Dalston Junction London Overground station was transformed once again for Arriva Rail London’s (ARL) Black History Month closing celebration, hosting a vibrant event bringing together music and poetry.

For the event, ARL partnered with BLAM UK, a charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Black communities, particularly those of African and Caribbean heritage. Their team set up an engaging stand at the station, drawing in commuters and colleagues with sweets and a quiz, and leaving them with valuable resources and insights to support mental health.

Brett Dryden, EDI manager at Arriva Rail London, said: “It was amazing seeing everyone from – solo commuters to whole groups of children – engaging and being open about mental health while learning about some amazing Black heroes at the same time.

“Our colleagues based at Dalston Junction, and those who came before or after their shifts elsewhere, really make these events worthwhile. It feels like a family reunion that everyone wants to go to.”

As day turned to evening, the station came alive with music courtesy of service delivery manager, Bentley Brooks, and customer host, Walé Agunbiadé. The duo transformed the ticket hall into a dancehall, spinning soulful tracks while sharing heartfelt messages about the current emergency in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.

The celebration also featured powerful spoken word performances, thanks to a partnership with the Obsidian Foundation – a retreat for Black poets of African descent dedicated to empowering and growing Black voices through poetry. Their words echoed through the ticket hall, offering moments of reflection, courage and joy.

The celebration at Dalston Junction capped off a month of meaningful activity across ARL. Earlier in October, colleagues took part in an interactive workshop led by BLAM UK, exploring how race, identity, and mental health intersect, with practical strategies for culturally sensitive support and active allyship. Colleagues were also invited to celebrate unsung heroes – individuals whose stories and contributions deserve to be shared – and to join a Black History Month Book Club featuring two powerful titles exploring Black British identity and culture.

The company also shone a light on chocolatier Dark Sugars, sharing their handmade chocolates with colleagues to highlight and support Black-owned businesses.