Black History Season highlights the importance of education and the need to be inspired and learn from others. It also promotes the historical role and the huge contribution of African and Caribbean communities to the capital. London Mayor Boris Johnson

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has welcomed an extensive programme of arts, culture and educational events to celebrate London’s Black History season which this year has a special focus on the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the SS Empire Windrush.

Mayor Boris Johnson said:

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome Black History Season to London. History is a fascinating subject that we should all truly relish.

“Black History Season highlights the importance of education and the need to be inspired and learn from others. It also promotes the historical role and the huge contribution of African and Caribbean communities to the capital, which will be of interest to all Londoners.

“This year there is a fantastic range of activities and events on offer across the city in libraries, theatres, galleries and educational institutions. At City Hall I am supporting a number of exciting lectures and exhibitions themed around the 60th anniversary of the arrival of Empire Windrush, which celebrates and explores this significant period in our city's history and culture.

“I hope everyone enjoys this years Black History Season celebrations.”

The season looks at the influence of the arrival of the Windrush on London life, music and culture and at the lives and contributions of Black Londoners to the city through photo exhibitions, debate and film.

Season highlights include: ‘We were there’ a ground breaking exhibition from the Ministry of Defence which highlights the contribution of men and women from Africa, Asia, the West Indies and other Commonwealth countries who fought and served alongside British forces during many major conflicts over the last two hundred years, ‘The Black Experience in 1950’s London’ run by The Sohemian Society which over three nights will explore the works of Colin MacInnes and Sam Selvon’s and their depiction of black community in 1950’s London and ‘Is Windrush still relevant to young people?’ a lively debate at City Hall to round off a month long series of events looking at the contribution and influence of the arrival of the Windrush on black history in London.