Greenwich (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Royal Borough of Greenwich is celebrating Black History Month with inclusive events and activities for residents to engage, learn, and connect.
In addition to the University of Greenwich’s partnership with Charlton Athletic Football Club’s annual Red, White, and Black matchday and parade, Royal Greenwich libraries offer a comprehensive schedule of free programs.
Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said:
“We’re proud to be a welcoming and inclusive borough that celebrates our diverse communities.
This year’s Black History Month theme is Standing firm in Pride and Power. The theme highlights the profound contributions of Black people who have shaped history, from leaders and activists to those who make a difference within our own communities every day.
From free author events at our libraries, to Charlton Athletic’s Red, White and Black matchday and parade, get involved this October to celebrate and learn about Black History in Royal Greenwich.
We’ll also be announcing our brilliant Black History 365 programme of events for the next year soon – sign up to our newsletter and WhatsApp channel to be the first to know!”
Entries must be submitted by Friday, October 17. Woolwich Town Hall will display all of the artwork that was submitted on Thursday, October 23, from 3.30 to 7 p.m.
Children and young people from all across the borough are welcome to contribute any artistic creation that honors Black history, culture, or diversity, including poems, paintings, or drawings. The most inventive and innovative proposals will receive vouchers.
Boroughwide art competition for young people, with prizes to be won
Deadline for entries is Friday 17 October. All submitted artwork will be showcased at Woolwich Town Hall on Thursday 23 October, 3.30pm to 7pm
Open to children and young people across the borough, you can submit any creative work that celebrates culture, diversity, or Black history – whether it’s a drawing, painting, or a poem. Vouchers will be awarded for most creative and original submissions.
Please send entries to: Childrens.tsr@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich presents: West African Food Celebration
Thursday 2 October, 12 noon to 1pm, free
Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Black History Month local artist exhibition
Thursday 2 October, 6pm to 8pm, free
Abbey Wood Library, Eynsham Drive, SE2 9PT
Explore the work of local artists, with artworks also available for sale. Book in advance and get a free drink on arrival
Life drawing with EVEWRIGHT
Thursday 2 October, 6pm to 9pm, £5, free entry for one person accompanying disabled visitors
National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, SE10 9NF
Book tickets at rmg.co.uk
Join celebrated Black British artist EVEWRIGHT for an inspiring life drawing session focused on the beauty of the Black aesthetic in the historical setting of the renowned National Maritime Museum, London.
Author event: Micha Frazer-Carroll
Monday 6 October, 5pm to 6:30pm, free
Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Micha discusses her book Mad World, exploring the politics of mental health including capitalism, racism and inequality.
Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich presents: T Shirt design with African camouflage prints
Tuesday 7 October, 12 noon to 2pm, free
Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Ace Your Interview: Ernest Enabulele
Thursday 9 October, 2pm to 3pm, free
Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Interview coach and CV consultant Ernest Enabulele shares the skills to help you unlock your potential and excel in interviews.
RASCALS After School Club
Thursday 9 October, 4:30 pm to 5:30pm, free
Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Design your own placemat with Ghanaian Kente prints.
Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich presents: Forgotten African Soldiers WW1 talk
Friday 10 October, 2pm to 3:30pm, free
Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
African Caribbean reading group
Wednesday 15 October, 12:30pm to 1:30pm, free
Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
New members welcome. To join, email sam.oparinde@gll.org
Children’s author event: Genea Saunders and Mary Flora Hart
Thursday 16 October, 3:30pm to 4:30pm, free
Eltham Centre Library, Archery Road, SE9 1HA
For children aged 8 to 12, join an interactive story trail session about the book ‘The Life of Stevie Smortberry: Nana’s got the electric touch.’
Author event: Bosa Dania
Thursday 16 October, 2pm to 3:30pm, free
Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Hear from Bosa, who overcame mental health challenges and dyslexia, and inspired by her son, created this book of poems to show life after diagnosis.
RASCALS After School Club
Thursday 16 October, 4:30pm to 5:30pm, free
Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Design a Caribbean Carnival headpiece.
Charlton Athletic and University of Greenwich Red, White and Black Day and community parade
Saturday 18 October, 3pm kick off, match, match tickets £10 to £35, parade is free
Charlton men’s team take on Sheffield Wednesday on their annual Red, White and Black Day and community parade! The day showcases both Charlton Athletics’ and the University of Greenwich’s joint commitment to promoting equality and tackling discrimination.
Author event: F. S. Nestor
Monday 20 October, 5pm to 6:30pm, free
Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Explore the themes of Chocolate, Chips and Cola, the story of 15-year-old Cecilia. After leaving Dominica for 1950s London, her courage and resilience are tested in a journey of survival and strength.
Grandad Anansi
Tuesday 21 October, 11:30am and 1:30pm, £6 to £18
Tramshed, 51 to 53 Woolwich New Road London SE18 6ES
Book launch: A Whole Heap of Mixup by Stella Dadzie
Thursday 30 October, 6pm to 8:30pm, pay what you can
Queen’s House, Romney Road, SE10 9NF
Book tickets at rmg.co.uk
Celebrate the new book by award-winning historian Stella Dadzie. With topics ranging from her early years and family life to political action, travel in Africa and the Caribbean, and racial and gender inequality in Britain, this distinctive new collection highlights her artistic, political, and personal work.
Which family-friendly activities are scheduled in Greenwich?
Workshops, book readings, poetry sessions, lantern parades, and participation in history activities will include children and families at libraries and other cultural venues.
Kids can explore interactive galleries at the National Maritime Museum, including All Hands, where kids can fire cannons and shoot down pirate ships, and discover what life was like at sea.
The Cutty Sark offers pirate adventures on the world’s last surviving tea clipper, with character performances for children aged 3 and up that brings history to life.
Greenwich Park has a modern playground with a maritime theme that promotes imaginative play; boating on the lake; and a wildlife enclosure with deer so children could get up close to animals in nature.