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-12 noon
- 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
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
Events in libraries
Deptford Library Cinema Club
Deptford Lounge
Join us every Thursday for Deptford Library Cinema Club, featuring weekly film screenings curated by TAPE Collective. The season concludes with a special Halloween Films in the Foyer screening of a cult Black horror classic.
- date and time: Every Thursday (except 29 October), 6-8pm
- venue: Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ
Black History Month Special Rhyme Times
Catford Library
Join Catford Library staff for special Black History Month rhyme time sessions celebrating this year's theme, Honouring Our Communities. A fun and welcoming introduction to stories, songs and rhymes for young children and their families.
- date and time: Monday 5 October and Wednesday 7 October 2026, 10.30-11am
- venue: Catford Library, 23-24 Winslade Way London SE6 4JU
Lovers' Rock Zine Workshop with sweet-thang zine
Calico Projects
Celebrate the sounds and culture of Lovers' Rock through this free creative zine-making workshop. Create your own publication inspired by the music, stories and visual culture of the genre.
- date and time: Saturday 10 October 2026, 2-4.30pm
- venue: Crofton Park Community Library, Brockley Road Crofton Park SE4 2AG
Black and Asian Seafarers: A Voyage Through Art & Photography
Deptford Lounge
Discover the stories of the many Black and Asian seafarers who sailed on British ships from the Tudor period onwards. This fascinating talk explores their experiences and contributions through art, photography and historical research.
- date and time: Monday 12 October 2026, 6-7pm
- venue: Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ
BIPC Lewisham Black History Month Business Forum
Deptford Lounge
Celebrate and support Black-led businesses in Lewisham at this special networking and discussion event. Connect with local entrepreneurs, hear inspiring stories and discover resources to help businesses thrive.
- date and time: Tuesday 13 October 2026, 2-6pm
- venue: Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ
Recreating Fashion: Inspired by Althea McNish
Downham Library
Join artist Donald Waugh for a hands-on family workshop inspired by the vibrant textile designs of Althea McNish. Help create a unique community-made gown while learning about one of Britain's most influential designers.
- date and time: Monday 19 October 2026, 3.30-5.30pm
- venue: Downham Library, 7-9 Moorside Road Bromley BR1 5EP
Freedom Poetry with Jenny Mitchell + Front to Black Open Mic Night
Calico Projects
Join award-winning poet and facilitator Jenny Mitchell for a poetry writing workshop, followed by a special Front to Black open mic night hosted by NAZ Project London. An opportunity to write, perform and celebrate Black voices and creativity.
- date and time: Tuesday 27 October 2026
- 5.30-7pm: Freedom Poetry Workshop with Jenny Mitchell
- 7-8.30pm: Front to Black Open Mic Night
- venue: Sydenham Community Library, Sydenham Road SE26 5SE
Rhymes + Story: Author Takeover
Catford Library
Join early years champion Jamel C. Campbell for a special half-term Rhymes + Story session packed with songs, stories and family fun for young children and their carers.
- date and time: Wednesday 28 October 2026, 10.30-11am
- venue: Catford Library, 23-24 Winslade Way London SE6 4JU
The Houses We Carry: A Poetry & Zine-Making Workshop
Catford Library
Join Spread the Word for a creative workshop exploring home, identity and belonging through poetry and zine-making. Participants will be guided through writing and collage activities to create their own unique works.
- date and time: Wednesday 28 October 2026, 1-4pm
- venue: Catford Library, 23-24 Winslade Way London SE6 4JU
Blade (1998) Halloween Screening - Catford Films in the Foyer
Films in the Foyer is coming to Catford! Join us to watch another Halloween cult classic on the big screen after-hours in the library, programmed by T A P E Collective. The daywalker known as “Blade” - a half-vampire, half-mortal man - becomes the protector of humanity against an underground army of vampires.
Programme supported by Film Hub London, managed by Film London. Proud to be a partner of the BFI Film Audience Network, funded by the National Lottery.
- date and time: Thursday 29 October 2026, 6:45pm
- venue: Catford Library, 23-24 Winslade Way, Catford, London SE6 4JU
- book your free tickets
Downham Library Reading Group: Open Water
Downham Library
Join us as we discuss Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson. To mark Black History Month, we welcome anyone interested in exploring this acclaimed novel. Caleb has strong ties to Lewisham, making this year's theme, Honouring Our Communities, especially resonant.
Copies of the book are available to borrow from the library.
- date and time: Friday 30 October 2026, 11am-12 noon
- venue: Downham Library, 7-9 Moorside Road Bromley BR1 5EP
Into the Light: The Pioneers of Black British Ballet
Downham Library
Explore the inspiring history of Black British ballet through this free exhibition. Families can also book a special dance workshop with Dr Sandie Bourne. Places are limited.
- date and time: Last two weeks of November 2026
- venue: Downham Library, 7-9 Moorside Road Bromley BR1 5EP
All events are free. Some require pre-booking to help us manage numbers. For full details and booking information, please visit Black History Lewisham 365 events on the Lewisham Libraries website or pop into your local Lewisham Library for more information and join us in celebrating Black History Lewisham 365.
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.