Ealing Council is marking October’s Black History Month by holding a ceremony at Walpole Park that will feature two memorial plaques placed in a specially arranged tropical gardens to mark Windrush and Abolition of Slavery plaques on 26 October 2022 where residents can attend the unveiling from 2pm.
Throughout the month the council will also be highlighting events across the borough that showcase the month’s theme for 2022: Time for Change: Action not Words.
Through Ealing Libraries, a series of events will be taking place including talks, craft workshops, authors and more. Joy James, a local author who writes non-fiction children’s books will be talking about Black inventors. Si Martin, a heritage expert will be speaking on Statues: Past, Present and Future and Paul Crooks, who spent 13 years searching for his African roots, will deliver a talk called The Storm that Ended Slavery.
Ealing Council leader Councillor Peter Mason said: “While black history month is a time to celebrate the achievements of black people and the contributions they make to the community and culture worldwide, this year the focus is on ‘Time for Action,’ action to tackle racism, understand black history and celebrate black identity and the diversity that brings.”
He added: “It is a time of year to celebrate diversity and culture, food, music and art and recognise the importance of different cultures and the contributions that black people bring to the world. Black history month is an important time for education and reflection, to pause and think about ways to make progress, create harmony and bring people together to create a positive future.”
Councillor Aysha Raza, the council’s cabinet member for tackling inequality, added: “While we celebrate the talents of different people, with different backgrounds, experiences, struggles and achievements. It is an important time to look at what has been achieved and what still can be done. This is an important time to understand the importance of black history, so young people and all of us can be better informed when moving into the future. It is important for young people get involved, share your stories and make your voice heard.”
