Online celebration of Black History Month

A NEW and exciting programme of online cultural events is being staged to celebrate Black History Month.

Black History Month, throughout October, celebrates and recognises the outstanding contributions people of African and Caribbean descent have made to the world over many generations.

Matt Hickman, lead vocalist of the band Brownbear is appearing in the Black History Month: Our Culture, Our Future series of online events.

The programme – Black History Month: Our Culture, Our Future – has been co-curated by Renfrewshire Leisure, Engage Renfrewshire, Jambo! Radio, Pachedu, University of the West of Scotland, Action for Culture and Ethics and the School of African Culture.

This inaugural year of events will be held via online platforms and on Jambo! Radio and includes an online exhibition called Museum of Me, curated by children from the African School of Culture; a podcast featuring the children discussing the theme of identity and exploring what it means to be African and Scottish living in Renfrewshire in 2020.

There will also be online performances from an eclectic mix of musicians and artists including Joshua Idehen, Brownbear, and storyteller Michael Kerins.

The celebration of Black History Month will culminate on October 28 with a webinar on the representation of black, Asian, minority ethnic talent in the arts in Scotland and Renfrewshire, in particular.

Speakers will include Milica Milosevic from Creative Scotland, musician Matt Hickman from Brownbear, and Christian Harrison from the University of the West of Scotland.

They will offer a range of insights for cultural practitioners, students and decision-makers into why black, Asian, minority ethnic representation is vital to the health of our arts sector and to vitality of our art.

Founder of Jambo! Radio, George Tah Meh explains; “Jambo! Radio is involved in the planning sub-group for Black History Month, in Renfrewshire and as a radio station for the people of Afro-Caribbean heritage, it is important we lead by contributing on the theme and programmes of Black History Month.

Poet and musician Joshua Idehen is appearing in the Black History Month: Our Culture, Our Future series of online events.

“It is also important for our organisation to be at the forefront of Black History Month for our audience and the Afro-Caribbean community in Renfrewshire.”

Regine Bews, founder of School of African Culture added: “In the preparation for the Black History Month 2020, we have been co-creating a digital project in partnership with Renfrewshire Leisure’s Creative Learning Team.

“My participation and the decision by Renfrewshire Leisure and Renfrewshire Council be involved in Black History Month is a huge step towards more inclusion of the black and minority ethnic community.

“For our organisation, this is a great opportunity to mark the presence of black African people in Renfrewshire; to foster pride in Scottish children of black African descent about their origins; to educate the community about African history in Renfrewshire and contribute to more community acceptation and cohesion.”

These activities for Black History Month are funded by Renfrewshire Council and delivered in partnership with Renfrewshire Leisure as part of Future Paisley. Future Paisley is radical and wide-ranging programme of events, activities and investments using the town’s unique and internationally significant cultural stories to transform its future.

Chairperson of Renfrewshire Leisure, Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes said: “The vibrancy of the black community’s art, music and literature is a wonderful aspect to both Scottish and Renfrewshire’s culture.

“This programme of events will certainly be welcome, entertaining and informative to everyone in Renfrewshire and throughout the rest of Scotland.”

Go to www.renfrewshireleisure.com/black-history-month/ for details about the Black History Month: Our Culture, Our Future events programme.