Its time for change this Black History Month

This October, celebrate Black History Month 2022 with a jam-packed schedule of exciting events.

The theme of this year’s Black History Month is Time for Change: Action Not Words which firmly focuses on the future and how to develop unity by acknowledging the past, learning from it and taking action to achieve better outcomes for everyone.

Over the years, Brent has produced a talented roster of famous and well-known individuals who were either born and raised, or live in the borough, but it is also important to recognise talented individuals who work behind the scenes to make a difference.

This year, the Black Community Action Plan (BCAP) programme team won the LGC Diversity and Inclusion award 2022, for working with and changing the outcomes for our Black community.

Cllr Mili Patel, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Reform, said:

“In Brent, our diversity is our strength. However, we cannot ignore the inequalities that still exist. We are committed to working with the community to tackle racism and create a fairer and more equal Brent.

“Black History Month provides a chance to reflect and learn, and I hope everyone will join in as many activities as they can to discover how we can all work together to bring about change.”

This year’s main event will be an African Market where you can pick up a bargain with a range of products for sale and support local Black businesses and entrepreneurs. The market will be held at Brent Civic Centre on Thursday 20 October from 11am-8pm. There will also be music, drumming, and a Health and Wellbeing zone. Sign-up to secure your place.

The month will also include the unveiling of a new groundbreaking public artwork for Gladstone Park, The Anchor, The Drum, The Ship (2022), commissioned by Brent Council in partnership with Lin Kam Art. Local people are invited to see the artwork for the first time from 12-1.30pm on 14 October at Gladstone Park. The artwork can be found opposite the pond, near the site of Dollis Hill House. There is no need to book.

The following events are also being held in Brent Libraries, with some spilling over into November. All events are free and open to all.

• By The Cut of Their Cloth coffee morning – Meet local artist and designer, Warren Reilly, who curated the online exhibition By The Cut of Their Cloth which tells the story of Brent’s multicultural history through the lenses of art photography and fashion. 5 October, 11am-12pm at Kilburn Library.
• Colour is Yours workshop – This fun and informative workshop celebrates the work of one of Britain’s leading black designers, Althea McNish, and her influence on the worlds of fashion and interior design. 12 October, 11am-12.30pm at Kilburn Library.
• Black Hair Workshop – Join Cosmetic Scientist and Trainee Trichologist Salem Wynter-Baxter for this hair care talk with natural hair care demo. 24 November, 6.30-7.30pm at The Library at Willesden Green.
• Style in my DNA – American swagger – Join author and fashion designer Lorna Holder for a talk on her book 'Style in My DNA' documenting 70 years of Caribbean influence on British fashion. 10 November, 6.30-7.30pm at The Library at Willesden Green.
• Remembering Britain's Black Servicemen and Servicewomen – Join author S.I. Martin for a look at the experiences and the legacies of Black men and women who served in Britain's armed forces. 11 November, 6.30-7.30pm, online.

• Bookstart under-five's story and rhyme time – These sessions celebrate the much-loved story Handa’s surprise, plus a fun craft activity. No need to book.
  • 18 October, 11-11.30am at Kilburn Library 
  • 19 October, 10.45-11.15am at Kingsbury Library
  • 19 October, 11-11.30am at The Library at Willesden Green
  • 20 October, 11-11.30am at Ealing Road Library
  • 4 November, 11-11:30am at Wembley Library
• Going green in Black History Month: Textile craft workshop – Craft activity using recycled textiles to explore environmental clean-up in Africa, the Caribbean and South America. For children aged 5-11. Tuesday 25 October, 2.30-4pm at Wembley Library.
• Family Learning Festival: Black History Month craft workshop – A fun, simple, hands-on workshop from Brent Start. For parents/carers and children aged 5-11.  Maximum of two children per adult. Wednesday 26 October, 2.30-4.45pm at Ealing Road Library. Reserve your place at the library.
• African necklaces and masks – Autumn craft fun for children aged 5- 11. Tuesday 25 October, 2.30-3.30pm at Kilburn Library.

If you have any questions, please email BlackHistoryMonth@brent.gov.uk