Croydon is celebrating Black History Month throughout October with a range of themed events including business, art, lifestyle and health.

The Black History Month programme is a celebration and recognition of the impact that African and Caribbean culture has had on communities in Croydon. It will also be an opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture.

This year’s theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, highlighting a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage.

Croydon Council is working with partners London South Bank University in Croydon, Croydon NHS Service, Fashion Meets Music and Croydon BME Forum on a programme of inclusive events. These will explore a range of themes, from health to art – with a talk on elevating mental health in the workplace and a health check day, to a session of painting images to reflect Black identity.

Residents and visitors are welcome to join events organised by the council’s Race Equality Network and partners. There will also be an event on mental health in the workplace on World Mental Health Day on Thursday 10 October, at the Wellness Centre in Whitgift Centre.

Other events are focused on business, with an event on 15 October to celebrate Black-owned businesses and minority-supporting businesses in Croydon. This will be followed by a pop-up for women in business on Saturday 26 October, which aims to empower and support female entrepreneurs.

Other events, such as ‘A Celebration of Black Excellence’, honour the achievements and contributions of Black people throughout history. There will be themed film screenings, including ‘Rob Peace’ starring London actor Chiwetel Ejiofor. Residents and guests can also access virtual events, such as an online LGBTIQA+ writers’ workshop.

The council’s culture service is partnering with Fashion Meets Music to deliver a weekend of free events over the weekend of 25 to 27 October, highlighting hidden heritage stories and celebrating the contribution of Black individuals and communities. A two-day market called the Ubuntu Creatives Fair, at Braithwaite Hall in Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, will sell products from Black businesses.

There will be an evening celebrating the Croydon music legend Desmond Dekker, on Friday 25 October, including a late-night opening of the ‘Rewind’ exhibition at Museum of Croydon with some of Dekker’s most famous outfits and instruments.

For more information, please visit the Croydon BME Forum website or the Culture Croydon website.

Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, said: “One of the things that makes me so proud to be Croydon’s Executive Mayor is the strength of our amazing communities and, at the last census, almost a quarter of our residents identified as Black, the highest population of any London borough.

“This year’s theme ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ is an opportunity to correct historical inaccuracies and tell untold success stories. It’s about taking control of the narratives and honouring the heroes of the past, present and future.

“Croydon is home to a wealth of these heroes, from Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, to Sislin Fay Allen, the first Black female police constable in the UK, and the Windrush generation whose huge contributions to our community must not be forgotten.

“We are starting to reclaim the narrative, through events like our Caribbean Influencers exhibition as part of our year as London Borough of Culture. In doing so we have the potential to inspire, educate and empower the next generations. Let’s ensure that we continue to celebrate Black history, and reclaim narratives all year round.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon