From Oscar-winner Steve McQueen to teenage author Lauryn Rose Teixeira, West Ealing Community Library is marking Black History Month in October by highlighting local voices and legacies.
The library, located on Melbourne Avenue, has launched its Black History Month programme by celebrating three figures with roots in the borough – from Oscar-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen to teenage author Lauryn Rose Teixeira – in a bid to highlight the power of heritage, creativity and community leadership.
Sir Steve McQueen – the only person ever to win both the Turner Prize and an Academy Award – grew up near to the library. Also recognised is Sala Abdalla, an Ealing surgeon and humanitarian who fled Sudan as a child refugee.
Joining them is Lauryn Rose Teixeira, a school pupil turned published author, whose writing has already won her the 2025 Young Ealing Foundation Award. Her family traces back to São Tomé and Cabo Verde.
The national theme this year, “Building futures from the past and standing firm in power and pride”, highlights the legacy of Black leadership and creativity while encouraging younger generations to embrace their heritage.
