Published: Monday 1 November 2021
The important role of the Afro Caribbean community in shaping Kensington and Chelsea’s culture was celebrated throughout October as Black History Month returned for 2021.
Kensington and Chelsea Council marked the annual event by providing grants totalling £15,000 to 22 Black History Month projects, hosting works from talented local artists in the Civic Gallery at Kensington Town Hall and running a packed schedule of talks and events for staff.
Grant recipients included Urbanwise London, who filmed local actor Emmanuel Simon hosting a Black History Walk along Portobello; a virtual event supporting black business owners and their mental health; and borough-based youth organisation Manhood Academy who ran an online confidence-building event for children.
For the third successive year, the Council and its employees also supported Manhood Academy, which provides mentorship and opportunities for young people aged between eight and 16, by holding a cake sale and fundraising event.
Elsewhere in the borough, a mural featuring an image from the front cover of CARNIVAL – A photographic and Testimonial History of the Notting Hill Carnival was unveiled in the heartland of the Notting Hill Carnival on Portobello Road. Money generated from sales of the book will support the return of Carnival to Kensington and Chelsea’s streets in 2022.
Manhood Academy co-founder Aundrieux Sankofa said:
“The work we do is in the frontline trenches of our community and all of the team are passionate volunteers, so any support from the wider community can only benefit our boys more.
“We’re grateful for the support Kensington and Chelsea Council has always given our organisation, from the Mayor to the many staff we’ve come across. The annual fundraising event at Kensington Town Hall is an example of how kind and generous the staff have been towards supporting our cause.”
Cllr Ian Henderson, Colville Ward Councillor, said:
“This area is synonymous with commissioned street art, and the mural in celebration of Black History Month reflects the diverse and vibrant culture that Afro-Caribbean communities have brought to Notting Hill. It’s really exciting that projects like this are on display to residents and visitors.”
Still want to experience a slice of Black History Month? See the mural for yourself on the corner of Portobello Road and Colville Terrace, watch the Urbanwise London Black History Walk or visit the Civic Gallery at Kensington Town Hall to see the art displays– find out more at webtest.rbkc.gov.uk/explore-kensington-and-chelsea/civic-gallery.