Black History 365

We support Black History Month, but we believe Black history and culture should be celebrated all year round.

We launched the Black History 365 initiative in October 2022 to share the stories and experiences of people of African or Caribbean heritage who live, work or study in the borough. It aims to recognise the outstanding contribution that people of the African diaspora have made in shaping our borough.

As a council, we want to enable the wider community to better understand the histories of fellow residents, colleagues and students making a positive difference in Wandsworth, and to inspire them.

View the deputy leader of Wandsworth Council Councillor Kemi Akinola talking about celebrating the achievements of Black people in the borough – during Black History Month and all year round.

Events

Black History Month is celebrated across October in the UK, and this year Wandsworth has an extensive programme of events through to 2025 – when Wandsworth will be London Borough of Culture.

Roots and Culture Market

The Roots and Culture Market will take place on Sunday 29 September celebrating Black culture and supporting local Black-run businesses.

Cultural Commissions 2025

Our arts team has commissioned a series of events running until June 2025.

Library events

There is an extensive programme of events in our libraries, including storytelling, workshops and author visits. Find out more at your local library.

Keep an eye out for events in our schools and across the community.

Events at Southside Shopping Centre

This year’s Black History Month will be marked with a series of free community activities at Southside Shopping Centre, Wandsworth. The activities are sponsored by us, the Wandsworth Town BID and Common Projects.

Find out more about activities at Southside Shopping Centre.

Celebration and spotlight videos

To celebrate Black culture, we will spotlight individuals and businesses from across our borough as they share their stories, and provide insight into what Black History Month means to them and life in Wandsworth. We will be sharing these stories weekly on our digital channels.

Meet Ruth Essel, the founding director of Pointe Black

Frank Bruno comes home to Wandsworth

Izzie Kpobe-Mensah, equality inclusion practitioner at the Royal College of Art, jeweller and author

Neomi Bennett, developer of the medical device Neo-Slip

Cllr Kemi Akinola, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for business 

Barbara Yarde, goldsmith

Camelia, co-owner of Mud Cafe

Ernest, owner of Maat Emporium

Victoria Agyekum, co-founder of OnPoint

Jefferson Iweh, employability tutor and foodbank volunteer

Orode Faka, director of R.O.C.K.S International Arts

Cllr Kemi Akinola, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for business