This Black History Month, explore some of London’s citywide events celebrating the Black communities that have shaped our city. From exhibitions, guided tours, black-led business events and some beautiful performances to feed your eyes and ears, we chose just a handful of some incredible events that are happening over London this October.
Exhibitions & Tours
Museum of London – Explore Black Londoner’s stories from the history of Grime in East London, Feeding Black: Community, Power & Place and much more for free through the photography, film and archive material.
Wallace Collection – Black Presence in the Wallace Collection is a free, online virtual African Heritage tour of the collection spanning 400 years with Dr Janet Couloute, especially for Black History Month. Register online to join!
Horniman Museum & Gardens – Intimate Archives is a free display offering a window into African diasporic social experiments, rituals, and practices of hair care. Along with this ongoing exhibition, Horniman is hosting a Future Heroes craft workshop to celebrate Black History Month with artist Habiba Nabisubi, do grab your tickets!
Black History Walks – Their first hosted walk since the pandemic, discover the life, times, and activities of numerous African/Caribbean women in Brixton from the 1950s – 1980s.
Black Plaque Project – An initiative by Nubian Jak Community Trust to commemorate the contributions of black people throughout history. Use their online map to discover each historic location and plaque across London and discover Black history in our city.
Business Talks
Black Women Business Talks – A space to learn effective growth strategies for business development and career success for the Black community and allies, with industry leaders from leading banks and publications. A must-attend event for open, honest business discussions.
Inspiring Entrepreneurs at British Library – Learn how Black entrepreneurs are building empires online by using their influence and creativity. Followed by an open discussion on community building with Black Pound Day founder and So Solid Crew member, Swiss.
Fashion & Shopping
AFWL – African Fashion Week London is the largest global showcase of African fashion and design with a collaborative catwalk, exhibitions, and business development programs, all hosted at the Freemasons Hall.
Black Culture Market 1st – 2nd Oct – Explore a host of emerging businesses of African and Caribbean descent at this Brixton-based market. Shop a huge host of entrepreneurs selling unique gifts, jewellery clothing and more!
Bohemia Place Market 1st – 2nd Oct – Located in the heart of Hackney, discover London’s best Black-owned Street food, artisan traders and many more Black-owned businesses!
Film & Performance
To What End at the Barbican – Six inspiring short performances blend dance and live music, developed by South African artists at William Kentridge’s leading centre for experimental, collaborative, and cross-disciplinary arts.
The Woman King – Inspired by true events Gina Prince-Bythewood directs the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s.
Kirkou and the Sorceress – Part of the Barbican family film club, this masterful animation is based on a West African folk tale of powerful bravery and adventure.
An evening with David Harewood – Rio Cinema Hackney presents the critical acclaim actor in conversation presenting his powerful memoir of race and identity.
Music
Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Live at the Southbank Centre, the incredible South African vocal powerhouse play heir first UK tour in years in celebration with Black History Month.
The Music of Otis Reading – Experience the incredible sound of Otis Redding as two of the UK’s most exciting soul acts join forces to celebrate the King of Soul at Camden’s Jazz Café.
Hollie Cook – British reggae tropical pop star Hollie Cook performs at Village Underground, reflecting on her path from West London roots to critically acclaimed records.