Black History Month gives us the opportunity to recognise, appreciate and celebrate our diverse communities, the role models that are inspiring the next generation, and the rich heritage that has shaped the borough we live in today.
The rainbow crossings in Woolwich, Greenwich and Plumstead town centres – which were launched to celebrate Pride earlier this year – along with an additional crossing in Charlton, have been re-painted red, gold, green and black for the occasion.
An African card making workshop, a talk on black entrepreneurs in history and a Martin Luther King tribute are just a few of the events that are also lined up to celebrate Black History Month across the borough.
“Black History Month is essential in contributing to community cohesion”
Cllr Miranda Williams, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Third Sector, said: “Black History Month is essential in promoting learning, providing information and contributing to community cohesion. People from all different walks of life live in Royal Greenwich and it’s important that all our young residents are inspired by people they can relate to and see stories that mirror their own experience.”
The crossings have been funded by U+I, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Hospital Trust, the University of Greenwich, Berkeley Group and Peabody.
A spokeswoman for U+I, the primary sponsor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich Black History Month programme, said: “Diversity is the one thing we all have in common. It is the very foundation of community – the bringing together of society and celebrating our uniqueness and togetherness all in one place. In such a fast-changing world, it is vital that we recognise the rich heritage that shapes the towns and cities we live in today and shine a light on the role models for future generations. It is our privilege to partner with the Royal Borough of Greenwich for Black History Month.”
Black History Month events
There are lots of events happening throughout Royal Greenwich celebrating black and minority ethnic history. From children’s workshops to poetry events and concerts, there really is something for everyone – and most events are free.
Celebrate stories from the past, present and future of Greenwich residents, listen to music from Europe’s first majority BME orchestra Chineke! and see the Caribbean Social Forum’s exhibition from Motherland to Mother Country at the official Royal Borough of Greenwich Black History Month event on Wednesday 9 October at Woolwich Town Hall. Tickets are free but places are limited so reserve your place on Eventbrite.
BME orchestra Chineke! will also be running workshops in schools across the borough.
We are currently bidding to be London Borough of Culture 2021. Help us create a buzz around culture in the borough by posting photos, videos and comments on social media from any of the events you attend using the hashtags #MyLocalCulture and #GrinforGreenwich.
For full details of the Black History Month programme of events in the borough visit royalgreenwich.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth