Unity Place celebrates Black History Month

Unity Place is celebrating Black History Month throughout October with a programme of food, creativity and storytelling, giving visitors plenty of ways to get involved and celebrate Black culture and community.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from specially curated dishes at the Urban Food Market to stories celebrating influential figures from Black history across the building’s digital screens. There’s also a special Black History Month edition of Sip & Paint taking place at the Unity Sky Lounge.

Maisie Stanford, Senior Marketing & Communications Executive at Unity Place, said: “Black History Month gives us an important opportunity to celebrate culture, community and the people whose contributions have made a lasting impact. We wanted this year’s programme to offer different ways for people to get involved, whether that’s through food, storytelling or creativity, and to create something that feels welcoming and connected to the community around Unity Place.”

From 5 October, the Urban Food Market will be serving two Black History Month-inspired menus, celebrating the flavours and heritage of Africa and the Caribbean. Dishes include African Chicken Stew with Jollof Rice and Fried Plantain, West African Fried Fish, Jerk Chicken with Rice & Peas, Escovitch Fish and Brown Stew Yam & Sweet Potato.

Ben Brown, Account Manager for the Urban Food Market, said: “The menus were inspired by the rich food, culture and heritage of Africa and the Caribbean. We wanted to celebrate the bold flavours and variety of these cuisines, while bringing that sense of community and togetherness that food is so often at the heart of.”

If you're visiting Unity Place throughout October, keep an eye on the digital screens around the building, where you'll find stories about influential figures from Black history and their contributions to science, technology, medicine, healthcare, music, culture and social change.

The stories have been developed with members of the Unity Place community, including Adjoa Ofori, who said: “This Black History Month, we are reflecting on the people in our communities who have made a difference to our lives. By highlighting their achievements, we celebrate and honour the lasting impact they have made.”

Fancy getting creative? A special Black History Month edition of Sip & Paint is taking place at the Unity Sky Lounge on 23 October, led by resident artist Melissa Hurst of M London.

Melissa said: “For me, this Sip & Paint is about celebrating Black culture, bringing people together and creating a space where everyone can feel welcome. Creativity is such a lovely way to connect people, and you never know what conversations or connections can come from simply sitting down and creating together.”

From food and art to stories and community, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Black History Month at Unity Place this October.