Welcome to Black History Month 2023

 Black History Month is an important, annual opportunity to showcase the immense contributions made by those of African and Caribbean descent to British Society.  In 2023, we will also pay tribute to the black women who have helped to shape history, inspire change, and build communities in line with the theme ‘Celebrating our Sisters’.

We are proud to celebrate those individuals and communities in our borough by supporting a busy month-long programme of activities through which those of all backgrounds can come together, enjoy a diverse line up of what’s on offer, learn and engage.

The council is commissioning a range of projects including film strands from the Fragments Festival, and UK premieres of films with an African heritage. 

Young creatives can learn skills through performing arts sessions resulting in an evening of performance, or help drive a programme titled ‘Celebrating our Sisters’ in line with the national 2023 theme. This is also central to an evening exploring the challenges faced by Muslim black woman in media as part of the Somali Week Festival.

Upcoming musicians can take part in development sessions and performances to share uplifting traditions from across Africa. New and emerging artists can join live music and poetry nights, and further performances include styles such as Jazz, reggae, Afro-beat and soul.

Mental health and well-being for adults will be tackled by a community-based party at St Paul’s Church and an intergenerational celebration of culture heritage will include reminiscence, storytelling, drumming and more.

Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives are presenting a free, day-long event including talks and an interactive ‘collections care’ workshop to look at African & Caribbean collections and how they have contributed to highlighting the histories of Black people in the East End.

With the thrill of live music from across the diaspora, theatre, exhibitions, workshops, screenings, lectures, Q&As, walks and much more, the wider programme offers residents an enriching and immersive experience of Black arts, culture and history as both audiences and participants.

Check out our online listings for full details and updates.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman
Councillor Iqbal Hossain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation