Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Author: susan

  • Windrush Community Celebrations takes place online for the first time

    Windrush Community Celebrations takes place online for the first time

    Windrush Community Celebrations takes place online for the first time

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council in partnership with Cohesion Plus and the North Kent Caribbean Network for the first time ever organised a special online event in celebration of the Windrush generation. Poignantly the event took place on Windrush Day and had over 100 local community members in attendance. Civic guests also attended including Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Bhagwara Vasudaven, KCC Leader, Mr Roger Gough, KCC Chairman Cllr Graham Gibbens, Mayor of Gravesham Cllr John Caller and Inspector Craig West from Kent Police.

    The event organisers Gurvinder Sandher CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council and the Chair of the North Kent Caribbean Network, Michelle Bramble felt this year’s celebrations were more important than ever in the midst of the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests as well as the devastating impact Covid -19 has had on communities from a BAME background.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of KECC commented, “We were incredibly humbled and proud to be able to host the first ever online Windrush celebrations in recognition of the enormously positive contributions made by the Windrush generation and their decedents in the UK. Despite not being able to celebrate in person, we were no less enthused to celebrate with local members of the community and civic guests online. To say we are living in tumultuous times would be something of a painful understatement however, we wanted to champion the Windrush generations and celebrate their achievements especially when history has tended to overlook this. As such, we felt it imperative to take this valuable opportunity to celebrate in the midst of the impact of Covid – 19 which has hit BAME communities disproportionately higher. With the ongoing protests around Black Lives Matter and the widely reported recognition of systemic racism still prevalent in 2020 we will continue to celebrate and champion diversity until true equality is achieved.”

  • Solidarity around the Black Lives Matter campaign

    Solidarity around the Black Lives Matter campaign

    A Statement from Cohesion Plus and the North Kent Caribbean Network on thier event around the Black Lives Matter campaign

    On Thursday 4th June in Gravesend’s Fort Gardens, the Kent Equality Cohesion Council, North Kent Caribbean Network and Cohesion Plus organised an event for a limited, invited number of community members to come together with the appropriate social distancing measures in place, to show our support for the diverse communities as well as remember and reflect on the tragic killing of George Flyod at the hand of American police officers in Minneapolis.

    We are incredibly grateful and proud that the Chief Constable of Kent Alan Pughsley and colleagues attended to show solidarity with the members of the community that were invited to attend. It is important and necessary at this time that strong leadership is shown and that we remind others to call out social injustices where they exist.

    All our work is about diverse communities coming together as we passionately believe that there is more that unites us than divides us. We were very heartened by the positive response to this issue by Kent Police and other partners and we think it is imperative that those who believe in equality, human civil rights and justice stand up, and speak out on this vital issue. It is our inherent duty and responsibility to educate and contribute towards a progressive society to ensure there is fairness and equality for all as well as future generations. The Chief Constable and his team helped us take that vital step on the 4th June by taking a knee, a symbol that speaks of humility and respect – not submission or surrender.

    The response on the whole has been very positive, with members from the community inspired and comforted at a time, which has in many areas led to violence and conflict. This, added to impact that COVID-19 has had on BAME communities means that we need inspirational leaders to show their solidarity and support for the diverse communities within the County.

    It is however with great sadness that we have witnessed several sensationalised, negative and bias articles in both our local and national press that we feel need to write this statement. We advocate the need for ongoing conversations about race, social inequalities and injustice and the media coverage so far shows just how much work we still have to do. We will continue to strive towards our goal of social and racial equality because it is the moral, responsible and right thing to do.

    We cannot right the wrongs of the past, but we can help to build a better future. We hope that by joining our voices to this vital cause we can raise awareness and address racism at its root by continuing to have conversations at home, in our workplaces and schools. We strongly believe that there is more that unites us than divides and that as communities, we are stronger when we work together.

    Gurvinder Sandher
    CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council
    Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus

    Michelle Bramble
    Chair of North Kent Caribbean Network

  • Community Support

    Community Support

    Community Support

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council and North Kent Caribbean Network organised for community members to come together with the appropriate social distance measures in place to remember and reflect on the tragic killing of George Floyd at the hands of American police officers in Minneapolis. With the Black Lives Matter movement spreading globally the short event provided an opportunity for those attending to gather for a moment of silence and the symbolic taking of the knee as a sign of solidarity.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “Over the last few days we have been contacted by key community partners and colleagues in relation to how we could show solidarity and support for the Black Lives Matter movement. We felt, as an organisation that strives to fight discrimination and unite diverse communities that it was our responsibility to recognise the racism that is still present in our society and condemn it in the strongest way. We hope that by joining our voices to this vital cause we can raise awareness and address racism at its root by continuing to have conversations at home, in our work places and schools.”

    Michelle Bramble, Chair of the North Kent Caribbean Network who addressed the event said, “This case in particular has hit us hard. How many times do we have to hear the words ‘I can’t breathe’ before people begin to accept that all lives don’t matter until black lives matter. The responsibility lies with everyone, not just people of colour so I’m asking everyone to educate themselves, have a conversation and more importantly challenge racist behaviour with the support of our community partners. The pandemic has changed the way the world works forever, as has the killing of George Floyd and countless others who did not go viral. We cannot go back to how things were before.”

    According to Alan Pughsley the Chief Constable for Kent who was also in attendance “It was important to me for us to take part in this show of solidarity. We at Kent Police stand with all those who are horrified at the manner in which George Floyd lost his life. It is right there is accountability and justice should follow”

    “I am fortunate to lead a Force whose officers share my passion and pride in policing. I am extremely proud of this and our communities can be confident we listen, we work with them to solve problems and we are accountable for the service we provide. We are never complacent and always strive to be better.”

  • Prominent figure in the Sikh community loses battle with cancer

    Prominent figure in the Sikh community loses battle with cancer

    Prominent figure in the Sikh community loses battle with cancer

    Tributes have poured in from around the world for Makhan Singh Johal, one of the most well-respected and prominent figures in the Sikh community in Gravesend. He sadly passed away at the age of 64 after a long battle with cancer.

    Makhan arrived in Gravesend in 1975 and along with running a number of local successful businesses, he was best known for his contribution to the local arts and sports scene gaining worldwide recognition. During the course of his prolific singing career, spanning over 35 years, he performed with Jugnu Bhangra Group, Rooh Punjab Dee and Four by Four Bhangra at events around the world, entertaining thousands with his powerful voice and onstage personality.

    Makhan was also well known for the positive contribution he made to the Guru Nanak Kabbadi Club where he played the Punjabi sport for many years both in the UK and abroad. In latter years he was an active member of management for the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend where he served the community selflessly for many years. Makhan also focused his energy on supporting the underprivileged in Punjab, North India where he was born. This included regular free eye camps and drop in sessions around cancer awareness as well as creating a free gym and boxing club which supported females across all ages.

    Gurvinder Sandher CEO of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council, “I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Makhan Singh Johal, someone who I had the honour of knowing for many years and who was an avid supporter of our work. He was a much loved figure who was very well known within the Sikh community not just in the UK but around the world. This is underlined by the fact that since his passing tributes have poured in globally from artists within the Punjabi music industry to members of the local community whose hearts he touched. He will be dearly missed by the community but we will find solace in the fact that his legacy lives on in his family and within the cultural and sports scene in Gravesham to which he contributed so greatly to.”

  • Virtual Saint George’s Day Celebrations 2020

    Virtual Saint George’s Day Celebrations 2020

    Virtual Saint George’s Day Celebrations 2020

    Despite the Covid-19 pandemic Cohesion Plus working in partnership with Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Dartford Borough Council and Gravesham Borough Council arranged a series of activities as part of virtual Saint George’s Day celebrations which took place on April 23rd. The centre piece was a short film with a message about staying safe and supporting the NHS. The film was produced by Cohesion Plus and featured a range of local diverse artists such as Bill Singh and Lucky Moyo as well as community and public sector partners including the leaders of the Gravesham and Dartford Borough Councils and Chief Constable of Kent Police Alan Pughsley QPM.

    In addition to the film there were a range of online activities including creative arts activities, sessions on how to make bunting and photo collages, quizzes as well as the sharing of some of the memorable moments from Saint George’s Day festivals over the past decade. A highlight was the virtual flag raising ceremonies.

    Gurvinder Sandher, Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus commented, “These are extraordinary times we find ourselves in with the ongoing pandemic. The impact of Covid-19 has been felt far and wide and in so many complex and distressing ways. I am therefore very pleased that working with local partners and Arts Council England we have been able to pull together virtual Saint George’s Day celebrations. Now more than ever we need to celebrate all that binds us together regardless of ethnicity, background or faith”

  • ITV Meridian

    ITV Meridian

    ITV Meridian

    KECC in recent weeks have been working with local community and faith organisations to support those who have been left stranded in Northern India following the recent outbreak of the Covid – 19 pandemic. Below is a link to a news feature which was aired on ITV Meridan on Friday 17th April and features the CEO of KECC Gurvinder Sandher.

    News feature 17thApril

    Click here
  • Saint George’s Day 2020 celebrations cancelled

    Saint George’s Day 2020 celebrations cancelled

    Saint George’s Day 2020 celebrations cancelled

    The annual Dartford and Gravesham Saint George’s day celebrations which this year was to feature 22 local schools from the areas on April 23rd have been cancelled due to the ongoing threat of Coronavirus. The celebrations which are some of the biggest in the South East are organised by Kent Equality Cohesion Council working in partnership with Cohesion Plus, Gravesham Borough Council and Dartford Borough Council.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of KECC commented, “It is imperative at this time that the safety of the schools, artists and members of the public is paramount. Following discussions with partners and taking into consideration the government’s advice on public gatherings, we felt it was best to cancel the celebrations. It is important in these most extraordinary of time that as communities, we stick together and support each other through this period.”

  • Diverse communities celebrate Commonwealth Day in Gravesham

    Diverse communities celebrate Commonwealth Day in Gravesham

    Diverse communities celebrate Commonwealth Day in Gravesham

    A special community event took place in Gravesham at Saint Andrew’s Arts Centre on Tuesday 10th March to celebrate the Commonwealth and the positive contribution made in the borough by local residents with links to Commonwealth countries. This event was part of Commonwealth Day celebrations which took place around the globe.

