October in London brings a kaleidoscope of events commemorating Black History Month. This article explores the city's exciting calendar, brimming with exhibitions, performances, discussions, and more, all designed to pay homage to the profound legacy and accomplishments of the Black community. From captivating art installations to eye-opening discussions and cultural presentations, the city is brimming with various events and experiences for everyone to connect with and celebrate the impactful stories woven into Black history.
Black History Month events in London 2024
In this guide
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Where to commemorate Black History Month in London
- Celebrate the history of Black Londoners – Free talks all month long
- Feast on delicious African cuisine – Bookmark for your next African meal
- Travel back to Tudor London on this family adventure in Southwark – A trail filled with riddles and clues
- Snack on Nigerian tapas at Chuku's – West African cuisine
- Join a celebration of African and Caribbean culture at Black Culture Market – Black-owned traders
- A month-long celebration coming to Southside this October – A month of BHM events
- Deep dive into London's darker past – A one-off Black History Month tour
- Get your fix of Nigerian food in the city – A few more for your bucket-list
- Uncover 3,500 years of Black History in London on a Black History Walk – An eye-opening experience
- Enjoy Caribbean cuisine around the city – Places to sample this wonderful cuisine
- A series of special Black History talks and tours – A free series of talks and tours
- Enjoy Ghanaian sweet treats at Dark Sugars – One woman's journey to tell the story of cocoa
- Head to New Beacon Books for culture and literature – Explore books from Caribbean, Black British, African and African American authors
- Wine, dine and boogie at Prince of Peckham – A community pub serving Caribbean cuisine
- Get a taste of Ethiopia at Wolkite – Feast on hearty dishes
Where to commemorate Black History Month in London
Free talks all month long
During the month of October, the Museum of London Docklands is hosting free daily talks to tell the story of the history of Black Londoners and their pivotal roles in moulding the city. The museum's hosts will present a series of complimentary talks every weekend throughout October all month long, spanning from the Tudors to the Windrush generation. The talks are free, but donations are gratefully received.
Bookmark for your next African meal
The city is an excellent place to sample African restaurants that celebrate both time-honoured dishes and contemporary creations. African cuisine in London is a melting pot of fragrant flavours, spanning Morocco's spices to Ethiopia's plant-based recipes. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of African cuisine or looking to delve into it for the first time, our guide to the best African restaurants in the capital will help you find your next African meal.
A trail filled with riddles and clues
This October, for Black History Month, More Curricular is hosting a fun Black History Quest where participants will solve riddles and clues while uncovering hidden stories about Black history. It starts at St Mary Aldermanbury Garden, where you'll learn about the first recorded Black person in London, the little-known Black Prince, the origins of enslavement, and tales of abolitionist resistance. The quest finishes at the Guild of Cane monument, offering a chance for reflection. Join solo or in groups, with a prize for the first team to finish.
West African cuisine
Tottenham-based Chuku's, owned and run by brother and sister duo Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederick, offers a contemporary Nigerian tapas experience that promotes community and sharing. With a relaxed vibe, it's perfect for trying authentic Nigerian dishes, from yam dumplings to suya meatballs. They also host brunch and intimate supper clubs.
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274 High Road, Haringey
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Black-owned traders
The Black Culture Market celebrates African and Caribbean culture on October 5 and 6, marking the beginning of Black History Month. Featuring over 40 traders, attendees can explore various products, including food, fashion, gifts, books, natural skincare, toys, and African art. The event will be held at The Department Store in Brixton from 11am to 5pm on both days, with free entry and tickets available online.
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248 Ferndale Road, Brixton
- Website • 020-359 869 71
- Read more on Thatsup
A month of BHM events
Wandsworth Town BID and Southside Shopping Centre are celebrating Black History Month with a series of free events throughout October. Highlights include Kay Rufai's S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project, a month-long photography exhibition starting 1 October, Pointe Black Ballet School's Our Windrush Story performance on 30 October, and a fashion show by Fée Uhssi on 26 October, celebrating Black fashion under the theme 'Reclaiming Narratives.'
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Wandsworth High Street, Wandsworth
- Website • 020-887 021 41
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Southside Shopping Centre Check out these free Black History Month events coming to Southside this October
A one-off Black History Month tour
Black Rooted is hosting a one-off tour, Slave Trade Money Trail Tour – Black History Month Special, led by historian Darrel Blake, to uncover London's hidden role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. You'll learn all about how the city's wealth was built on the exploitation of African lives, from the Plantation Economy Triangle to the profits of the Lloyds family. The tour explores British slave traders, the legacy of colonialism, and how chattel slavery helped finance the Industrial Revolution, shedding light on the darker history behind London's prosperity.
