Black History Month – Honouring Our Communities
“Honouring Our Communities” is a Black History Month 2026 programme rooted in arts, culture, and heritage, created for and with the residents of Tower Hamlets. Taking place throughout October, the project will feature exhibitions, wellness activities, conversations, and performances designed to celebrate Black creativity and honour Black history, culture, and talent.
This Programme was developed in collaboration with Canal & River Trust and made possible by Tower Hamlets Council.
Jena the Narrow Boat
Who/What is Jena?
The Jena is a wide, narrowboat style, office / day cruising boat. It is fitted with a cabin containing a large forward meeting room, an office room, a toilet and a kitchen. The Canal and River Trust’s ‘Jena’ exists as a vessel to engage local communities throughout London for wider public access to blue spaces (Rivers and canals).
Where is Jena?
Jena is on her way to Poplar. She will be stationed at Poplar Union’s Jetty on the Limehouse Cut Canal from the 8th of October- 8th November.
Why Poplar?
Hosting classes and workshops, Jena will play a key role in Poplar Union’s Black History Month programme. Providing affordable and accessible activities to the local community.
About Canal & River Trust
The Canal & River Trust is the UK’s largest canal charity, founded in 2012, caring for a 2,000-mile network of canals and navigable rivers that provide essential green and blue spaces for wildlife and people, helping communities feel happier and healthier. This October, the Trust’s narrow boat Jena will be moored at Poplar Union’s jetty on the Limehouse Cut, joining our Black History Month programme and bringing the charity’s presence right onto our doorstep here on the canal. The visit also ties into the Trust’s Urban Nature Connections – Tower Hamlets: Community Roots project, which is all about reconnecting local people with the waterways on their doorstep and the nature they support. It’s a brilliant opportunity for our community to explore the canal’s history and heritage, get closer to nature, and discover how much our little stretch of water has to offer.
Programme:
from 8 of October – Jena the Narrow Boat
Jena is a narrow boat from the Canal and River Trust visiting Poplar Union this October. We’re excited to host a variety of engaging events for everyone in the community throughout the month inside the boat! Jena will be stationed on the canal opposite Poplar Union.
7th October – Let’s Create: Exploring Black British Music at V&A East, 11am
10th October – Let’s Create for Black History Month: Music, Memory & Identity Collage Work, 11am
17th October – Let’s Create for Black History Month: Photo Walk & Origami aboard Jenna, 11am
24th, 29th, 30th October – Let’s Paddle at Poplar Union for Black History Month, from 10.30am
27th October – Let’s Get Wild: Nature & Herbal Tea Walk, 11am
28th October – Let’s Get Quizzical: Culture Challenge, 11am
28th October – Let’s Share Stories Together, 1.30pm
31st October – Let’s Find Your Rhythm, 11am
31st October – Let’s Unwind & Restore, 1pm
23 October – Poetry Open Night
‘Your stage… Your show’ is a free open mic night celebrating poetry, creativity, community and great food. Perform, share, connect or sit back and enjoy an evening of creative expression. Everyone is welcome
24 October – Black History Month Market
Celebrate Black culture at our vibrant Black History Month Market. Discover unique crafts, delicious food, live music, and inspiring stories. A joyful day of community, creativity, and heritage for everyone.
24 October – Afro Hair Fayre
The Afro-Hair Fayre offers a culturally safe space to explore identity and self-expression, build confidence and self esteem, learn practical hair care skills for Afro and textured hair, and receive gentle styling or haircuts.
12-2pm – Learn to Braid Workshop
2pm-5pm – Haircuts & Hairstyling Hub
25 October – Soul Cinema
Join us for a family-friendly film day. We will be screening the Disney Pixar movie ‘Soul’. Joe’s true passion is jazz. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul.