This October, as the UK marks Black History Month, The Independent celebrates its 40th anniversary as a global force in news; a milestone that reflects four decades of innovation, disruption and free thinking.

Free thinking is at the heart of The Independent’s 40th anniversary celebrations, and to mark the occasion, the publication is once again partnering with the UK Black Comms Network for an exclusive event that puts the Black community at the centre of the conversation through the lens of free thinking.

In partnership with The Independent, the UK Black Comms Network will host An Evening With Symeon Brown on Wednesday 28 October in London, bringing Black storytellers, journalists and creatives into the room with the people shaping Britain’s media and communications industry.

Symeon Brown, Channel 4 News Home Affairs correspondent and author of The Good, the Black and the Boujee: How Black Britain Became Middle Class, will join an audience for an honest conversation about ambition, class and what “Black excellence” really costs. The conversation will dig into the questions the book raises: how Black Britons have risen to the top of some of the country’s most visible industries, why so many still say racism is getting harder to navigate, and what a growing Black middle class means for everyone else.

The evening will include the conversation, audience Q&A, book signing and networking.

Kamiqua Lake, founder of the UK Black Comms Network, says: “Symeon has written the book a lot of us have been talking about in group chats and at dinner tables for years. He asks the uncomfortable questions about class and success in Black Britain, and he backs them up with data. For a room full of communicators, it’s a conversation we need to have, because we’re the ones shaping how stories get told. We’re proud to be bringing it to life with The Independent.”

Barney Henderson, UK Editor of The Independent remarks: “We’re so pleased to continue our four-year relationship with UK Black Comms Network as we mark The Independent’s 40th anniversary. At The Independent’s core is free thinking and so it’s right that this is the theme of our celebrations. This event is a particularly meaningful opportunity to recognise Black free thinkers such as Symeon and recognise their extraordinary contributions to culture, society and public discourse. We will always champion the voices, ideas and conversations that reflect The Independent’s enduring commitment to free thinking, independence, innovation and inclusivity.”

Wednesday 28th October, 7pm

The Hoxton Shepherd’s Bush

An Evening With Symeon Brown