Councillor Carole Williams introduces Hackney's new Black History 365 programme

Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Human Resources and Equalities, introduces the new Black History 365 programme to commemorate Black excellence and shine a spotlight on issues affecting the Black community 365 days a year:

"Last week we celebrated the launch of Black History 365 at Hackney Museum.

Hackney Council recognises that Black history is an integral part of our collective heritage and cannot be confined to a single month of the year. 

Since 2019 we have extended Black History Month to a season expanding into November or December, turning it into an entire season during which we can place focus on both the historical and contemporary contributions made by the Black communities in Hackney.

And this year’s Black History Season 2024 programme officially saw the launch of Hackney Black History 365, an annual year-round celebration and exploration of Black history and culture. 

While the work we do already acknowledges Black history and culture 365 days a year in Hackney, Black History 365 will ensure events, educational resources and services are more easily accessible and highlighted via our digital and print channels on Love Hackney. 

Kicking off Hackney Black History 365 lays the foundations to correct historical inaccuracies, tell untold stories, and celebrate excellence. By commemorating Black History and culture all year round we hope to provide an even bigger platform for educators and community leaders to make meaningful and empowering contributions about Black achievements in the borough and beyond.

Hackney Black History 365’s mission statement is a simple one: “To highlight Hackney’s Black past, present and future all year, every year. It will complement Hackney’s Black History Season with an always-on approach of honouring Black life in Hackney in the past, present and future tense.”

Current Council-led activities that meet the mission statement will be placed on the Black History 365 calendar, including: Windrush Generation festival, Carnival, Pride365, Hackney’s Diverse Curriculum and the excellent curation of exhibitions and events across Hackney’s Libraries, Museum and Archives. 

Black History 365’s extended programme of events and activities will be better highlighted so that even more members of our community are able to contribute. The programme is open to all departments in the Council to contribute to, and I am very excited to see what they bring to it over the coming months and years. 

As a Council, we are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, across the borough. The launch of Black History 365 will go further towards celebrating the vital contributions that Black people bring to Hackney. It is an opportunity to realise positive change and amplify Black voices in our community, enabling us to share, enjoy and learn from a history that enriches us all.

The new Hackney Black History 365 page can be found on the Love Hackney website and events on the Love Hackney instagram will be tagged #BHS365."