October is Black History Month and it is being celebrated by individuals and communities across the borough. Ealing Council will be highlighting events you can take part in, around the month's official theme for 2022, Time for Change: Action not Words. 

Among the range of events are a talk by Paul Crooks titled The Storm that Ended Slavery, and another called Statues: Past, Present and Future which will be given by heritage expert SI Martin. There are also craft workshops for young people, including a story-time session, Amazing Black Inventors, being run by Joy James. You can access the full schedule on the Ealing Libraries webpages.

Ealing council will also mark Black History Month with a re-dedication ceremony, placing two separate memorial plaques in a specially arranged tropical gardens at Walpole Park.

The reinstatement of the Windrush and Abolition of Slavery plaques will take place on October 26 at Walpole Park, Mattock Lane, Ealing. Residents are welcome to attend the unveiling from 2pm onwards. 

Council leader 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.

"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."