Sadiq Khan has said that it’s important that we learn about how London’s diverse communities have contributed to the capital
(Picture: Sadiq Khan, Facebook.)Sadiq Khan has hailed Black History Month as “an opportunity to focus on the many enduring stories of our capital’s black communities”.
Black History Month, which takes place in October, is the annual celebration of the history, achievements and contributions of black people in the UK.
Many events will be taking place across London, from an exhibition in the Bank of England which explores the Bank’s historical links to slavery, to a celebration of Afro-Carribean comedy.
A Black Lives Matter festival with art, film and music will take place this weekend in Somerset House.
City Hall will be showing London’s top tourist attractions from an African and Caribbean perspective with a black history bus tour on Sunday.
The Mayor said: “London’s diverse communities have contributed so much to our capital, yet too often their stories remain untold. It’s important that we learn about our diverse history throughout the year, but Black History Month provides an opportunity to focus on the many enduring stories of our capital’s black communities. I’m proud that my commission for diversity in the public realm is supporting a number of events this year so that Londoners can learn more across the capital.
“We must continue to shine a light on the huge historical contribution of our black communities to the story of London to ensure the next chapter for our city is one that recognises and celebrates that contribution.” One of the UK’s leading black historians has said that the importance of black and African history should be focused on more.
Robin Walker said: “It gives people of African heritage a sense of self and identity. History provides role models, examples, inspiration — an inspiration that says go forth and do likewise”.
He will be delivering lectures on African history and architecture at Streatham and Brixton libraries.
