Havering Council is proud to celebrate Black History Month this October.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of the history, achievements and contributions of Black people in the UK. It officially started in Havering on Tuesday 1 October 2024 at a flag ceremony at Havering Town Hall, Romford.
The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Havering, Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan, Deputy Lieutenant, Martin P Griffiths CBE, Chief Executive of Havering Council, Andrew Blake-Herbert, Julian Bertie, Acting Chief Inspector, Metropolitan Police, ward councillors and representatives from the Council’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff forum.
At the ceremony, a minute silence was observed to reflect on past and present racism encountered by BAME people across Britain.
This year’s Black History Month theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives' highlighting a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture.
Havering Council’s BAME staff forum will be leading the internal celebrations via a programme of educational and interactive activities.
These will be inclusive sessions available to colleagues of all cultural backgrounds to come celebrate, learn and reflect on experiences shared by BAME peers.
Black History Month is also being celebrated across Havering Libraries with themed events and book displays throughout October.
The Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan, said:
“It’s an honour to mark Black History Month and for the borough to again join the national celebrations throughout October.
“Our Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities have and continue to contribute so much to Havering.
“Thank you to the Council’s BAME Staff Forum for their continued efforts in showcasing a great variety of events and activities for another year.”