Waltham Forest Council are currently planning a series of exciting events and activities in celebration of October's Black History Month 2022 in partnership with local partners and community organisations.

Waltham Forest Council want to promote and celebrate the amazing contribution black people of African and Caribbean descents have made to British Society whilst fostering an understanding of Black History in the UK and Waltham Forest.

Below you will find a list of the activities that schools can sign up for. There are limited places available in each activity, on a first come, first served basis.

To book your place click here  by Wednesday 28 September 2022

Activities for schools to sign up to

An audience with Peter Ashan

• 7 October, times: 1pm - 2pm, location Waltham Forest Town Hall Foyer
• 28 October, times: 1pm - 2pm, location Waltham Forest Town Hall Foyer

Audience: Secondary schools, up to 50 places.

Activity description: In celebration of Black History Month, Co-Chair of The REN, Pauline Campbell will be hosting not one, but two conversations with historian and educator Peter Ashan in the Foyer at Fellowship Square.

Peter Ashan was born and raised in Waltham Forest. He has spent much of life dedicated to uncovering East London's Black histories, and the stories of other ethnic minority groups, which goes all the way back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when Britain was a colonial power and part of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

We look forward to you joining us for what is set to be an insightful event that also extend to young people from our local schools as well as staff.

If you wish to submit a question for Peter in advance of the event please email here

Freedom Walks with Peter Ashan

• Friday 7 October, times 3pm - 4:30pm, location Walthamstow, meeting point: The Clock House Wood Street, Walthamstow, E17 3NQ
• Friday 14 October, times 2pm - 3:30pm, location Leyton, meeting point: The Great Hall Leyton
• Friday 21 October, times 10am - 11:30am, location Walthamstow, meeting point: The Clock House Wood Street Walthamstow E17 3NQ

Audience: Secondary Schools, up to 30 pupils per tour

Activity description: Peter Ashan will lead three freedom walks for schools, one in Leyton and two in Walthamstow, looking into the Afro-Caribbean community within Waltham Forest, presenting alternate stories than those we often hear about in connection with the development of the borough from centuries past to the present day.

Biography: Peter Ashan educator grew up in Leyton in the 1970's and 80's his parents migrated to London from Barbados in the early 1960’s . His Freedom Walks and book began in 2007, aiming to reveal the hidden story of Waltham Forest's multi-ethnic, multi-faith community.

Send invite in general communications but also targeted to 4/5 secondary schools in Walthamstow and 3/4 secondary schools in Leyton.

Exploring Heritage Through Traditional Ludo Boards Workshop with Kimartee

Kimartee will be able to deliver two workshops, on a first come first served basis.

Options of dates: Any days in October except 5, 20 or 27 October.

Preference for Fridays (please specify your preferred date when booking)

Duration of workshop: 2.5 hours

Audience: Primary schools, secondary schools, colleges. 30-40 people per session

Workshop description: Workshops led by local artist Kimartee where participants will create their own ludo boards based on subjects personal to themselves. African and Caribbean cultures often spend family and social time playing ludo together and they create these ludo boards bespoke to their personal interests and culture. They are often adorned with flags, foods, locations etc. MDF boards are provided, prepped with a ludo grid which allows space for pictures/illustrations and patterns across the board for people to design and decorate. Counters and dice are also provided so the board can be used at home.

Waltham Forest Twinning Association Windrush and Black Health Display

3 to 9 October – Waltham Forest Town Hall

10 to 17 October – Leytonstone Library

18 to 24 October – Chingford Library

25 to 29 October – Lea Bridge Library

31 October to 6 November – Waltham Forest Town Hall

Audience: All ages schools welcome.

Exhibition description: Touring exhibition by Waltham Forest Twinning Association.

The exhibition raises awareness on:

Windrush generation and the barriers they have had to overcome since arriving in the UK.

The Black community’s role in the health service. They will depict specific health service individuals’ achievements, including Dame Elizabeth Anionwu and Bernice Burton MBE for their work regarding Sickle Cell Disease.

Other ways your school can be involved in Black History Month

In addition to the specific activities outlined above the Council are really keen to capture and promote any Black History Month events and activities schools are planning and where appropriate we are keen to promote these through council communication channels.

If you would like to share any events and activities you are planning and have these promoted by Waltham Forest Council please contact connectingcommunities@walthamforest.gov.uk also by 28 September to allow this to be added to the Black History Month communications plan.