Black History Month October 2008
More than 200 people attended the launch of the 10th Anniversary celebrations of Black History Month at an event at Stockport Town Hall. Stockport Council worked with the African & Caribbean Community Association (ACCA) to organise to organise the launch event on Friday 3rd October 2008.
The event was attended by members of local community, Council employees and representatives from several community groups and partner organisations including Greater Manchester Police, the Army, Solution SK, and the Probation Service.
The theme for this year’s Black History Month is ‘Participation and Engagement’ and everyone was encouraged to join in the music, entertainment and dancing which followed a meal that included tradition African and Caribbean food. Oxford student Hassiane Mansaray gave the vote of thanks after the dinner.
The event was officially opened by Cllr Martin Candler, Executive Member for Customer Focus, and included key note speeches from the following: John Schultz, Chief Executive of Stockport Council, spoke about the importance of celebrating our diverse communities and promoting community cohesion.
Mr. Tolu Fiberesima Chairperson of ACCA encouraged the Council to provide culturally appropriate services to best meet the needs of local communities. Marilyn Comrie, Chief Executive Officer of LeaderGen who urged Black people, particularly Black women, to use the support available to establish a presence in the global economy. Events coming up throughout October include:
- The new West African headwear exhibition at Stockport Hatworks Museum
- A multi-faith Church Service at Tiviot Dale Methodist Church on 12th October
- Themed book collections, story time and music themed craft sessions in local libraries throughout October
- Stockport Story’s ‘Football Banners’ craft activity to kick racism out of football on 28th October
- A celebration around Local Democracy Week at the Town Hall on 16th October from 5.00pm – 8.00pm
- ‘Have your say!’ with Stockport PCT – A chance to express your views on how their services meet your ethnic and cultural needs. Taking place on the 7th, 18th and 22nd October.
End.
