Newham celebrates Black History Month with an exciting programme around the theme ‘Celebrating Our Sisters’.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of the contributions made by Black African and Caribbean communities in the borough, nationally and internationally. The national theme for this year is 'Celebrating Our Sisters', spotlighting the achievements and successes of Black women who are often forgotten heroines.
A Talk with Christine Ohuruogu
Monday 2 October, 7-9pm, Old Town Hall Stratford
To launch our programme, with the theme for this year, Celebrating Our Sisters, we'll be joined by Newham born and bred Olympic, World and Commonwealth champion athlete Christine Ohuruogo MBE. She’ll be talking about her career, inspirations, life, achievements and more. The talk will be followed by a Q&A with the audience.
British Olympic speaker and World Champion runner Christine Ohuruogu is known the world over for her record-breaking abilities and as one of the most successful British athletes of the last twenty years. Beginning her running career aged twenty Christine has been working actively as a sporting professional and sports speaker for more than ten years; during this time she has managed to amass a truly impressive five World Championship medals and a further two Olympic medals, including a gold gained at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Christine Ohuruogu MBE is also the first British woman to win two World Championship titles and the first British athlete of either gender to win three global titles in a single event.
Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.15pm start.
Booking link
Black, Brilliant and Dyslexic
Thursday 5 October, 6.30-8pm, Stratford Library
An enlightening talk with the author of Black, Brilliant and Dyslexic, Marcia Brissett-Bailey. Her book explores experiences across the Black and dyslexic community, giving an intersectional perspective on topics including the education system, workplace, daily life and more.
Marcia was named one of the Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women in 2022, received the BDA Adult Award in 2022, and was recognized as one of the Top 80 Neurodiversity Evangelists in the UK for 2023 and nominated for MBCC Award 2023.
Celebrating Black Women through Silhouette Painting Workshop
Date and time to be confirmed, Manor Park Library
An empowering and uplifting workshop by local artist Antonietta Torsiello that celebrates the achievements, resilience, and beauty of Black women in Newham through the medium of silhouette painting. This unique and creative experience aims to foster a sense of community, self-love, and empowerment among Black women while highlighting their remarkable accomplishments as positive affirmations within the artwork.
Black Pound Market
Saturday 21 October, 1-5pm, The Grove Market (opposite Stratford Library)
Support and buy from local Newham based Black businesses and entrepreneurs at this year’s Black Pound Market. There will also be face painting and a local DJ.
Windrush Adventures (ages 4+)
- Tuesday 24 October, 2-3pm, Manor Park Library
- Wednesday 25 October, 3-4pm, East Ham Library
- Thursday 26 October, 2-3pm, Plaistow Library
Sing and dance along with Dawn, from Jamaica to England! An interactive show for 4 years+. Dawn is very excited to be going on a big ship with her Auntie Lin to England. Soon she’ll be at a new school, make some new friend and to see her mum again!
Written by Paula David, performed by Paula David and Laura Sampson. Directed by Niall Moorjani and designed by Georgia Bondy.
Drumming for Wellbeing
Thursday 26 October, 3-4pm, Custom House Library
A fun afternoon with IROKO Theatre Company experiencing how drumming can increase wellbeing. IROKO is a dynamic traditional African theatre that uses storytelling, drama, music and dance to educate. This event is for children and families.
Celebrating Our Sisters Concert
Friday 27 October, 7-9pm, Old Town Hall Stratford
A final celebration featuring rising star Mega, and opening act Lea Mondo. DJ Linett Kamala will host.
Mega’s dazzling voice and stirring emotions takes UK soul into a new era. Her debut single ‘Chariot’ made an instant impact in 2018 and has amassed over 25 million streams across Spotify. She returns this year with her single ‘Don’t Get Too Close’, striking a balance between uplifting gospel exuberance and radiant pop.
Léa Mondo is a singer-songwriter/guitarist in the exciting London jazz scene. The musician has a hotbed of experimental music fused from soul, and high life, to bossa-nova, afro-jazz, and reggae.
Doors open at 6.30pm.
Booking link
Black History Month Film Programme
Stratford East Picturehouse
The New Black Film Collective will be screening films during the month, featuring panels and performances with invited guests. The programme will be announced shortly on the website.
Book onto events here visit
