Black History Lewisham 365

Black History Month takes place every October and is a time to celebrate, reflect on and learn about the histories, cultures, achievements and contributions of Black communities in the UK and around the world. It is also an opportunity to explore the experiences, stories and legacies that continue to shape our society today.

Black History Month UK 2026 theme: ‘Honouring Our Communities’

It is a celebration of the people whose everyday contributions strengthen and sustain Black life across the UK.

From volunteers and teachers to carers, nurses and community leaders, many make a lasting difference without recognition. Their impact is felt through support, connection and belonging.

Rooted in a history that spans early Black presence in Britain, the Windrush generation and beyond, community has long been central to resilience and progress. This theme highlights those often-overlooked contributions while recognising the many stories, experiences and identities that make up Black Britain today.

Black History Month 2026 events

Threads of Heritage: Black Women’s Fashion in Lewisham

WIDE

A celebration of Black women’s fashion, heritage and creativity through exhibitions, workshops, storytelling and fashion showcases. Exploring the role of fashion in expressing identity, culture and resilience, the programme highlights the contributions of Black women to Lewisham’s cultural life while creating opportunities for learning, participation and community connection.

• date and time: 3 October, 7 October, 10 October, 14 October, 17 October, 21 October, 24 October, 28 October, 31 October - 5-7pm during weekdays and 3-6pm weekend
• venue: Lewisham Shopping Centre, Molesworth Street, London SE13 7HB

British West Indies Regiment Day Exhibition

British West India Regiments Heritage Trust

This exhibition tells the story of the British West Indies Regiments and their contribution to military history. Through photographs, archive material and interpretation, visitors can learn more about the service and legacy of Caribbean servicemen and their connections to Lewisham and beyond.

• date and time: Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October, and Friday 23 October to Sunday 25 October
• venue: Lewisham War Memorial, Lewisham High Street, London SE13 6LQ

Black History Month 2026: Celebrating Black Excellence in Lewisham and Beyond Through Voices, Stories and Sound

St Margaret’s Lee CE Primary School

A month-long programme celebrating Black excellence through storytelling, music and creative activities. Pupils will work with artists and musicians to explore Black history and contemporary culture, culminating in a showcase of their work for families and the wider school community.

• date and time: Throughout October 2026
• venue: St Margaret’s Lee CE Primary School, Dacre Park, London SE13 5SQ
  

Honouring Our Communities: A Black History Month Celebration for Lewisham Families & Early Years with Laura Henry-Allain

Telegraph Hill Playclub

Join award-winning author Laura Henry-Allain MBE for a special family celebration of Black history, culture and storytelling. The event will include stories, creative activities, crafts, face painting and opportunities for families to explore themes of identity, belonging and heritage together.

• date and time: Saturday 10 October 2026, 9.30am-12pm
• venue: Telegraph Hill Playclub, Erlanger Road, London SE14 5TJ

The Plants Travelled Too: A Harvest Table at Coco Collective

Coco Collective

A communal harvest meal celebrating food, migration, heritage and community. Bringing people together around the table, the event explores the stories of plants, crops and food traditions that travelled across continents, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and intergenerational conversation.

• date and time: Sunday 11 October 2026, 3-7pm
• venue: Coco Collective Ital Community Garden, Bellingham, London SE6 3SE

Our Heritage, Our Health, Our Future

Red Ribbon Living Well

A celebration of Black history, heritage and culture that brings together music, storytelling, spoken word, cultural displays and community connections. Alongside the cultural programme, attendees will be able to access information and resources that support health, wellbeing and community resilience.

• date and time: Friday 23 October 2026, 12 noon-4pm
• venue: Mulberry Centre, New Cross, London SE14 6LE

Sonic Cultures

Calico Projects

Sonic Cultures is a creative programme exploring Black voices, identity, culture and freedom through poetry and spoken word. Led by award-winning poet Jenny Mitchell, the project includes workshops and opportunities for participants to develop and share their own work, culminating in a community open mic event.

• date and time: 
  10 October: Lovers' Rock Zine Workshop at Crofton Park Library
  27 October: Poetry Workshop with Jenny Mitchell & Front to Black Open Mic Poetry Night at Sydenham Library
• venue: Crofton Park Library and Sydenham Library

Roots and Rise

Young Lewisham Project

A community celebration bringing together young people, families and local residents to explore Black history, heritage and culture through music, food, creative activities and performances. The event aims to strengthen community connections while creating opportunities for young people to lead and participate.

• date and time: 16 October, 2-6pm
• venue: Young Lewisham Project, Kilmorie Road, London SE23

Honouring Our Communities: Celebrating Black British Culture, Heritage and Home

St Luke’s Church

A welcoming community event celebrating Black British culture through food, music, storytelling and shared experiences. The programme explores the meaning of home, heritage and belonging while creating opportunities for local people to come together and celebrate the richness of Black culture.

• date and time: 16 October, 11am-2pm
• venue: St Luke’s Church, Downham

The Lewisham Lovers Rock Lounge: Honouring Our Sound

Nzinga Dance

An evening celebrating Lewisham’s rich Lovers Rock and reggae heritage through music, photography, storytelling and conversation. The event will honour the artists, venues and communities that helped shape this important cultural movement and its lasting impact on Lewisham.

• date and time: 10 October, 6pm-Midnight
• venue: Elements Bar, Lee High Road, London SE13

Lewisham Commons Black History Month Events

Lewisham Commons

A series of community events exploring Black history, migration, organising and cultural identity through film, discussion and shared meals. The programme creates space for reflection, learning and conversation about the experiences and contributions of Black communities.

• date and time: 11 and 23 October, 5-9pm
• venue: Piehouse Workers Coop, Deptford, London SE8
  

Black History Month 365

While it is important to acknowledge the national Black History Month campaign each October, in Lewisham we believe in celebrating and championing Black history, culture and communities throughout the year. From Windrush Day and SEEN Lewisham to grassroots projects led by Lewisham residents and organisations, we are committed to amplifying Black voices and stories across the borough.