Derry's first celebration of Black History Month is set to take place later this week.
Organised by the North West Migrants Forum and jointly hosted by Rt. Rev Andrew Forster, Bishop of Derr y and Raphoe and Bishop Donal Mc Keown, the city's first Black History Month celebration will bring together religious, political, and community leaders with community groups to explore black history and its relevance through a series of workshops.
The event will celebrate the extraordinary rich and varied cultures of people of African descent currently living in Northern Ireland as well as highlight some of the key issues facing the black community in Northern Ireland.
It will also see a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of people of African descent through music, spoken words and dance.
Several speakers will be featured throughout the day including Dominque Day, the Chairperson of the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, Patrick Corrigan, from Amnesty International, and junior ministers at the Executive Office Gary Middleton MLA and Declan Kearney amongst others.
Dr Livingstone Thompson, Chairperson of the African and Caribbean support organisation, said his participation in the event is about "collaboration and raising awareness."
He said: "I'm keen to highlight that the triumphalism in the narration of British history is a disservice to education. A key task facing educators is to achieve a decolonised curriculum, which can only be achieved throughout a genuine diverse and inclusive approach to curriculum development.
"There's a coincidence of emphasis in the focus on Black History and the UN Decade for People of African Descent; it is about the elimination of myth of European superiority and the need to redress the crime of the African Holocaust”.
The North West Migrants Forum's Director of Programmes, Lilian Seenoi -Barr, added they're "delighted" to organise such an important event.
She said: "The event provides a great opportunity to reflect and learn about the connection between black people and European countries. No matter where we come from, or our background, it’s important for us all to have a better understanding of black history.
"Learning about our past and the events that led to black people’s presence in European countries can help us understand our origin, the roots of racism and why it still exists today. Understanding the roots of racism can help us to break down barriers of racism and prejudice."
The event will be held on Saturday, October 23, at the City Hotel from 10.30 am to 4 pm.
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