    The event was organised by the Kent Equality Cohesion Council in partnership with Cohesion Plus and the North Kent Caribbean Network. The evening saw performances from Phase 5 Steel Band and the GTown Collective, a group of young grime rappers from the borough. Speakers included Gurvinder Sandher from the Kent Equality Cohesion Council who spoke about the key role that the Commonwealth has played in British history including the positive contribution made by soldiers during the two World Wars. Michelle Bramble, the Chair of the North Kent Caribbean Network spoke about the Windrush generation and how their contribution towards the rebuilding of the UK after the Second World War should never be forgotten.

    Furthermore, a special award of recognition was presented to Alberta Theresa Jaggon, the widow of Cllr Joseph Jaggon a former Mayor of Gravesham. The award recognised both Mr and Mrs Jaggon’s contributions to the promotion of positive community relations in the borough over the many years.

    Guests included the Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Gurdip Bungar, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Bhargwara Vasudaven, Chairman of the Kent County Council Cllr Ann Allen, Cllr John Burden Leader of Gravesham Borough Council, Inspector Craig West from Kent Police and Manpreet Dhaliwal the President of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara.

    Gurvinder Sandher the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “In today’s social climate I believe it is vital to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the vast diversity of Gravesham as well as listen to the many stories of those individuals who made their way to the UK from Commonwealth countries like Jamaica and India in the 1940’s. Those stories tell of great challenges and struggles and serve as a valuable foundation to the positive community relations we enjoy today.”

    Michelle Bramble, Chair of the North Kent Caribbean Network commented, “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who attended this event, especially the communities that hail from the many Commonwealth countries. Events like this are important, where different generations come together to remember and celebrate our shared histories.”

  • Tree planting ceremony to commemorate the founder of the Sikh faith

    Tree planting ceremony to commemorate the founder of the Sikh faith

    Tree Planting

    Dartford Borough Council in partnership with the Kent Equality Cohesion Council and the Dartford Guru Hargobind Gurdwara held a special tree planting ceremony in Central Park to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of the Sikh faith. The event took place on Saturday 8th February and the initiative was led by Cllr Avtar Sandhu MBE.

    The event was attended by various community and faith partners including Leader of Dartford Borough Council Cllr Jeremy Kite, Mayor of Dartford Cllr Roger Perfitt, KCC Chair Cllr Ann Allen, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council Gurvinder Sandher and Co-Ordinator Officer from the Indian High Commission Varinder Khera.

    The ceremony was a culmination of a week of activity in Dartford including the hosting a special exhibition on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji which was displayed in the Peter Blake Gallery in Dartford Library. The exhibition was created by the Indian High Commission and has toured extensively around the UK and Europe.

    Gurvinder Sandher CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “This was a great initiative led by Cllr Sandhu and colleagues from Dartford Borough Council. We hope the tree will live to grow healthy and strong and serve as a symbol of the importance of communities in Dartford coming together to celebrate all that binds us. This is in line with the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was a great advocate of breaking down religious and social barriers, something that is just as important now as it was then.”

    Cllr Avtar Sandhu MBE commented, “It was amazing to see so many people visit the exhibition over the last week and also attend the tree planting ceremony. We are very grateful for the support provided by the Indian High Commission in making this possible. The Sikh community in Dartford have a long and proud tradition and this exhibition underlines the values and ethos of the Sikh faith.”

  • Exhibition on the Life and Times of Guru Nanak Dev Ji – Founder of the Sikh Faith

    Exhibition on the Life and Times of Guru Nanak Dev Ji – Founder of the Sikh Faith

    As part of the world wide celebrations to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of the Sikh faith, Dartford Borough Council in partnership with the Kent Equality Cohesion Council have arranged a special exhibition which will be on display in the Peter Blake Gallery in Dartford Library until the 10th February.

    The launch took place on Saturday 1st February and was attended by various community and faith partners. The event was addressed by Deputy Mayor of Dartford Cllr Rosanna Curran, Cabinet Member for Art and Culture Cllr Patsy Thurlow, D P Singh from the Indian High Commission, Cllr Avtar Sandhu MBE and CEO of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council Gurvinder Sandher.

    The exhibition was created by the Indian High Commission and has toured extensively around the UK and Europe. The exhibition covers the life and times of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, his many teachings and how these teachings are still relevant to this day in great detail and artistry.

    Gurvinder Sandher CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “I am delighted that working with Dartford Borough Council that we have been able to secure this fantastic exhibition. I hope that as many people as possible regardless of faith have an opportunity to come and view it and learn more about Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was a great advocate of breaking down religious and social barriers, something that is just as important now as it was then.”

    Cllr Avtar Sandhu MBE commented, “It was amazing to see so many people at the launch of the exhibition. We are very grateful for the support provided by the Indian High Commission in making this possible. The Sikh community in Dartford have a long and proud tradition and this exhibition underlines the values and ethos of the Sikh faith.”