Havering (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Havering Council celebrates Black History Month this October with events and activities highlighting heritage, culture, and community achievements.
Every year, Black History Month honors the history, accomplishments, and contributions of Black people in the United Kingdom.
At a flag ceremony held at Havering Town Hall in Romford on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, it was formally launched in Havering.
Councillor Sue Ospreay, the mayor of Havering, was joined at the ceremony by Councillor Ray Morgon, the council’s leader; Nick Bracken OBE, the deputy lieutenant for the London Borough of Havering; ward council members; and representatives from the council’s Reinforcing Inclusion through Solidarity and Equality (RISE) staff forum.
To consider the bigotry that ethnically varied people in Britain have faced in the past and present, a minute of silence was observed.
The topic for Black History Month this year is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” which honors the historical contributions of Black leaders, activists, or pioneers while simultaneously focusing on the future of ongoing empowerment, unification, and development.
The internal festivities will be led by the RISE staff forum of Havering Council through a series of engaging and instructive events.
Colleagues from all ethnic origins are welcome to attend these inclusive seminars to celebrate, learn from, and consider the experiences of their RISE peers.
Throughout October, Havering Libraries will commemorate Black History Month with book exhibits and themed events.
The Mayor of Havering, Cllr Sue Ospreay, said:
“Our ethnically diverse communities continue to contribute so much to the borough.
So, it’s an honour to mark Black History Month and for Havering to again join the national celebrations throughout October.
Thank you to the Council’s RISE Staff Forum for their continued efforts in showcasing a great variety of events and activities for another year.”
What talks and speakers are at Havering Town Hall during BHM?
The activities usually include informative and interactive events organized by the council’s Reinforcing Inclusion through Solidarity and Equality (RISE) staff forum. Past projects have included poetry and performances from various trailblazing artists, including rapper Triple O.
Art exhibitions, including exhibitions from African artists like Olu Eche, have been displayed as representing positive representations of everyday experiences.
The flag-raising ceremonies usually include remarks from local dignitaries like the Mayor of Havering, and also from representatives from local community organizations.