Celebrating Black History Month with Andi Osho

Published on 21 October 2025 11:52 AM

We all enjoyed a fantastic Black History Month celebration this week - a chance for colleagues, volunteers, clients and friends to come together, share stories and connect across our diverse borough.

The event opened with heartfelt words from Age UK Barnet CEO Helen Newman, services manager Jenny Jean-Charles, and EDI lead Fiona Cronin, who spoke about the importance of building a stronger, more inclusive community and the power of learning from one another.

We were then treated to an honest, funny and inspiring talk from author and actor Andi Osho, who shared reflections on her remarkable and varied career - from her early struggles with imposter syndrome to how stand-up comedy and life’s setbacks have shaped her confidence and resilience. Now a successful author, Andi currently stars in the BAFTA-winning BBC drama Blue Lights.

Andi was joined by her mother, Charlotte Osho, who spoke at last year’s event about her memoir The Jagged Edge, which explores her journey to happiness after leaving Nigeria and rebuilding her life.

There was also a lively styling session from Vicky from Diwis Creations, who demonstrated how to tie a traditional Nigerian headwrap, and a fascinating talk from Nubian Funeral Services about African-Caribbean funeral traditions - with music, food, vibrant colours and a focus on celebrating life lived rather than solely mourning the death.

Along with wonderful live music from Nyota and brilliant sounds from our DJ Tibzz, there was an art display from our art class and a ‘Standing Firm in Power’ exhibition of inspirational black role models. Plus everyone was treated to a delicious jerk chicken meal from Soul Shack in Hertfordshire.

The event ended with a thought provoking and moving poem called ‘I am’, written and delivered by social prescribers Kristian and Lamarra.

As people left, attendees from all backgrounds and faiths told us how much they’d enjoyed the afternoon - and the next morning our inbox was full of thank-you messages, including this lovely note from Jackie:

“My husband and I have just returned home after attending your wonderful event celebrating Black History. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this such an enjoyable afternoon.”

Finally, thank you to our sponsors Home Instead Barnet, Nubian Funeral Directors and Barnet Connecting Communities.

Services manager Jenny Jean Charles, who organised the event, said: ‘‘This was a brilliant opportunity for people from all different backgrounds to share experiences and learn about African Caribbean culture and history, challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and around the world."

A few photos from the afternoon..

Services manager Jenny Jean-Charles