Black History Month continues in Wandsworth

Help celebrate the diverse background of African Caribbean cuisine in Wandsworth at a Street Food Market in Balham Community Space on Saturday October 8. Go along between 10am and 5pm to try out everything from jerk chicken and Guyanese roti to Ethiopian stew and exotic fruits.  

Between October 14 and October 23, a pop-up market at Southside will celebrate Black-owned businesses. Stalls will include arts and crafts, jewellery, clothing, skincare, food, gifts, books and more. Go along between 10 and 6pm near the entrance to Waitrose.  

Find out more about both markets.  

On October 30 go along to Totterdown Street in Tooting for an outdoor Sunday afternoon celebration of Black Roots & Culture. Enjoy live Caribbean music, food stalls and a stage featuring dancers, performers, drummers and stalls from noon until 6pm. A similar event will be held on October 23 celebrating Diwali.   

This year Wandsworth Council has organised an extensive programme of Black History Month events all over the borough, including talks, workshops, art showcases, history, music, dance and food, including many events in neighbourhood libraries. See the full programme of what’s going on 

The council will be using its website and social media accounts to shine a light on Black people within the community who are making a real difference for Wandsworth. 

Successful Black-owned businesses are also being celebrated. Business owners have been filmed about their heritage and asked them what Black History Month means to them. The Wandsworth Enterprise Hub will be business owners as part of their Local Stories feature. 

View videos on the council’s You Tube channel. 

And local businesses and job seekers will be able to get information and advice at the Black History Month pop-up unit in Southside Shopping Centre, Wandsworth. The council’s Work Match service which helps local people access local employment and training opportunities will be there on Oct 17 and Oct 24 from 10am to 4pm. On October 24 the council’s business team will run a drop in business advice session from 10am to 4pm on the support available to businesses from the council and its partners. 

Cllr Kemi Akinola, deputy leader of Wandsworth Council said:  “This year everyone will enjoy our best ever celebration of Black history and culture, bringing people together to discuss issues that really affect the Black diaspora and putting on a wide ranging programme of activities and events all across the borough.”