The founder of a body promoting African Scots says people in Renfrewshire shouldn’t be afraid to mingle with all cultures.
Regine Bews was speaking ahead of Refugee Week which starts on June 14.
She founded the School of African Cultures to promote cultural identity for children of African descent born in Scotland,
The school aims to enable young Afro-Scots people to be able to challenge stigma and stereotypes.
Regine said: “It’s important for everyone in Renfrewshire to celebrate Refugee Week and remember many ethnic communities across the world at one point or another have sought refuge in other countries.
“This is also the right time to acknowledge and value the presence and contributions of ethnic communities and enable community cohesion, celebrate and showcase diversity across Renfrewshire.
“The cultures of ethnic communities in Renfrewshire could sometimes be claimed by others to be intimidating because of brighter colours, spicier flavours, different accents, louder songs and dances.
“Somehow, we will be surprised to find out that our cultures have similarities, our battles are similar and we share the same humanity.
“The ethnic communities in Renfrewshire will benefit from this event highlighting their cultural activities as it is a great way to show their contributions, presence and integration in Renfrewshire.”
A series of activities are being staged across Refugee Week by Renfrewshire Leisure
They include a film on Ren TV – Renfrewshire Leisure’s online TV channel – at 7pm on June 17 called Musicians in Exile – Always On The Move.
The film explores how refugees created new music during lockdown and how much that meant to them.
The Sharing Food Experiences Workshop is an event on Zoom between 2pm and 3pm on June 19.
It brings together food and poetry and will be led by poet Sean Wai Keung.
On June 16, at 7pm, Ren TV features a storytelling session by Tawona Sithole, who is a playwright and poet who uses creativity-based learning to make connections with other people.
This is part of Pachedu’s Cultural Café.
The photography competition being organised by the University of the West of Scotland is based around the theme of ‘We Cannot Walk Alone’.
Musicians from refugee communities in Renfrewshire and beyond will perform at Jambo! Radio’s social distancing studio on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram on June 18 and 19 between 5pm and 8pm.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of Renfrewshire Leisure said: “When people from the many diverse backgrounds in Renfrewshire come together, it connects communities and creates a rich tapestry of creativity and artistry. Renfrewshire’s culture is enhanced by the traditions and skills refugees and migrant communities bring.”
Full details can be found at: www.renfrewshireleisure.com/refugee-week
