Black History Month

Welcome to Black History Month 2009

Now an important part of Tower Hamlets annual calendar, Black History Month highlights the contributions made by African and Caribbean people through the ages, and also provides the opportunity to celebrate black history and culture.

With the help of a wide range of community groups, we’ve put together a fantastic programme of events to educate, inform and entertain. There are activities for all ages, which encourage communities to learn about, and get to know each other. You can use this booklet to find out about the events taking place near you.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate our new mayor. It’s fitting that the first Somali Mayor is in Tower Hamlets, which for so long has been a gateway to Britain for people from so many different backgrounds.

Councillor Rofique U Ahmed
Lead Member for Culture
Tower Hamlets Council

I’m delighted to be the first ever Somali Mayor in the UK. There has been a Somali community in Tower Hamlets for over 200 years, and there are 10,000 Somalis living in our borough today. I’m enormously proud of my heritage both as a Somali and as an East Ender, and will enjoy celebrating Black History Month.

2009 has been marked by a number of historic events, most notably the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama as the first black President of the United States of America, a momentous occasion with global significance.

You’ll be able to find out about other pioneers and influential figures in black history, or enjoy the rich and diverse cultural traditions of the African diaspora throughout Black History Month.

Councillor Ahmed Omer
Mayor
Tower Hamlets Council