Black History Month

PATOIS tells a story of lost languages, longing and belonging through traditional Caribbean folk and contemporary dance, accompanied by an original music score.

Join us on a journey to rediscover hidden voices and identities that are rooted in dialects, that are buried within us, as we reawaken stories and generations of the past with Redbridge Outdoor Arts.

Back by popular demand, the Black British Ballet Project is offering children’s dance workshops, led by a pioneer of black British dance for young dance enthusiasts of all levels. Free, for ages 5+

Join us on a journey to rediscover hidden voices and identities that are rooted in dialects, that are buried within us, as we reawaken stories and generations of the past with Redbridge Outdoor Arts. Dance Workshop Redbridge Central Library Saturday 11 October 14.30 – 15.30 Fullwell Cross Library Saturday 18 October 14.30 – 15.30

Goodmayes Library Friday 10 October, 10.30am – 11.00am

Fullwell Cross Library Tuesday 14 October, 10.00am – 10.30am

Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with a special rhyme time led by local poet and storyteller, Jane Grell. Engage in lively, interactive rhythm games, songs, poems and stories from the African and Caribbean Oral Tradition.

This event will take place instead of the regular rhyme time.

Free, drop in, no need to book

This Black History Month, we’re running some exciting events for schools!

Join Author Ryan Crawford, who will be visiting Fullwell Cross Library on Tuesday 14 October to help launch his new book “Cosmic Cadets and the Universal Uni-Korn”.

Like reading and talking about books? Join our Book Chat for Black History Month to discuss ‘The Underground Railroad’ by Colson Whitehead.

‘The Underground Railroad’ reimagines the historical Underground Railroad escape network as a literal railway. The story follows Cora, a young, enslaved woman fleeing a Georgia plantation in a bid for freedom. Cora’s path powerfully highlights the brutal realities of slavery and the quest for liberation. Come in person or join online! Please register so the online joining details can be emailed to you.

Experience the powerful virtual reality film “Travelling While Black” and step into the lived realities of black Americans throughout history, touching on the challenges of restricted movement, the creation of safe spaces, and the ongoing struggle for equality. Afterwards, we’ll offer space for quiet reflection or conversation.

IMPORTANT: This is a 20 minute, seated Virtual Reality documentary with quite powerful themes and is recommended for ages 13 yrs+.

Join us Tuesday October 28 and Redbridge Central Library at 6pm where we’ll be discussing ‘Open Water’ by Caleb Azumah Nelson for Black History Month.

You can join Rapid Reads in person at Redbridge Central Library or you can join online.

Uncover Redbridge’s connections to the transatlantic slave trade and campaign for abolition in this new permanent exhibition at Redbridge Museum.

Discover the experiences of Redbridge’s Windrush generation in this new permanent exhibition at Redbridge Museum.

Using interviews conducted by Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre from 2002 to 2018, this film explores the memories and experiences of the Windrush generation who settled in the London Borough of Redbridge from the 1950s to 1971.

This film will be screening throughout Black History Month in the foyer at Redbridge Central Library, Ilford.

Discover Sylvia Pankhurst’s connections to Ethiopia through a new website by Redbridge Museum. Sylvia Pankhurst lived in Woodford from 1924 – 1956 and is best known as a suffragette and political campaigner. She fought for Ethiopian independence after it was invaded by Fascist Italy in 1935. An early supporter of the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, Sylvia edited the New Times and Ethiopia News from her Woodford home for many years before moving to Ethiopia in 1956.

Redbridge Museum offers education sessions on Black history for schools, including Suitcase Stories which looks at migration from the Caribbean into Redbridge from the 1960s, and We Were Not Alone: Commonwealth Contributions to the Second World War.

Celebrating Black History Month at Valentines Mansion.  Using a variety of vibrant animal textile printed fabrics, children will explore different textures and design their own African safari animal and make a framed artwork ready to hang at home.  Artist Tiffany Joseph will help you explore African Safari animals through a small exhibit including photos and models – a chance for children to get some ideas for their own animal creation! This event is for those above 5 years old.

When war was declared, Britain issued the ‘Royal Call,’ requesting support from countries within the British Empire. Many individuals from Commonwealth nations volunteered to serve during both World WWI and WWII. The ‘Honouring Our Heroes’ exhibition will showcase artworks by local artist Jacqui Cooke, celebrating the commitment and sacrifices of Veterans of African Descent and First Nations individuals. Each piece stands as a testament to their remarkable achievements, with some veterans recognised among the most decorated for their service. Despite facing immense adversity, many displayed extraordinary courage and resilience, rising to the ranks of Officer and surpassing all expectations. This exhibition offers a vital opportunity to learn about the contributions of individuals of African descent and First Nations to both world wars, shedding light on the lives and legacies of some of history’s most courageous and conscientious figures.

This event will take place in the Kenneth More Theatre, Foyer. Join us for Unheard, Now Spoken — a heartfelt tribute to the courage and unity of women who have found strength in their stories and in each other.

Experience an unforgettable evening of storytelling, poetry, and cultural celebration with Unheard, Now Spoken — a stage adaptation of the book Voices in Harmony. This moving production brings to life the voices of Black and Ethnic Minority women from Redbridge as they share their remarkable stories of strength, resilience, and sisterhood.

Directed by Kaleya Baxe, Assistant Director at the National Theatre, Unheard, Now Spoken offers a dynamic blend of spoken word, music, and movement. With an amateur ensemble cast of twelve women, the performance creates a theatrical experience that fuses spoken word, dance and poetry to celebrate cultural identity and community.

This personal yet universally resonant performance explores themes of belonging, support, and solidarity, inviting audiences to connect with the warmth and power of shared experience.

This performance would not have been possible without the generous support of Lifeline Projects, Colours of Redbridge and the Wellbeing Hub.

Hosted by The Black Women’s Kindness Initiative & The Being Table

Join us for a spectacular evening of connection, inspiration, and celebration! This unique networking event brings together powerful stories from business owners, dynamic guest speakers, and soulful live performances from talented singers.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or community builder, this is your space to share, learn, and uplift.