A few more for your bucket-list
We may have already spotlighted Chuku's, but Nigerian and West African cuisine in London boasts an abundance of flavours and comforting dishes, and there are many places to sample it around the city. Whether you're new to this culinary tradition or it's been a lifelong favourite, you can indulge in a delightful Nigerian meal at one of the many restaurants listed in our guide.
An eye-opening experience
Year-round, Black History Walk offers insightful guided tours in significant London areas linked to Black History. Expert guides explore architecture, freedom, slavery, and more. Highlights include the Hackney Black History Walk, commemorating the SS Windrush's arrival, and the "Image of the Black in Tate Britain" tour, examining Black representation in art. Additional tours cover areas like Tooting, Soho, and Notting Hill, plus more.
Places to sample this wonderful cuisine
London's Caribbean food scene is in a constant state of change, ranging from street-side giant drum grills dishing out mouthwatering jerk chicken to upscale Jamaican dining establishments. Since the 1970s, yard shops have been offering beloved classics like beef-stuffed patties and lamb rotis across the city. In our guide, we've curated a list of the top Caribbean restaurants in London that are a must-add to your culinary bucket-list.
A free series of talks and tours
The Wellcome Collection in Euston is offering a series of special Black History talks and tours this month, delving into important themes such as incarcerated labour and the cultural significance of kola nuts. These events are led by Isabelle Gapomo and each session lasts approximately 45 minutes, followed by a Q&A. They aim to provide insights into the historical context and impact of these topics.
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183 Euston Road, Camden Town
- Website • 020-761 122 22
- Read more on Thatsup
One woman's journey to tell the story of cocoa
Dark Sugars is renowned in London as a top spot for delicious handcrafted artisan chocolates, vegan sweet treats, and hot chocolate made with the finest Ghanaian chocolate. It was founded by Nyanga, an African woman passionate about sharing the cocoa journey from tree to mouth. Nyanga's quest for cocoa knowledge led her to dedicate several years to research on her family's West African farm before making her mark in Greenwich, where Dark Sugars boasts an ice cream parlour and flagship store, and also in the buzzy heart of Brick Lane.
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141 Brick Ln, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets 21 Nelson Rd., Greenwich 9 Nelson Rd., GreenwichDark Sugars Brick Lane
141 Brick Ln, Shoreditch/Tower HamletsDark Sugars Ice Creams
21 Nelson Rd., GreenwichDark Sugars Greenwich Market
9 Nelson Rd., Greenwich -
Dark Sugars Brick Lane
darksugars.co.ukDark Sugars Ice Creams
darksugars.co.ukDark Sugars Greenwich Market
darksugars.co.ukDark Sugars Brick Lane
074-294 726 06Dark Sugars Ice Creams
074-294 726 06Dark Sugars Greenwich Market
074-294 726 06 -
Dark Sugars Brick Lane Dark Sugars Ice Creams Dark Sugars Greenwich Market
Explore books from Caribbean, Black British, African and African American authors
In 1966, New Beacon Books made history as the UK's pioneering Black publisher and bookshop. It remains a vital cultural institution offering a selection of titles spanning Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, African America, Europe, South America, and Black Britain. In recent years, its significance was underscored when it faced closure but was rescued through a successful crowdfunding campaign, enabling it to thrive and evolve.
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76 Stroud Green Road
- Website • 020-727 248 89
- Read more on Thatsup
A community pub serving Caribbean cuisine
The venture of Nigerian owner Clement Ogbonnaya, Prince of Peckham, stands as a community pub where you can eat, drink and socialise in a warm and welcoming space. Enjoy street food by White Men Can't Jerk, who serve up jerk chicken, Caribbean roasts and stacks of wings, throughout the week or enjoy live music, art exhibitions, and all other events on the top floor.
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1 Clayton Road, Peckham
- Website • 020-763 588 44
- Read more on Thatsup
Feast on hearty dishes
Discover authentic Ethiopian cuisine and flavours at Wolkite, a welcoming family-owned restaurant in Hollway that, while unassuming, has maintained popularity. Engross yourself in Ethiopian culture through the aromatic and hearty dishes served here, featuring both traditional meat and vegetarian options, all enjoyed atop injera you get stuck into with your hands. The drinks menu consists of various Ethiopian beers and the traditional honey wine called tej.
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82 Hornsey Road
- Website • 020-770 030 55
- Read more on Thatsup