Croydon is marking Black History Month this October with a series of events focused on business, art, lifestyle, and health. The month-long programme will highlight the contributions of African and Caribbean communities in Croydon, offering a chance to celebrate and better understand Black heritage.
With the theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives,’ this year’s Black History Month seeks to address historical inaccuracies and shine a light on success stories and the rich complexity of Black culture.
Croydon Council has partnered with organizations such as London South Bank University in Croydon, Croydon NHS Service, Fashion Meets Music, and the Croydon BME Forum to curate a range of inclusive events. Topics like mental health and the workplace will be explored, with a health check day and an art session dedicated to painting images that reflect Black identity. On Thursday, 10 October, World Mental Health Day will feature a talk on mental health at the Wellness Centre in Whitgift Centre.
In addition, business-focused events will include a celebration of Black-owned businesses on 15 October, followed by a women-in-business pop-up event on 26 October to support female entrepreneurs.
Further activities will honour the accomplishments of Black people throughout history, such as the event ‘A Celebration of Black Excellence,’ as well as themed film screenings, including ‘Rob Peace’ starring Chiwetel Ejiofor. Virtual workshops, like an LGBTIQA+ writers’ session, will also be available.
Croydon Council’s cultural services have teamed up with Fashion Meets Music to organize a weekend of free events from 25-27 October. Highlights will include the Ubuntu Creatives Fair, a two-day market in Braithwaite Hall showcasing products from Black businesses. Also on Friday, 25 October, there will be a celebration of Desmond Dekker’s legacy, featuring a late-night opening of the ‘Rewind’ exhibition at the Museum of Croydon, which will display some of his iconic outfits and instruments.
For further details, visit the Croydon BME Forum or Culture Croydon websites.
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said:
“One of the things that makes me so proud to be Croydon’s Executive Mayor is the strength of our amazing communities and, at the last census, almost a quarter of our residents identified as Black, the highest population of any London borough.
“This year’s theme ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ is an opportunity to correct historical inaccuracies and tell untold success stories. It’s about taking control of the narratives and honouring the heroes of the past, present and future.
“Croydon is home to a wealth of these heroes, from Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, to Sislin Fay Allen, the first Black female police constable in the UK, and the Windrush generation whose huge contributions to our community must not be forgotten.
“We are starting to reclaim the narrative, through events like our Caribbean Influencers exhibition as part of our year as London Borough of Culture. In doing so we have the potential to inspire, educate and empower the next generations. Let’s ensure that we continue to celebrate Black history, and reclaim narratives all year round.”
