Redbridge gears up for its biggest ever Black History Month programme

Published: 27 September 2023 Black History Month text with red, yellow and green stripes and hands up as a line drawing

Inspiring, entertaining and educational: Redbridge's 2023 Black History Month will be its biggest-ever celebration of black history and culture.

With over 30 events this October, the borough will be brimming with history, dance, music, food, family craft events, readings, exhibitions, and so much more.

Local stories will be told, including that of James Alexander, who set up a housing association in Ilford back in 1969. He and his wife worked tirelessly to ensure that those who needed it had a warm, safe and equipped home. They went further than bricks and mortar, building a caring local community that helped each other out, many rallying together to help furnish people's homes once they had a roof over their heads.

James' daughter, Joanna Alexander, said, "My father was very much a pioneer, not letting anything hold back his drive to take care of people in Ilford. This started in the late '60s, but he was unrelenting in advocating for safe homes for everyone right through the rest of his life. I am proud to tell his story through my film, The Homemaker, and in the exhibition on 19th October. If you're free, come along and see some emotive historical photos, watch my short film and hear his story."

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Councillor Jas Athwal, said: "In Redbridge, diversity is our strength and we know how important it is to celebrate our communities, our faiths, and the achievements of those who came before us.

"We've been working with numerous community groups and partners, to create a programme of events and activities that's brimming with Black History Month celebrations. This October, alongside the joy of music and the performing arts, we're shining a light on local stories of achievement, perseverance, and generosity, to enable all our communities to find out about and celebrate black history together."

Everyone in Redbridge is invited to celebrate Black History Month, dance, eat delicious food, learn about black history in the borough, and have fun together.

Whether it's popping into an exhibition on your way through Ilford to spending an afternoon or an evening crafting or listening to live music, this is an opportunity for all communities in Redbridge to come together.

The full list of events is available to view on the Vision website.