Black History Month, which starts on Friday 1 October, is being celebrated throughout the borough by individuals and communities, many with support from the council. This year’s theme is inspired by the 2020 Black Lives Matter events and called ‘Proud To Be’.

Over the month of October, the council will be highlighting the various events that residents can take part in including an art competition for young people, events and talks. The theme invites residents to share what they are proud to be. For example, Proud To Be Black, Proud To Be Brown, Proud To Be Black & LGBTQ+, Proud To Be Me.

Black History Month magazine declares: “The campaign aims to make Black History Month 2021 personal and unique to individuals, families and communities, focusing on how we’re all making history all the time in our own ways, as well as the contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history.”

Councillor, Aysha Raza, Cabinet Member for Tackling inequality, said: “This year’s Black History Month is not just a time to celebrate the continued achievements and contributions of Black people to Ealing, the UK and around the world. It’s also a time for action to continue to fight inequality and show pride in what has been accomplished and what can still be done. Black history is being made every day, in many kinds of ways.

“I urge all residents to follow the council on Twitter and on its Facebook page. Over the coming weeks, there will be opportunities to get involved and share your own stories with the rest of our community.

“I’m sure there are many stories waiting to be told by our communities, from those working on the pandemic frontline in our hospitals, care homes, schools, supermarkets and warehouses, to the children and young people fighting inequality in our schools.”