Renfrewshire’s rich cultures will be celebrated in a series of events to inspire, inform and transform stereotypes as part of Black History Month.
Musicians and historians are among those supporting a packed programme during October, aimed at forging stronger cultural connections across the region.
Building on the success of becoming involved in the awareness-raising month for the first time last year, the majority of events will be broadcast via Renfrewshire Leisure’s RenTV channel, Jambo! Radio and social media.
Among the events planned are a service of cultural conversations between musician Matt Hickman, from the indie-rock band Brownbear, and special guests including songwriter Becky Sikasa, singer-songwriter and Jambo! founder George Tah Meh.
They will focus on the importance of music and culture for the black, indigenous and other people of colour (BPOC) communities and how race can affect their role within the industry.
There will also be the launch of the Frederick Douglas Google Map walking tour in Paisley.
The 3km loop is the first in a series of walking tours to be unveiled over the next year as part of the Heritage on Your Doorstep Project, funded by Museums Galleries Scotland.
It includes five locations where Frederick Douglass, the influential abolitionist campaigner, gave speeches in Paisley, heavily influencing public opinion.
An alliance of organisations - working with Renfrewshire Leisure - is spearheading the work, with events for all ages.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “Our programme of events to mark Black History Month will be both inspiring and informative.
“We believe strongly that the rich cultures which make up the communities of modern Renfrewshire should be celebrated.
“There is no place for ignorance, inequality or racism in our communities.
“These events highlight that, showing how our region is a better place because of the diversity of our communities, while also shining a spotlight on some of the issues that people face.
“This will be an enlightening programme that I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved with. Our thanks to all who have committed to it already.”
Black History Month events in Renfrewshire are being organised by The Ethnic Communities Cultural Steering Group. It includes the School of African Cultures, Inspiring Families, Jambo! Radio, Action For Culture and Ethics, Kairos+, University of the West of Scotland, Engage Renfrewshire, Sewing2gether All Nations and Renfrewshire Leisure’s Cultural Services team.
Other events taking place during October include a podcast series by students at the University of the West of Scotland; Sunday Continental, a brunchtime boogie for all ages; highlights from the Pen Pals project, which has forged connections between children of African heritage and those from Syrian migrant families; a Black History Month-themed book display in Paisley Central Library; and Kairos Women+, who are producing a Kairos Chronicle Black History Month Special.
The programme is funded by support from Future Paisley and Engage Renfrewshire.
Alan McNiven, chief executive of Engage Renfrewshire, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Renfrewshire’s Black History Month programme, which is a great example of what can be achieved through collaboration.
“We know that diversity enriches communities. The Ethnic Cultural Steering Group is an inspiring alliance, bringing people of all cultures and backgrounds together in the same way that the events planned over the next month will.
“The pandemic has shown us how important it is to work together, and at Engage we will continue to support community partnerships and collaborative working, because this is what makes communities stronger.
“We’re very excited to be supporting the Black History Month programme - it reflects our commitment to championing equality, diversity and inclusivity in our local communities.”
Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport in your area.
Available on both Android and Apple. Download here: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial
For full details about the Black History Month programme of events in Renfrewshire, go to www.renfrewshireleisure.com/renfrewshires-black-history-month-cultural-programme-2021/
