The Mayor of London's Black History Month reception

To mark the 36th anniversary of Black History Month, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, hosted a reception at City Hall on Tuesday 17 October 2023.

The theme of the event was Saluting Our Sisters, highlighting the crucial role that Black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change and building communities. 

Speaking at the event, the Mayor said:

“London’s black communities have played a significant role in the success of our capital and Black History Month is an important opportunity to celebrate that. As we look to the contributions black Londoners have made, we also stand shoulder to shoulder with them to affirm our commitment to fully tackle the racial inequalities that still exist today.”

This was echoed by Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie-Weekes Bernard, who co-hosted the evening. 

Pioneering voices

The event began with a series of panel sessions focused on climate justice, media, politics, Windrush and women’s safety.

Recordings from each panel session will be shared on this page throughout Black History Month. 

Inspiration

Guests were also treated to live steel pan music by Mangrove Steelband and Afro-Cuban dance performances by Luanda Pau. 

There was a photo exhibition by Dirg Aaab-Richards, namely Windrush Memories – a recollection – memories shared. Paintings by artist Priscilla Acquah-Arhin Art called Woman and Calm Times were also exhibited   

A keynote address was made by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Jamaica National Bank (UK) and Executive Director of the Voice Media Group, Paulette Simpson CBE.  

The event was a great opportunity for guests from across London’s diverse Black communities to come together, be inspired and celebrate Black women.  

Watch how we celebrate Black History Month at City Hall

Contributions

Thank you to all our contributors on the night including:

• Quote Bags for supplying bespoke bags to the first 100 people who arrived. 
• Love Language for providing British Sign language interpretation throughout the evening. 
• Tashwayy Sounds with DJ Ashleigh and Tyla. 
• Priscilla Acquah-Arhin Art (Instagram @PAA.ART).

Watch 

• London Celebrates Black History Month 2023 
• UK Black Pride 2023 
• London’s first Black On The Square 2023 
• This is how London celebrates Notting Hill Carnival 
• 2023 UNESCO Day for Remembering the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its Abolition