October marks Black History Month, which is a time when people around the world reflect on and celebrate the lives, histories and cultures of the black community.
Throughout Black History Month 2024, a range of events, discussions, and educational activities will be taking place across the country, all focused on this year’s theme: Reclaiming Narratives.
UK organisers have invited people to join the conversation, share their stories, and be a part of this movement.
They are encouraging everyone to use #ReclaimingNarrativesBHM on social media to connect with others and keep the conversation going.
As part of LondonWorld’s series on Black History Month, we want to celebrate it by highlighting the work of 10 inspirational black Londoners.
9. Malorie Blackman
Malorie Blackman was born in Clapham and is a writer specialising in children’s literature and science fiction. Her critically and popularly acclaimed Noughts and Crosses series uses the setting of a fictional dystopia to explore racism. The trilogy has recently been adapted into a BBC television series. In 2013, Blackman became the first black Children’s Laureate, succeeding Julia Donaldson. Blackman has been the recipient of many honours for her work including, most recently, the 2022 PEN Pinter Prize | Getty Images
10. Stormzy
Michael Omari, otherwise known as rapper Stormzy, was raised by his mother in Thornton Heath Stormzy has gone on to become one of the most influential British rappers of all time and was the first ever solo British black artist to headline Glastonbury Festival in 2019. The 31-year-old rapper also funds the Stormzy Scholarship for Black UK Students at the University of Cambridge which covers tuition costs for two students and maintenance grants for up to four years | AFP via Getty Images