Welcome to Hackney’s Black History Season 2025
Throughout October and November, we celebrate the richness and diversity of Black heritage in Hackney and beyond.
This year’s programme features a dynamic mix of grant-funded and Council-hosted events, alongside contributions from Hackney’s cultural venues and partners. Together, they highlight creativity, resilience, and history across our communities.
Check out the line-up of activities and meet our successful grant recipients delivering fantastic free community events below. More events to follow!
Meet our funded groups!
Our Black History Season includes a range of events funded via our Black History Season grant scheme. Thanks to our successful applicants, residents can enjoy a range of free or low-cost activities from cinema screenings, insightful discussions or dance workshops. Meet our groups below!
Cultural Fashion & Arts CIC
Cultural Fashion & Arts champions will be hosting two workshops combining an educational presentation with a hands-on headwrap lesson. Register for free via the links below.
DANCE UPS
DANCE UPS presents workshops culminating in a vibrant showcase where young participants celebrate African heritage and Hackney's communities through dance.
Faggamuffin Bloc Party
The Faggamuffin Bloc Party (FBP) celebrates Black British identity through carnival culture, centring LGBTQ+ visibility. Expect five weekly workshops on topics like Carnival history, art, and sound system building. Details to be annouced!
More Curricular CIC
More Curricular will be hosting three interactive treasure hunts exploring Hackney's Black history through clues, riddles and puzzles with prizes to win. Book your free tickets below!
Peer Gallery
Peer will work with artist and spatial designer Sahra Hersi and the Peer Ambassadors on new work in response to Khadija's Garden, Peer’s community garden and memorial to Khadija Saye. The project will culminate in a free public sharing, open to all.
Rio Cinema
Enjoy the short films of Trinidadian filmmaker Shari Petti alongside a rare screening of 'Horace Ove’s ‘King Carnival’, as Dalston’s community cinema enjoys a Carnival takeover weekend including workshops led by Tropical Isles! Full details to be announced!
June Givanni Archive
Join the award-winning June Givanni Pan African Cinema Archive (JGPACA) as they revisit the 1984-85 GLC Anti-Racist Film Programme. Through an engaging study day and screening of Coconut Head Generation (2023, dir. Alain Kassanda) they ask - what do we do next as we face the rise of the far right?
Urban MBA
Complementing a two week exhibition, Urban MBA will be hosting a creative AI workshop, 'Digital Diaspora: Past, Present & Future.' Create unique digital art inspired by African figures, connect with creatives, and take home a printed artwork. All skill levels welcome.
Young Hackney’s Black History Season
Young Hackney is hosting an unmissable series of activities in celebration of Black History Month for young people. Throughout October and November - learn and explore more of the incredible Black history and culture that has shaped the vibrant Hackney we live in today.
Hackney Libraries Black history season reading lists
Hackney Libraries are spotlighting a selection of brilliant African writers that have taken the publishing market by storm in the last few months. We have collected together some of the most inspiring fiction, non fiction and poetry from 2024 and early 2025. Read on!
Calendar at a glance
Hover (or click if on mobile) over the calendar day to expand the full details of the available events. Click the title of the event for full details. Or scroll down for more resources and information! You can also view events on the Hackney Black History Season page here.