For this year’s Black History Month, the theme is ‘reclaiming narratives’ and marks a big shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. The 2024 theme is all about Black people taking control of their stories and honouring heroes (of the past and present) while challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals, both in the UK and globally.

From exhibitions and walking tours to concerts and festivals, these are some of the Black History Month events taking place in London in the next few weeks that are worth adding to your calendar.

Exhibitions at Hope 93 Gallery

Founded by Aki Abiola, Hope 93 is a new gallery that focuses on striving for change and using art to connect people. It aims to provide a platform for artists to be seen by global audiences with the intention that people are inspired by their talent and ensure art is accessible for all. Hope 93 is showcasing both established and new artists such as Sungi Mlengeya, Tunji Adeniyi-Jones and Brian De Jesus’ debut solo exhibition on the basement floor of the gallery.

Film Africa

Film Africa is London’s biggest biennial festival celebrating the best African cinema from across the continent and diaspora, created and hosted by the Royal African Society. This year’s festival (25 Oct–3 Nov) celebrates filmmakers from over 20 African countries and the diaspora, including films from new talent (After The Long Rains by 23-year-old Swiss Kenyan director Damien Hauser) as well as restored classics (Mandabi by Ousmane Sembène) with over a third of films directed by women.

The Black British Book Festival

The Black British Book Festival, Europe’s biggest celebration of Black literature, is back for its fourth year on 5 October. The 2024 lineup includes Grammy award-winning Eve, who’s sharing her journey with her autobiography Who’s That Girl?; Diane Abbott talking about her experiences from her memoir A Woman Like Me; and journalist and presenter Charlene White sharing her personal experiences and career milestones.

Ghetts Presents: An Evening of Poetry and Music

The British rapper Ghetts (who is this year’s London Literature Festival co-curator) is bringing together some of the most exciting names in the London poetry and music scenes. You can expect performances from writers and musicians including Yomi Ṣode, Belinda Zhawi, Namesbliss and DC3, followed by conversations and meditations on the lyrics and links to be found in poetry and rap, chaired by Aniefiok Ekpoudom. The event is taking place on the evening of 27 October at Southbank’s Queen Elizabeth Hall.

City Of London: Slave Trade Money Trail Tour

This walking tour follows the hidden story of one of Britain’s first slave traders, London’s Plantation Economy Triangle and the blood money trail of the Lloyds family, and how they grew rich from the fees and interest they earned from merchants who borrowed money for their long voyages and their corporation involvement in the handling of slaves. On 5 October, Black Rooted will take attendees on a journey of how modern London came to be and the role slavery and colonisation played in the making of the city.

Stories by the Fire Exhibition of Art & Culture

Opening on 3 October, Stories By The Fire is an exhibition that celebrates the visual art of the Black diaspora and highlights the enduring impact of Black British creativity in preserving their own legacy while enriching the British Isles. The exhibition is free and is hosted at the picturesque riverside venue in Greenwich Peninsula, Firepit Art Gallery.

Classically Black

Produced by Black Lives in Music (BLiM), and sponsored by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, this fresh and groundbreaking event will explore the experience of being a minority in classical music and champion the works of Black music artists and creators past and present, while asking the question: what is classical now?

Beyond the Myths: Black Tudor London

In this 45-minute talk at London Museum Docklands, attendees will uncover the hidden legacy of Black Africans who lived in Tudor London and explore the lives, talents, contributions and skills of these forgotten figures. The free talk will be hosted several times over the course of October so be sure you don’t miss out on learning about such an important part of our nation’s history.

The Half Of It: A Discussion of Race, Identity and Political Polarisation

In The Half Of It, authors Emma Slade Edmondson and Nicole Ocran discuss what it truly means to be of mixed heritage. Hosted at Carnegie Library, the pair will delve into culture and identity, interracial relationships, adoption and understanding the historical context of mixed-race people – ultimately culminating in a rounder and deeper appreciation for mixed identity. This event is free and will take place on the evening of 8 October.

Images: Film Africa; Black British Book Festival