October marks Black History Month and this year there’s a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of black history and culture with the theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’.
Underscoring a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories, a brighter light is shone on the myriad of contributions and achievements from past and current black individuals.
Events and talks are taking place in our local libraries which celebrate and explore local black culture, from pioneering black footballers to children’s creative workshops inspired by the late poet Benjamin Zephaniah.
Other events happening include the powerful showcase exhibition ‘Southall Resists 2024’ at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery until 3 November featuring silk paintings and sculptures created by local children.
The journey of reclaiming narratives is not just a theme for Black History Month; it’s a continuous movement towards embracing, educating and empowering all of us through the stories that shape our individual identities and this wonderful borough of diversity.
‘A healthier, safer and greener borough’
As a council, we are committed to creating a healthier, safer and greener borough, and as part of this we have invested heavily into repurposing and improving public spaces to ensure it’s easier and safer to choose active and sustainable forms of transport when traveling around the borough. This can include walking, cycling, scooting, wheeling, e-scooting and even taking the bus or train.
As part of this work, we will be making improvements to our cycling infrastructure so everyone can enjoy the benefits of cycling without worrying about their safety. Last week, we started a large public consultation for proposed improvements in Hanwell and Acton, which include extending a high-quality protected cycle track on Boston Road in Hanwell, a new protected cycle lane on Acton Lane (Park Royal), plus new 2-way cycle tracks on Park Royal Road and Acton Lane, in Acton.
If you live in these areas, please do share your views via our online surveys (Hanwell, Acton) or come and see us, in person, at 2 events in Hanwell (details below). By sharing your views, you will be helping to shape our plans so we can make these important changes in the right way, for the people who live in the area and for those who will be using the cycling lanes.
In person events in Hanwell:
- 8 October from 3:30pm to 7pm, St Thomas Church Hall, 182 Boston Road
- 10 October from 3:30pm to 7pm, William Hobbayne Community Suite, Lower Boston Rd
Community cohesion
Finally, next week will mark a year since the 7 October attack in Israel, and the start of the current conflict in Gaza and the Middle East. Ealing is an incredibly diverse set of towns, cultures and nationalities. When conflicts and events happen overseas, they also impact people and communities locally who have connections in family, friends, faith and culture.
Events over the last year, and certainly the events of the last few days have given so many cause for serious concern. As a council, our focus has and will always be the safety and cohesion of our community. It is why we continue to work with all of the borough’s places of worship, community organisations and with our public sector partners like the Metropolitan Police to foster the kind of open, welcoming and accepting place in the world we wish everyone could enjoy.
