An exhibition celebrating African and Caribbean communities’ stories and contributions opens in Stratford, reports Neandra Etienne.

A banner reading 'Out and about with Neandra'

A Welcoming Table exhibition, curated by Aurea Reis, an award-winning author, and TEDx speaker and photographer Darren Watley, is inspired by this year’s Black History Month theme Reclaiming Narratives.

Using African clothing as a central part of the project, the exhibition honours men and women from African and Caribbean communities across the UK, highlighting their untold stories and contributions.

The exhibition participants include Forest Gate author of Loving the Brothers Pamela R Haynes and poet Dawn Lennon from Newham. The exhibition will launch on Friday 1 November, 1pm at The University of East London (Stratford Campus), then daily at 10am and 4pm until Friday 29 November. There will also be a full online exhibition.

Visit for more info: darrenwatley.com

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.