Black History Haringey 365: Black history celebrated in Haringey

Haringey’s Black history and heritage is to be celebrated with a comprehensive programme of events and activities taking place across the borough.

Haringey’s Black communities have made, and continue to make, a significant contribution to all aspects of life in Haringey, London, the UK and beyond, through politics, culture, education and community activism, making history every day.

The Black History Haringey 365 programme includes events and activities for all the family, beginning with Black History Month in October and continuing throughout the year. Highlights include:

• Walking tours along Tottenham’s famous West Green Road, home of many influential Black-owned businesses;
• Activities and workshops where you can learn how to make beautiful crafts including wax prints, unity bracelets and Calabash bowls;
• A Celebrating Blackness event at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, bringing together Haringey-based artists and creators to celebrate Black pioneers;
• Screenings of Black films in Haringey libraries.

As well as events, the Black History Haringey 365 webpages give residents access to a wide variety of Black history resources including timelines, videos, activities, quizzes and much more.

Cllr Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council, said:

“Here in Haringey, Black history is everyone’s history. From the earliest recorded Black residents in the 16th century through to the Windrush generation and beyond, Black people and communities have made a profound contribution to our borough.

“Our relaunched Black History Haringey 365 programme gives everyone a chance to explore Haringey’s Black heritage – from towering historical figures such as Bernie Grant MP and Oliver and Adelaide Tambo, to less well-recognised heroes such as the Black soldiers who valiantly served Britain in the two World Wars, and the many Black entrepreneurs and creatives who made streets like West Green Road such vibrant commercial hubs.

“It’s great to see people and organisations across the UK focusing on Black history each October as we celebrate Black History Month. But people often ask me why we only talk about Black history for one month of the year. That’s why we’re so proud of our Black History Haringey 365 programme. I hope all residents will take some time to visit our webpages and explore the wealth of events, activities and resources to learn about and celebrate Black history and heritage – all year round.”

Explore Black history events, activities, quizzes, resources and more at www.haringey.gov.uk/bhh365