Throughout October and early November, Islington will celebrate Black History Month 2025 with a celebration of pride and power – amplifying Black voices, honouring our shared histories, and showcasing the strength and entrepreneurial spirit that fuel our vibrant community. From a flag-raising launch event to storytelling nights, business showcases and youth enterprise workshops, check out what’s on and get involved:

Black History Month flag raising and launch

Wednesday 1 October, 1.45–2.45pm
Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD

Join Cllr Jason Jackson, Mayor of Islington, for the official launch of Black History Month 2025, including the traditional flag raising ceremony. Open to the public.

Borough-wide reading group: James by Percival Everett 

October-November 2025
Drop-in reading group meet-ups will be held at all Islington Libraries

This Black History Month, join readers across Islington in a shared reading experience of James by Percival Everett, a bold and powerful retelling of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, seen through the eyes of Jim, Huck’s enslaved companion.

Recently adapted for the screen by Steven Spielberg, James is a thought-provoking exploration of race, freedom, and storytelling.

Ebook and audiobook access is available on BorrowBox through a free membership to Islington Libraries.

Meet ups:

• Central Library 20 October, 6pm-7.30pm
• North Library 28 October, 6.30pm-7.30pm
• South Library 10 November, 6.30pm-7.30pm
• West Library 6 November, 6.30pm-7.45pm

Exhibition: Celebrating Black Creativity and Joy

Throughout October
Whittington Park Community Centre, Yerbury Road, N19 4RS

This Black History Month, Whittington Park Community Association is celebrating local Black creativity and joy with a colourful art exhibition featuring the work of two talented Islington-based artists: Arthur Lashley and David Simmons.

With West Indian heritage and deep ties to the borough, both artists explore the richness of Caribbean and British cultural influences through their vibrant, expressive work.

Visit the exhibition throughout October and experience a joyful expression of community, identity, and creativity.

Author Talk: In Conversation with Aamna Mohdin 

Wednesday 15 October, 6.30–7.30pm
Islington Central Library, 2 Fieldway Crescent, N5 1PF

Join award-winning journalist and Guardian Community Affairs Correspondent Aamna Mohdin for an engaging discussion about her debut book, Scattered.

Drawing on her own experience as a former refugee, Scattered is a moving exploration of displacement, memory and belonging — blending investigative journalism with powerful personal storytelling.

Aamna has reported extensively on the UK’s diverse communities and was part of the Guardian’s Cotton Capital investigation, which won a British Press Award in 2024.

Get your free ticket

A Black History Celebration with Light Project Pro International

Saturday 18 October, 1–5pm
The Exchange, Watkinson Road, N7 8DE

Light Project Pro International is hosting a vibrant community event on Saturday 18 October, featuring a Black enterprise cultural market, an art exhibition, performances and presentations by residents, culturally inspired food, and networking opportunities.

This celebration aims to inspire pride, promote understanding, and spotlight the achievements of Black individuals, while bringing together people from all backgrounds in a spirit of learning, unity, and cultural appreciation.

Free. Find out more and book your ticket for A Black History Celebration.

Black Business Visibility Week: our borough, our business

21–27 October, 10am–5pm
Islington Town Hall

A cultural celebration showcasing pride in Black entrepreneurs. 

Residents without borders community voices: lived experience peer event

Thursday 23 October, 10.30am–2.30pm
Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 (committee rooms one, two and three)

Join the Mayor of Islington, international and national guest speakers to celebrate Black History Month in a hybrid event on 23 October at Islington Town Hall. The event is free with lunch is provided.

Register for lived experience peer event

Half term fun in libraries

27–31 October
Islington libraries

This October half-term, Islington’s libraries are celebrating Black History Month with a week of free, hands-on craft fun for all ages. Get creative with Unity Wreath murals, mixed-media silhouettes, zine-making, African-inspired jewellery and headdresses, and even a Rosa Parks milk carton bus! Highlights also include storytelling with award-winning author Ifeoma Onyefulu. With drop-in sessions across libraries from 27–31 October, it’s the perfect chance to explore Black heritage through art and imagination.

For more details, drop into your local library or check the Find Your Islington directory

An afternoon with Dumi Oburota

Friday 31 October 2025, 2pm–5pm
Lift Islington, 45 White Lion St, London N1 9PW

Bright Futures is hosting an exclusive event with Dumi Oburota, record-label executive, entrepreneur and mentor, at Lift!

Get ready for an inspiring afternoon filled with engaging conversations, insights into the music industry, and networking opportunities. Dumi will share his journey and experiences, providing valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and music enthusiasts. In celebration of Black History Month 2025 theme “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”, Dumi will talk about what this means to him.

Free. This event is for young people aged 13-19, no sign up required.

Youth enterprise day

Saturday 1 November 2025, 11am–4pm
Black Cultural Centre, 16 Hornsey Road, N7 7BP

A workshop day for young people aged 16–25 interested in business and creative entrepreneurship. Includes mentorship, pitch challenges, and creative sessions.

Black Entrepreneurial Panel – In Partnership with Impact Hub 

Monday 10 November 2025
Impact Hub Islington

Join Impact Hub Islington and Islington Council for a special Black Entrepreneurial Panel, spotlighting the journeys, challenges and successes of Black business leaders.

This inspiring evening will feature real stories, practical advice, and opportunities for networking — perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, start-up founders, and anyone interested in business with purpose.

Check back soon for more information and updates.