This year’s Black History Month theme, "Standing Firm in Power and Pride", pays tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe.
October is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions people of African and Caribbean heritage have made in Brent and beyond. Black History Month highlights the leaders, activists and pioneers who have shaped history, as well as those who broke barriers in business, education, and the arts and the excellence that has come from black culture.
To mark the month locally, Brent has a line-up of insightful events and activities, from traditional Nigerian textile making to imaginative storytelling. They are free and open to all ages.
The council has also launched a digital campaign on screens around the borough, featuring residents' portraits and their take on what this year's theme means to them.
Rachel Victor-Sampson, a Cultural Producer from Wembley, shared her perspective: “Standing firm in pride and power is knowing and understanding who you really are, because when you do, pride and power become the natural consequence.”
Meanwhile, Darae Palmer, a musical performer from Harlesden, said: “To stand firm is to honour our ancestors, to stand in pride is to honour ourselves, to stand in power is to shape tomorrow.”
