As part of Black History Month, Ealing Council has unveiled two plaques to commemorate the Windrush generation and the abolition of slavery.
More than 300 people came to the new tropical gardens in Walpole Park where the plaques are located.
Among those there from the Council were: Councillor Mohinder Midha, Mayor of Ealing; Councillor Aysha Raza, cabinet member for tackling inequalities, Councillor Jasbir Anand, cabinet member for thriving communities and council leader Councillor Peter Mason.
Others who attended included Margaret Noel, founder of Acton-based Descendants charity and Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who helped start Black History Month in the UK with the first one in 1987.
Councillor Raza said: “Tackling inequalities remains a priority for the council. We want our borough to be a beacon of diversity and tolerance. An Ealing where the vibrancy and diversity of the community is matched by our inclusivity. It is our job now, with your help and support, to act and make a change.”
Councillor Mason said: “Today offers an opportunity to express the debt of gratitude we owe to that first Windrush generation for accepting the invitation to come to Britain and, above all, to recognise the immeasurable difference that they, their children, and their grandchildren, have made to so many aspects of our public life, to our culture and to every sector of our economy.”
Music was performed during the event with children from St Vincent’s choir in Acton singing songs about identity and the event also saw Dance Carib drummers and steel pan, percussion and other musical entertainment.
Councillor Anand added: “We honour the invaluable contribution of Black, African, and Caribbean people in Britain. I hope that we can continue to listen to each other’s stories and to learn from one another.
