Black History Month 2025
Published on 01 October 2025 11:48 AM
Black History Month 2025 – Events in Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Newham
Black History Month is the celebration and commemoration of the history, experience, and contribution of Black people in Britain. This year's theme is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’ - a commemoration of the resilience and strength of Black communities across the globe, as well as their commitment to progress and empowerment.
There are many ways to celebrate this year across Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Newham, and we have compiled a selection of events you can join. There is something to enjoy for everyone.
Please note that though many of the events below are free, many still need a ticket – which you can sign up for on the links below.
Tower Hamlets:
Sing Sing Screening + Q&A
Join for a screening of Sing Sing, the story of Divine G, who was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Watch as Divine G finds purpose and meaning after joining the theatre group whilst incarcerated at Sing Sing prison.
Free Event, but Donations are welcome.
Book your free ticket here: TNB BHM 2025 | SING SING SCREENING + Q&A Tickets, Thu 2 Oct 2025 at 19:00 | Eventbrite
When: Thursday 2nd October
Where: Arts One Building, Queen Mary University London, 1 Westfield Way, London, E1 4PD
Somali Buraanur & Dhaanto Dance Course
Canab Cuud, a Buraanbur artist, is celebrating heritage and rhythm in a series of beginner classes honouring Somali Culture. Join her and her daughters and get the chance to learn Buraanbur, Dhaanto and Jaandheer traditional dances.
Note – These sessions are women and girls only.
Book your free ticket here: BLX2025 | BHM: Somali Buraanur & Dhaanto dance course - Poplar Union
When: Multiple Mondays & Fridays throughout October 5pm–7pm
Where: Poplar Union, 2 Cotall St, Poplar, London E14 6TL
Kip Kompin 09
Kip Kompin, meaning ‘keeping company’ in Sierra Leonean Krio, is hosting an evening filled with film showcases, live performances, music, and comedy from emerging and established artists. This year features an open mic, a quiz, and vibrant connections celebrating the African Diaspora.
Entry is 18+
Book your free ticket here: BLX2025 | BHM: Kip Kompin 09 - Poplar Union
When: Saturday 11th October 7pm–10pm
Where: Poplar Union, 2 Cotall St, Poplar, London E14 6TL
Malcolm X Marks the Spot: Assassinating Prejudice with Grand Union Orchestra
Celebrate Black History Month by honouring Black voices through musical narratives and join a creative workshop and performance, that reflect cultural heritage and history. The session is joined by Grand Union Orchestra, a pioneering group known for their cross-cultural approach, combining diverse musical traditions with storytelling.
Book your free ticket here: BLX2025 | BHM: Malcolm X Marks the Spot: Assassinating Prejudice - Poplar Union
When: Thursday, 30th October Workshop 1pm–5pm | Performance 7pm–10.30pm
(after 6pm, under-18s need a parent or guardian)
Where: Poplar Union, 2 Cotall St, Poplar, London E14 6TL
Hackney:
CLR James Annual Lecture ‘Made in Hackney’
Join a lecture from Juliet Coley, a second-generation Windrush resident from Hackney, and Paulette Long OBE, a music industry veteran. The theme is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride,’ which will celebrate Black people, their contributions, and looks towards a future of unity and empowerment.
Book your free ticket here: Black History Season Launch: CLR James Annual Lecture 'Made In Hackney' Tickets, Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 5:30 PM | Eventbrite
When: Saturday, 4th October 5:30pm – 8pm
Where: Hackney Archives, 2nd Floor, CLR James Library, Dalston Square, London, E8 3BQ
Black Eats Festival @ Hackney Bridge
Come celebrate by attending an award-winning festival and sampling a wide array of food from Africa, the Caribbean & beyond. There is also a live DJ and a retail marketplace to enjoy
Tickets are £14.25. Book here: Black Eats Fest @ Hackney Bridge Tickets, Sat, Oct 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite
When: Saturday 11th October – Sunday 12th October. Sessions from 12pm – 4pm or 5pm – 9pm
Where: Hackney Bridge, East Bay Lane, Units 1-28, London, E15 2SJ
Crown & Creole: Caribbean Headwrap Workshop
Have a go at learning how to create traditional and contemporary Creole headwrap hairstyles. This is an immersive workshop led by Jennifer Laurent Smart; which will blend history, creativity, and community and celebrate the deep cultural meaning of Creole dress.
Open to all, the workshop invites all who have an interest in culture and identity to join us for a welcoming experience.
Book your free ticket here: Crown & Creole: Headwrap Workshop & Cultural Talk | CulturalFashion.Art
When: Saturday, 25th October, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Where: Hackney Museum, 1 Reading Lane, London, England, E8 1 GQ
Wrap and Roll: African Headwrap Workshop
This workshop explores the cultural significance of African headwraps and features live demonstrations of Ashoke and Gele styles. You will get the chance to style your own headwraps under the guidance of Boni Blossoms. With plenty of opportunity to ask questions and reflect this is an exploration of creativity, empowerment, and fashion
Book your free ticket here: Wrap and Roll: African Headwrap Workshop with Boni’s Blossoms | CulturalFashion.Art
When: Saturday, 25th October, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Hackney Museum, 1 Reading Lane, London, England, E8 1 GQ
Carnival Through the Eyes of Windrush
An educational and historical documentary with the goal of solidifying the oral history of Traditional Mas. It will explore Playing Mas / Carnival and the traditional carnival characters unique to the Islands of Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago and Antigua.
Book your free ticket here: Carnival Through The Eyes of Windrush — Love Hackney<br/><br/> — Love Hackney
When: Sunday 26th October 2025, 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Where: Rio Cinema, 107 Kingsland High Street, London, E8 2PB
Newham:
Windrush Voices
An exciting film screening that provides insight into the Windrush Generation in Newham and their descendants. Learn about the everyday lives, experiences, and legacies of those who arrived on the Empire Windrush in 1945, offering a reflection of the experiences and the impact on the community.
Book your free ticket here: Windrush Voices Tickets, Sat, Oct 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite
When: Saturday 11th October 5pm - 7pm
Where: Forest Gate Library, 2-6 Woodgrange Road, Forest Gate, London, E7 0QH
Black Pound Market
Join for the bringing together of Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, food vendors, and workshop facilitators who have a connection to Newham. There will be an offering of good, workshops, products, and start-ups with the goal of showcasing Newham’s talent, connect people, and see the power of Black economic empowerment.
Book your free ticket here: Black Pound Market | Newham Black History Month
When: Saturday 18th October, 12pm - 5pm
Where: Thar Market Place. Myrtle Road, London E6 1HY
Threads of Power and Pride
Join Joy Dean and design and make your own one-of-a-kind necklace, using either a meaningful T-shirt from home or a vibrant African print provided on the day. The workshop will celebrate how we use fashion to commemorate collective heritage and memory.
Book your free ticket here: THREADS OF POWER AND PRIDE- BLACK HISTORY MONTH WORTHSHOP Tickets, Wed, Oct 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite
When: Sunday 26th October. 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: Alice Billing House, 2-12 W Ham Lane, London, E15 4SF