Lewisham's Young Mayor leads opening of historic month
To kick start the month of activities and in recognition of black leadership, the Black History Month flag was raised by the borough's Young Mayor, Femi Komolafe. Femi was joined by Angella Billy from the BAME Professional Network; Christina Norman, Mayoress of Lewisham; Aaliyah Odedina, Deputy Young Mayor and Councillor Andre Bourne.
The flag will remain raised throughout October as a number of events take places to mark this important month.
Lewisham Council has commissioned ‘Decolonising the Archive’ to produce an archive and learning resource about the life of Asquith Gibbes MBE for use in Lewisham schools.
In collaboration with the Broadway Theatre in Catford and Goldsmiths University, residents will be able to view a ‘Carribbean Front Room’ installation by Rose Sinclair as part of the ‘Windrush: Arrival and Settlement’ exhibition in the window of the Broadway Bar. Running a alongside this will be a photographic exhibition by Des Willie and later in the month a film will be launched called ‘It’s more than just a month’. The film featuring interviews with residents and archive footage will be projected onto the theatre window in Catford Broadway. The film has been edited by Lewisham based film editor Gez Morris (Top Boy, Save Me).
Young Mayor of Lewisham, Femi Komolafe said:
“Since being elected Young Mayor of Lewisham I have understood more than ever the positive impact of having the 
views of young people influence decisions in the borough. As a Young Black Leader it is so important that we see people of African/Afro-Caribbean backgrounds hold positions of office.”
“When young people see leaders who look like them and have similar life experiences it sends a clear message that in the UK, diversity and inclusivity matters even in leadership roles. This month I will be taking time to learn more about Black British history and think about what impact I would like to make in the future. October for me and many other young people is more than just a month.”