Art & Culture
Celebrating Black History Month in the Royal Docks
October is Black History Month and Newham Council has organised a wide-ranging festival of events and activities to demonstrate and celebrate the enormous contribution of Black Londoners from the Newham area, including the many amazing contributions from the Black African and Caribbean communities nationally and globally.
Over 32 events were planned across the borough, including many events right here in the Royal Docks. With 1 week left to go, there’s still some time to book your tickets!
Free Family Fun Day Celebrating Black Identities at RDLAC / Wed 26 Oct, 11-3pm
Themed arts & crafts, music, dance performances, storytelling and activities are all on offer as part of Black History Month celebrations at the Royal Docks Activity and Learning Centre, in the Royal Docks. Enjoy delicious food courtesy of experienced and qualified local chefs who will be serving up an African & Caribbean BBQ.
Where: Royal Docks Learning and Activity Centre, E16 2JB
When: Wednesday 26 October: 11-3pm
No booking required
History Club Talk at RDLAC / Wed 26 Oct, 6-9.30pm
Join in with a free themed talk on local black history and heritage, focusing on local achievers’ personal stories. One of the guest speakers will be Brian Belton who wrote a biography on West Ham (and England)’s first black player, John Charles, – he was born in West Ham, near Star Lane, and will focus on his life and contributions.
A themed African & Caribbean buffet will be provided by experienced & qualified local community chefs.
Where: Royal Docks Learning and Activity Centre, E16 2JB
When: Wednesday 26th
October: 6-9.30pm
No booking required.
Black Identities: Youth Leadership Event at RDLAC / Thurs 27 Oct, 7-9pm
Themed cultural activities, talks and discussions, specifically looking at Black identities as well as local heroes and role models. An artist from The World Reimagined will discuss their African Diaspora art project and a Globe sculpture from neighbouring schools who participated in the project will be exhibited at RDLAC.
Free Caribbean food will be provided.
Where: Royal Docks Learning and Activity Centre, E16 2JB
When: Thursday, 27th
October: 7-9pm
The event is free, and anyone can attend. Booking not required
Reggae Rhymes at Canning Town Library / Fri 28 Oct, 2pm
Join in with a fun-filled session of songs and rhymes with Ijahmo from Onejah Music. Sing along with his reggae versions of well-known nursery rhymes in this special musical session for under 5s and their carers. Older siblings welcome.
Ijahmo is the lead singer of the band Onejah, a London band from Tottenham that play a style of music called “Ukwenna” music which is a blend of Afrobeat reggae and folk. They have toured Germany, Austria, Spain and recorded at Tuff Gong studios Jamaica. Onejah is not only about music but about bringing people together and celebrating our differences.
Where: Canning Town Library, E16 1EH
When: Friday 28th
October: 2pm
The event is free but booking required.
Shackles, The Whip and Drum Workshop at Canning Town Library, 6pm
Participants will be invited to personally embody traditional Caribbean Dance. This is explored in the performance such as undulation of the spine, the multiple forms of pelvic articulation and movement through space. Participants will experience a warm up and
Where: Canning Town Library
When: Wednesday, 2nd November: 6-7.30pm
The event is free but booking required.
