Nearly 200 people attend Council’s Black History Month event

The event, which saw nearly 200 local residents attend, included addresses from former Brentford player Marcus Gayle, and the Council’s Cabinet Member for Resident Support, Communities and Equalities – Councillor Grewal – to highlight the importance of Black history.

With this year’s theme focusing on “Reclaiming narratives”, representatives from the local  Ghanaian Community Forum, Queen Mary University, and Northeastern University London highlighted the untold success stories of Black communities while challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals.

Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Resident Support, Communities and Equalities, Councillor Grewal, said:

“I was delighted to attend this event and particularly learn about Black Women’s activism in the UK and the role it played it shaping Black culture.

“Last year, we published our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, which is part of our wider plans to make Hounslow a fairer and more equal borough. However, we cannot do it alone. We want to foster a culture where every resident in Hounslow plays their part in striving for equality.”

Former Brentford player and Club Ambassador Marcus Gayle said:

“It was a privilege to attend the event and meet so many people from across Hounslow who wanted to learn about Black History and the stories of inspiring people who have reclaimed their narrative and corrected black history and culture.

“From community groups to school children and Brentford fans across all generations, it was fantastic to see so many people come together at the Community Stadium Hub.

“It was inspiring to be in the room and hear so many people share, discuss, and celebrate different stories and journeys, gaining a fresh perspective on the contributions of Black British people across society.

“If we don’t tell our own stories, we will read, His-story!”