Havering Council proud to celebrate Black History Month.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of the history, achievements and contributions of Black people in the UK, it officially commenced in Havering on Monday 3 October 2022 at a ceremony at Havering Town Hall.

The ceremony was attended by The Mayor of Havering, Councillor Trevor McKeever, Deputy Lieutenant of Havering, Nick Bracken OBE, Stephanie Byford of the Metropolitan Police and representatives from the Council’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff forum.

At the ceremony, a minute silence was observed at 11am to reflect on the past and present racism encountered by BAME people across Britain.

Havering Council’s BAME staff forum will be leading the internal celebrations via a programme of educational and interactive activities.

These will be inclusive sessions available to colleagues of all cultural backgrounds to come celebrate, learn and reflect on experiences shared by BAME peers.

Black History Month is also being celebrated at Romford Library, where author Sarah Lee will take part in an online event on Saturday 8 October between 2pm and 3pm.

Sarah will discuss her novel inspired by real-life stories of the Windrush Generation and her mother’s own experiences as a nurse coming to Britain from the Caribbean.

The Mayor of Havering, Councillor Trevor McKeever, said:

“It’s an honour to commemorate Black History Month throughout October.

“Our Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities have contributed so much to Havering.

“Thank you to the Council’s BAME forum for their continued efforts in showcasing a great variety of events and activities this year.”