Wandsworth Council celebrates Black History Month 2023
Published: Friday, September 29, 2023
All through the month of October, Wandsworth Council is celebrating Black History Month with a line-up of events showcasing the richness of Black culture.
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The theme this year is 'Celebrating our Sisters, Saluting our Sisters, and Honouring Matriarchs of Movements'. It is aimed at honouring all the remarkable Black women who have made and are still making a difference in our society.
Deputy leader of Wandsworth Council, Kemi Akinola, who proudly traces her heritage to Grenada and Nigeria, voiced her enthusiasm about this year’s celebration:
“As a proud Black woman and the deputy leader of Wandsworth Council, I am very excited about the theme of this year which is focused on shining the spotlight on Black women who have made an indelible mark in our community.
“From the past to the present, Black women have stood at the forefront of the fight for equality and justice, and it's very important that we never cease to celebrate and support the incredible Black women who continue to inspire us all.
“As a council, we remain committed to fostering an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of their racial or ethnic background especially as we bid to become London Borough of Culture 2025”
In October last year, Wandsworth Council launched the Black History 365 initiative which focuses on celebrating the accomplishments and culture of Black people all year round with several events held throughout the year, including free photography workshops, dance and creative skills workshop, and a free Caribbean summer BBQ event.
Over the coming weeks the council has planned several events to showcase Black culture and celebrate the Black women who are making a real difference for Wandsworth.
Some of the events this year include:
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A Joseph Coelho Interactive Poetry Performance at Ark Putney and Roehampton Library. Joseph Coelho is a performance poet, children’s author and the current Waterstones Children’s Poet Laureate.
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A small street food market in Southside Wandsworth to coincide with Frank Bruno book signing.
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The launch of the Wandsworth Sheroes exhibition which will showcase the portraits of a selection of female founders and women in the community.
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The screening of Hidden Treasures film - a creative project celebrating Black Heritage and lineage through workshops, arts, jewellery, and conversation.
Councillor Akinola said: “This year, everyone will enjoy our best-ever celebration of Black history and culture. We will talk about important issues that affect Black people and put on many activities and events across the borough.”