Hounslow Council is inviting the community to share in this year’s Black History Month celebrations with a special showcase event at Hounslow House on Wednesday, 12 October.
The free flagship event will see a host of prominent guest speakers come together to share their stories around the theme of this year’s Black History Month – Time for Change: Action Not Words.
Heading up the guest speakers will be Tobias Taitt – a second-generation Windrush and author of the acclaimed graphic novel Black.
Southampton-based filmmaker Don John, who also managed the late 1970s reggae band Ebony Rockers, will talk about his life and their music.
Award-winning equality and diversity specialist Sanchia Alasia will reflect on Black History Month.
All three guest speakers will take part in a panel discussion and there will contributions from community groups, schools and young people from across Hounslow.
Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Equalities, Councillor Shivraj Grewal, who will host the event, said: “In Hounslow, we are proud to celebrate the vibrant and diverse culture of our community throughout the year.
“Black History Month is one of those highlights in our annual cultural calendar. There is a great selection of events taking place in our borough.
“It is more important than ever that we support events that recognise the diverse nature of our community and their achievements.
“The Council is producing a new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for our borough, through which we want to make Hounslow a fair and equitable place for people to live, work and grow.
“We are seeking the views of our community members on this strategy. I would urge everyone to get involved. A great way to join the conversation would be to come along to our Black History Month event at Hounslow House.”
- Time for Action: Not Words takes place at Hounslow House on Wednesday, 12 October between 6.15pm and 9pm. The event is free and you can book a place here
- You can find out more about Hounslow Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and take part in the consultation here.
There are range of other events taking place in Hounslow for Black History Month, many of which are also being supported by the Council.
Here is a full list of what is happening:
Friday, 7, October: Windrush Secret, Watermans Centre, Brentford from 7.30pm.
A one-man play written and performed by Rodreguez King-Dorset explores diversity of views drawing on the millions of people who migrated from the Caribbean to Britain from 1948 and the deportation of many due to the British political scandal which followed in 2018.
More information here
Wednesday, 12 October: Time for Action: Not Words, Hounslow House, 6.15pm – 9pm.
Hounslow Council will be celebrating Black History Month with community groups, residents, and staff. The evening includes three inspirational guest speakers from the Black Community, a panel discussion on the origins of Black History Month and information from community groups about how they are marking the event.
More information here.
Saturday, 15 October: Ghanian Community Forum, Bedfront Lane Community Centre, noon – 7pm.
A day sharing Ghanaian History and Culture through performance and activities.
More information here.
Friday, 21 October: Livia Kojo Alour, Black Sheep, Watermans Centre, Brentford, 8.30pm.
Black Sheep is a compelling and award-winning autobiographical story performed with a heady mix of physical theatre, spoken word, singing and sword swallowing.
More information here.
Wednesday, 26 October: Celebrating Hounslow’s Somali Community, Hounslow House, 6pm – 8pm.
Music, performance and presentations on Somali history.
