Last week, Hackney Giving staff joined a Black History Season Open Afternoon at Hackney CVS.

The event provided a set of participatory activities that acknowledged the significant contributions of Black communities in Hackney.

Lunch was accompanied by some exhilarating African drumming and dancing from local performers ACD Arts. This was followed by a workshop on anti-racism facilitated by Black Lives Matter London.

There was also an opportunity for the sector to hear an update on Hackney CVS’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Anti-Racism Strategy.

The afternoon was a thought-provoking event attended by local activists, statutory sector and voluntary and community sector organisations.

Sarah Watson, Hackney Giving’s Development and Programme Manager, said: “During Black History Season 2023 it’s been great to participate in events alongside our colleagues in Hackney CVS and the wider voluntary and community sector. We’ve come together for celebration, learning and reflection – even dancing. The exhibition in the conference room at Hackney CVS is a credit to the people who’ve contributed with objects, photos, clothing, banners and more. It is vital to continue this learning throughout the year. Black History Season is an important reminder to do so.”

Further Black History events in Hackney

The Hackney CVS Black History exhibition will be open to the voluntary and community sector every Friday during Black History Season, between 12pm to 2pm.