By Gabriel Princewill-
A powerful symbol of community solidarity was displayed when the Mayor of Southend officially raised the Black History Month flag at Porters in Essex to mark the official commencement of a month dedicated to celebrating Black culture, history, and achievements within the city.
Organised by a pool of academics and community leaders, including Dr Gregory Alake – an advocate of critical legal thinking and legal specialist with over 35 years’ experience in Health services, Local Authority and Academia- the assemblage of dignitaries to mark the preparation of an annual event important to many for different reasons, was encouraging.
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The actual event will take place this Saturday at the Potters in Southend On Sea.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of Black history, culture, and achievements, founded by historian Carter G. Woodson. It is celebrated in February in the United States and Canada and in October in the United Kingdom and Ireland to honour the history and contributions of people of African descent, particularly their role in shaping society.
Dr Alake, a conspicuous guest speaker for this event, having co-written a book with seven other legal academics called Black Britain and Nelson Mandela – Pulling the branch of a tree” , offered The Eye Of Media.Com some insight into this event.
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”The book helps to recognise the efforts black people made in freeing Nelson Mandela’ ,and highlights the strength of character Mandela displayed after 27 years of incarceration. He came back standing tall. This is the kind of character we want to instil in our children.
”Many black people feel or have felt marginalised in society for different reasons, but what we want is for them to focus on their own strengths and proper development: knowing that what matters most is not their negative experiences, but their positive development and contributions to society. As black people, we must decide to be a success and be strong even in the face of adversity.
”There is no society in the world completely free from prejudicial tendencies, so black people must stand tall no matter any feelings of disadvantage they may feel, It is indeed a privilege to have have the Mayor of Southend and the two Southend Mps join us for this special event, as well as the other dignitaries who will again be present over the weekend. It affirms their commitment to this diverse city, and all the positive attributes diversity entails’.
‘This year’s theme ‘standing tall’ is to encourage black people to be proud of their heritage and change the narrative where there may be any distortions or inaccuracies.
”It is important for black people to stand tall and be proud of their heritage, and understand their tradition. Whilst being inclusive and part of their environment in Britain, it is important for them to retain and respect the positive traditions of their ancestors.
‘For example’ Africans value education highly, our parents want our children to be doctors, lawyers, accountants and so forth. A black child integrated into the society may become complacent in the company of individuals who may not hail from backgrounds that do share the same ideology. Our youngsters must remember that they are expected to ain very high, and not limit their ambition to the goals of some of their peers.
‘They should respect and adhere to the teaching and directions of their parents, and also co-operate with the assertive and disciplinary upbringing of their heritage, where necessary, in order to become dignified members of society.
‘We must not abandon the high qualities of our tradition, whilst also embracing any positive values in they find in the host country. Every culture has positive and negative characteristics. The goal is to advance the positive ones and weaken the negative characteristics.
”In African culture for instance, we do not call elders or parents by their first name. You call them sir. or uncle, or aunty. This attitude helps sustain a necessary degree of respect between the young and older generation. Although young people in Britain address adults by their first names, that is because it is a different culture. Black people need stand tall and be comfortable in maintaining and preserving their own tradition and culture, especially where they have admirable elements.
‘Adopt the positive values you see in the British culture and merge with your own positives, but don’t abandon your strong values in exchange for other practices which may not be as strong’
Empowerment
Alake, a doctorate holder in law and former Head of Procurement at University College London, is immersed in research and seeks to empower individuals and communities to optimise their resources and intrinsic qualities. High drive allied to perseverance, and the surmounting of challenges wherever encountered are attributes he espouses as a lifestyle.
”It will be a good event, there will be lots to discuss. Occasions like these are nice and to be cherished
Pic: X(@DavidBSampson)
Pic: X(@DavidBSampson)
Local leaders and community members gathered for the moving preliminary event, confirming the city’s support for this vital annual recognition.
One of the delighted attendee, David Burton-Sampson MP(Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh.), noted in a tweet the significance of seeing the city council formally acknowledge this important celebration. This visible act of recognition sends a clear message about inclusion to all residents.
Yesterday I joined The Mayor of Southend as he raised the #BlackHistoryMonth flag over Porters.
I am delighted to see our city recognising this important month of celebrations. pic.twitter.com/kdAnS2MHTK
— David Burton-Sampson MP (@DavidBSampson) October 11, 2025
The raising of the banner sets the tone for a full calendar of educational and cultural activities scheduled across the borough. These programs traditionally include workshops, exhibitions, and talks designed to engage the public and promote greater understanding of Black contributions to society, especially in Essex. Southend On Sea has a growing demography of black people.
The official launch of Southend Black History Month highlights the rich tapestry of cultures that contribute to the city’s identity. Organisers are encouraging everyone to participate in the upcoming events, fostering dialogue and learning throughout the month.
The investment in showcasing Black heritage underscores the municipality’s commitment to diversity, ensuring that Southend Black History Month is a truly city-wide experience.
Some of the dignitaries in attendance are:
Dr Alake with Councillor Maxine Sadza and MP David Burton-Sampson
Councillor Maxzine and MP David Burton-Sampson
MP Bayo Alaba with community leader Otunba Segogo in native atire
Dr Alake with Mayor Nigel Faulkand uphold Black History Month
Councillor Maxzine and MP David Burton-Sampson
Mp Bayo Alabi with community leaders
Dr Alake with Dr Alake with Councillor Maxine Sadza and MP David Burton-Sampson
Residents can easily access a complete schedule of events, including library programs and community lectures, by visiting the Southend Council’s Official Website. This symbolic flag-raising action ensures Southend Black History Month receives the prominence it deserves within the local civic calendar.
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