Black History Month
What is Black History Month?
October is Black History Month, the annual celebration of the history, achievements and contributions of black British, African and Caribbean people in the UK.
Through a range of exciting and inspiring creative events and activities, each year we shine a light on their contributions to our history and culture that are often not widely known. We celebrate the contribution of black Britons to our vibrant and diverse society; contributions of those who travelled here to build new lives in the UK, and their descendants.
Black History Month Grant Scheme
The Council annually awards grants for local projects that contribute to and celebrate and Black History Month. This year, the following projects are taking place as part of Black History Month:
Behind the Groove: Connect to Inspire through Art and the Sacred Drum
Sunday 12 October 2025
The Westway Trust, 1 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL
A free one-day workshop for participants of ages 18 to 70 plus. The workshop combines art with the sounds of the sacred drum - an instrument rooted in ancient black history and traditions.
The workshop is facilitated by Calm In Art’s Artist and Drummer Heather L McDonald and drummer Fatima Yahiaoui.
Grant award: £930
More information: Behind the Grove and Calm in Art
Chelsea Theatre: ‘The Windrush’ play by Chelsea Riverside young people
Saturday 25 to Friday 31 October
Chelsea Theatre, 7 World’s End Place, King’s Road, SW10 0DR
Steve Macaulay of 2Heavy Productions will work with young people of ages 12 to 25 to rehearse and perform 'The Windrush', his new play.
Participants will learn stage craft, acting skills, character development and understanding, and how to professionally craft a piece from script to stage.
Grant award: £1,000
More information: Chelsea Theatre and 2HeavyProductions
Fit For Life Youth: Fighting for Our Roots
Wednesday 22 October 2025
Lancaster Youth Club, 128A Lancaster Road, W11 1QS
A free one-off community event celebrating black history with non-contact boxing taster sessions, demonstrations, and talks on iconic black boxers and their impact. There will also be a creative art station to design glove templates with African and Caribbean-inspired patterns.
Grant award: £1,000
More information: [email protected]
Inside My DNA CIC: ‘Where I’m From’
Date to be confirmed
The Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, W11 2AY
A workshop about African Caribbean and black history, based on DNA results. The workshop will include a talk by the producer Jennifer McTair on her own digital map of ancestral journeys that took place throughout history. Participants will able to document their own ancestral journeys.
Grant award: £964.80
Email: Inside my DNA on Eventbrite
More Curricular CIC: Celebrating Notting Hill's Windrush Heritage
Sunday 26 October 2025, 11am to 1.15pm
Walk start point: Ladbroke Grove Station, W10 6HJ
A 90-minute guided heritage walk exploring Caribbean migration sites in Notting Hill. After the walk, there will be two community gatherings at Portobello Shack, 204 Portobello Road, W11 1LA. At these gatherings, you'll be able to hear personal testimonies from:
- Rosita Lynch, goddaughter of blue plaque recipient Russell Henderson
- Jamila Gordon, daughter of Mangrove Nine member Rhodan Gordon
An optional film about Carnival history will be available for viewing.
Grant award: £1,000
More information: More Curricular on Ticket Source or email [email protected]
Think Tenacity Academy CIC: Making Time For Black Mental Health Kensington
Tuesday 28 October, 5.30pm
Nando’s, 229 Kensington High Street, W8 6SA
A free community open discussion for participants ages 18 years plus with a black-led panel of mental health professionals. Therapists, counsellors, and practitioners will discuss the subject of 'Can racism affect your mental health?' and 'Is racial trauma real?'.
Grant award: £999.89
More information: Making Time for Black Mental Health on Eventbrite
Contact us
If you have any questions about the council's Black History Month grants scheme, contact the Culture Service:
- email: [email protected]