of Windrush and explores the impact of this generation’s experiences on their families, communities and society.

Dance performance

  • Wednesday 30 October, 1pm  to 2pm
  • The Feldy, 18 Aberfeldy Square, E14 0XA
  • 30 minutes performance by Black ballet dancers that tells the story of Windrush and the contribution and experiences of Caribbean people in Britain. Followed by a question and answer session with the Creative Director and creative team of Black British Ballet.
Find out more

All photos credited to Oxygen Arts.