October is Black History Month and, while Black history should be championed for more than just one month, this time of year really gives us the chance to acknowledge, celebrate and learn about the impact Black people and culture have had on London and England as a whole. This year’s theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ which marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture, emphasising the importance of taking control of their stories and honouring their heroes Across the month, there is a whole host of activities taking place around the city, so there’s something for everyone to get involved in, get inspired by, and get thinking about.
To read more about this year’s efforts to highlight and celebrate Black history and stories, head to the Black History Month website
1. Join a panel of Black business owners and managers to discuss the past, present and future of Brixton’s Black business (October 1)
Meet the owners and managers of Brixton’s black businesses. Hear the voices of individuals who have built the foundations of Brixton and of how the Black businesses have shaped the Brixton landscape over time.
The discussion will focus around how the the landscape of Brixton has changed over time, the influence of Black businesses and the stories and experiences of individuals part of it, ending with what needs to currently happen to continue to support Black businesses in Brixton.
Address: Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ
2. Visit the Black Cultural Archives (October 4)
Explore the UK’s only national heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving, and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain. The archives house a growing collection of original documents, photographs, and artefacts dating from the second century to the present day.
From October 4, their exhibition ‘Race Today: Black History is British History’ will open. The exhibition explores the legacy of the Race Today journals, with a focus on the influential period from 1973 to 1988 when the Race Today Collective spearheaded its publication.
‘Race Today: Black History is British History’ will showcase how the journal tackled transnational issues, serving as a critical platform for conversations about both British and global conflicts, while continually pushing boundaries by uncovering the dynamics behind these movements.
Address: 1 Windrush Square, Brixton, SW2 1EF
3. Join Brixton Poets to celebrate the legacy of Benjamin Zephaniah (October 3)
On National Poetry Day, together with local schools, poets, some of his friends, the Friends of Brixton Library and the Local Heroes Initiative – join them in celebrating Benjamin Zephaniah and his immeasurable impact to the literary world and community.
Address: Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ
4. Take a Tour of the National Gallery’s Black Portraiture
Join a guided tour focusing on Black portraiture and representation in Western art at the National Gallery. Discover works by artists of African descent and explore how Black subjects have been portrayed throughout art history.
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
5-10. Support Black businesses
But even if you’re not an entrepreneur or businessperson, you can still support London’s diverse offering of Black-owned businesses. 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 in Brixton or shopping for diverse greeting cards at Pop Up United in Brent Cross, 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
🍽️ 12:51 – elegant but affordable tasting menus, and an INCREDIBLE Sunday Roast
🍸 Hacha – one for the tequila fiends, they serve up arguably the best margaritas in London
🍩 Treats Club – these doughnuts are so good, they even ordered them to the set of Barbie!
🍽️ Chuku’s – Nigerian tapas and an extraordinary, unique brunch experience
For a full list check out Black Owned London’s comprehensive guide.
11. Support more Black businesses at Black Culture Market (October 5 and 6)
If you’re looking to support emerging entrepreneurs and new Black businesses – Black Culture Market is the destination. The market will offer a variety of things to shop from food and drinks to gifts, cards, unique art, jewellery, skincare, clothes and accessories! It aims to offer support to emerging entrepreneurs and new businesses of African and Caribbean descent allowing them more visibility in the retail industry.
There is something for everyone and it is free – all you have to do is pre-register. The market runs from 11am to 5pm both days.
Address: The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road, Brixton, London SW9 8FR
12. Attend a Performance at the Theatre Peckham
Support Black theatre by attending a performance at Theatre Peckham in Peckham, a creative hub that nurtures young diverse talent. Check their website for shows scheduled during Black History Month.
Address: 221 Havil Street, London SE5 7SD
13. Visit the Museum of London Docklands’ “London, Sugar & Slavery” Gallery
Explore this permanent gallery that examines London’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and its impact on the city’s development. The exhibition offers a powerful and thought-provoking look at this dark chapter of history.
Address: No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL
14. Join a Black History Walk walking tour
Throughout the year, the Black History Walk team deliver insightful walking tours around the capital. What better month to join one than Black History Month? As you stroll the familiar streets, you’ll learn about how hundreds of years of African and Caribbean influence have contributed to London’s way of life.
Your guide will provide insights on architecture, secret societies, freedom fighters, slavery and much more as you amble around London. As an example, the Hackney Black History Walk on October 20 focuses on the history of the 70 years since the SS Windrush arrived from the Caribbean. Meanwhile, on October 6 the Image of the Black in Tate Britain breaks down the role of the Black presence in British art, and how it traces socioeconomic and cultural factors. The team have been delivering tours in the capital for over 15 years, so you know you’re in good hands.
Find a full list of their tours here.
15. Celebrate Fela Kuti’s birthday at the Jazz Cafe
This event honours the life and legacy of Fela Kuti, the pioneering Nigerian musician and creator of the afrobeat genre. Held in Camden, the celebration features a performance by Bukky Leo & Black Egypt. Bukky Leo is a former bandmate of Fela Kuti and one of the most important afrobeat musicians alive today, leads the ensemble. The event promises to showcase Fela’s iconic music, including hits like ‘Beasts of No Nation’, ‘Zombie’, and ‘Water No Get Enemy.’
Address: Jazz Café, 5 Parkway Camden NW1 7PG
Tickets: Here.