As we enter October, we also get ready to celebrate Black History Month – this year, we do so with the theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ in mind. As part of this tradition of commemorating black histories and affirming their place our perception of the past, Hinde Street will be holding a Black History Month service on the 27th of October at 11am. This year, we will be joined by Rev Esther Akam from The Methodist Church, who will be delivering a dedicated sermon (more on this service soon!).
In the meantime, you can listen to or read a prayer for Black History Month by the Methodist Church GB below.
As you visit us in Marylebone for Sunday Worship, why not also take the opportunity to explore the area with black history in mind! Did you know that Olaudah Equiano, a prominent abolitionist, lived at a house just a 15-minute walk from Hinde Street? When you visit 73 Riding House Street, Westminster, London W1W 7EJ, you can spot the site by a green plaque erected in Equiano’s honour. Similarly, the London residence of the legendary Jimi Hendrix can be found less than 10 minutes away at 23 Brook Street.
Here’s a handy tool to help you explore similar sites in London and the rest of the UK.
For further opportunities to take part, you can also browse relevant events in London during Black History Month here. These events include live music, lecture series, plays, poetry readings and open mics, walking tours of Brixton, and more.
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Prayer for Black History Month 2024:
God of justice and righteousness, in whom is the home and hope of all nations, all people
We uphold before you the history and heritage of black people, made in your image as are all people.
We light a candle before you in remembrance of all black people who have been and are denied their humanity just because of the colour of their skin.
We hold before you the hurt of black people.
We light a candle before you in thanks giving for all black people who have stood up to and resisted racist structures, attitudes and actions.
We hold before you the hopes of black people.
We light a candle before you in celebration of all black people like Mary Seacole, Martin Luther King, and Sybil Phoenix who have set up and lit up pathways of freedom and justice for all to walk, to bring us where you want us to be.
We hold before you all the heroes of black people.
We light before you a candle for us all that we all be symbol of your light and life and love in our time and place.
We hold ourselves before you that we may be delivered from our distress and find our strength in you.
In the Name of Christ.
Amen
Inderjit Bhogal
Former President of the British Methodist Conference
(To view a reading of this prayer, click here.)