The Haringey community came together throughout October for a series of activities and events to celebrate Black history. This was all part of Black History Haringey 365 – a year-round programme to promote Black history education in the borough.
Among the highlights of the month was a celebration event at Bernie Grant Arts Centre, which saw residents come together to celebrate the rich and diverse contributions of Black individuals and communities across the borough. Leader of the Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet and MP for Tottenham, David Lammy joined a number of special guests to honour Haringey’s past, celebrate its present and inspire the future with an evening full of dance, music, poetry and speeches.
Over at Bruce Castle Museum, a new exhibition was launched to highlight the experiences of the Windrush Generation, continuing the borough’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of the landing of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in 1948. Focusing on ‘the grip’ – a traveller’s suitcase – this special community-led exhibition features photographs, written word, a short film and artwork from local members of the Windrush Generation and friends.
Other events at Bruce Castle Museum included a premiere of the film ‘Windrush 75: What is Home?’, a documentary that explores inspiring stories of Haringey people who came to Britain from the Caribbean as part of the Windrush Generation, as well as an ‘In Conversation’ session with Judith Jacob, the British actor known for her roles on television in dramas and soaps, Angels and Eastenders, but also for the hit sitcom No Problem!
The Haringey Learning Partnership marked Black History Month with a fantastic event showcasing culture, crafts and creativity, including musical performances by young people. The event focused on the achievements of Black women, reflecting this year's national theme for Black History Month, 'Saluting our Sisters'.
The Black History Haringey 365 programme features activities for all ages, including a series of craft workshops engaging children and young people in libraries across the borough.
Other highlights from October included the borough’s annual Somali Culture Event, this year in its second edition, organised by RISE projects. The Haringey community came together to enjoy traditional Somali music, dance and storytelling – as well as some tasty traditional food.
October is marked nationally each year as Black History Month – but in Haringey we recognise that Black history is too important to be highlighted in just one month of the year. So while October may now be over, our Black History Haringey 365 programme continues with events throughout the year to give residents the opportunity to learn about and honour Black heritage.
Activities coming up in November include an Afro-Latino Dance and Music Workshop at Wood Green Library, the Black Communities Health and Wellness Fair at Chestnuts Community Centre, and the Tottenham Literary Festival at Bernie Grant Arts Centre.
Follow this link to explore the full Black History Haringey 365 programme.
