Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Category: News

  • Thousands turn up for Dartford Festival of Light!

    Thousands turn up for Dartford Festival of Light!

    Thousands turn up for Dartford Festival of Light!

    The 14th annual Dartford Festival of Light took place on Friday 17th November in Dartford Town Centre to huge success and was supported by Kent Equality Cohesion Council in partnership with Cohesion Plus, Dartford Borough Council and KKB Group.

    The event attracted record numbers, with around 1500 taking part in the parade element of the event and local 13 local schools taking part in the creative workshops ahead of the festivities, creating lanterns around the themes of community, unity, friendship and tolerance.

    Civic guests were also in attendance including Deputy Lieutenant Kelvin Holford, Mayor of Dartford Cllr Roseanna Currans, Leader of Dartford Borough Council Cllr Jeremy Kite, Gareth Johnson MP and Chairman of the KCC Cllr Gary Cooke. The festival climaxed with a free fireworks display in Central Park which was enjoyed by those in attendance.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, event organiser and CEO of KECC commented, “We are so proud with this year’s celebrations and the record turnout of attendees, old, urban and rural, from different faiths and backgrounds, all of who came out to support as residents of Dartford. Special thanks of course go to Dartford Borough Council for their ongoing partnership as well our event sponsors KKB, local business who put community at the heart of what they do.”

  • Remembrance Day 2023

    Remembrance Day 2023

    Remembrance Day 2023

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council marked Remembrance Day 2023 by laying wreaths at both the Gravesham and Dartford remembrance events. The wreaths were laid to highlight and mark the vast contributions and ultimate sacrifices made by soldiers from the Commonwealth.

    KECC in recent years have made a concerted effort to spread awareness of the soldiers from the Commonwealth and the doubtless part they played in Britain’s victory in the World Wars, a stark fact that has historically been sadly overlooked and erased. As such, the organisation has produced short films around the subject, with the intention to educate and inform the public around the many Commonwealth countries who contributed to the war effort, with soldiers serving in less than favourable conditions and who faced discrimination and racism from the very country they were serving.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “We are passionate about cultural diversity and representation, it is essentially the back bone of the work we do. So we felt it imperative to not only mark and pay tribute to those countless souls who served in the World Wars, but also mark the lives and sacrifices of those souls who do not have their names engraved on war monuments or have statues made in their honour. Every year we pay respect to the soldiers from the Caribbean, Africa and the Indian Sub-Continent who laid down their lives for our freedom and who deserve to be commemorated and celebrated alongside British soldiers. We thank them, commemorate them and hope that history will do the same in coming years.”

  • Black History Month Event Celebrating Local Communities and Businesses in Ebbsfleet

    Black History Month Event Celebrating Local Communities and Businesses in Ebbsfleet

    Black History Month Event Celebrating Local Communities and Businesses in Ebbsfleet

    A special community event took place at the Castle Hill Community Centre in Ebbsfleet on October 12th as part of the Dartford wide programme for Black History Month produced by Cohesion Plus, Dartford Borough Council and Kent Equality Cohesion Council.

    The theme of the event was to showcase local Black Business owned by women, reflecting the national theme of Black History Month 2023 of Celebrating our Sisters.

    The event was opened by Gurvinder Sandher from KECC and Elliese Bramble from Cohesion Plus. The two welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of these events as well as reflecting on the National Black History Month theme, Celebrating Our Sisters.

    They were followed by the Leader of Dartford Borough Council Cllr Jeremy Kite MBE who the importance of Black History Month and the need to celebrate the positive contribution made by communities with links to the Caribbean and Africa over many years to the UK.

    The key note speaker Alexandra Bode-Tunji Chief Strategy and Transformation officer from the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, who spoke about the positive contribution made by Doctors and Nurses with links to the Caribbean and Africa to the NHS, which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. She also spoke about the health inequalities that exist in the area and her desire to forge a closer working relationship between the NHS Trust and the local community.

    A number of local residents then shared information on some of their respective businesses and activities that they run in the areas. These included Yoshina Bhopal who delivers Bollywood inspired fitness sessions, Dela Oresanwo and Rebecca Ajwole who both set up micro catering businesses during lockdown and were supplying the food for the evening.

    Other business highlighted at the event included Eden Health who showcased their work around healthy living and the Afro-Caribbean Grocery which delivers traditional foods to the local community. There was also a demonstration from Tanya at TMG Business who got everyone up and working hard with a special boxercise class.

    The session finished with a talk by Nick Marden DL about the work of Charity Mentors Kent and Medway which provides free mentoring for charity Leaders across the county.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO commented “We are grateful for the support we received for this community celebration in Ebbsfleet. I was really pleased that we were able to showcase a number of local businesses and celebrate the positive contribution made by those from African and Caribbean heritage to the local economy and community.”

  • Wrotham Festival of Light

    Wrotham Festival of Light

    Wrotham Festival of Light

    The Kent Equality Cohesion Council were delighted to support the annual Wrotham Festival of Light which took place Friday October 13th .Despite the rain the community came together in the rural village of Wrotham in Tonbridge and Malling.

    The Village was transformed and lit up with a wonderful nature themed light installations. These were supplemented by colourful lanterns which were made by the pupils of St George’s Primary School.

    The highlight of the event was the colourful lantern parade which was slightly curtailed by the weather but none the less brought smiles to all who took part. The lantern parade along with school children and their families also featured some wonderful drumming from around the world including, Samba, Djembe and Dhol. The lantern parade finished at the cricket ground were the festival climaxed with a spectacular firework display by Phoenix Fireworks.

    The partners for the Wrotham Festival of Light alongside KECC were Cohesion Plus, St George’s Primary School, Wrotham Parish Council, Samesky and Arts Council England.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “It was so positive to see so many people coming out and supporting this community celebration both young and old. It is important at a time where there is extreme division in the world that we all remember that there is more that unites than divides. I am so proud of how this festival has evolved and it’s a showcase of what can be done when you work at a grass roots level with community partners.

  • Dartford Black History Month Celebrations

    Dartford Black History Month Celebrations

    Dartford Black History Month Celebrations

    KECC working in partnership with Dartford Borough Council and community partners organised an extensive programme of events to celebrate Black History Month 2023 in Dartford. This has included events in the Town Centre, Temple Hill and Ebbsfleet as well as a series of workshops in local schools.

    On Monday October 9th a Civic event attended by Deputy Lieutenant Kelvin Holford, KCC Chairman Cllr Gary Cooke, Leader of Dartford Borough Council Jeremy Kite and Mayor of Dartford Cllr Rosanna Currans took place at the Crossways Community Church in Dartford.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL and Elliese Bramble from KECC opened the event by welcoming those in attendance and talking about the importance of recognising the contribution of communities from Africa and the Caribbean throughout British history and not just since the end of the Second World War.

    Local community champion Garnet Johnson spoke about his family’s personal journey from the Caribbean to the UK and the many struggles they endured as well as their successes. He spoke about his connection to Dartford and the work he does with young people. Debo Brown the founder of Animation West Africa showcased the amazing work being done by the company and the rich stories and films to not only come out of Africa, but also being done in the UK by animators of African descent.

    Donovan Blair spoke after about this family’s connection to Windrush and their life in the UK as well as his experience as a first generation British born Black man. He spoke passionately about the impact that racism had throughout his life and the way he overcame it to succeed professionally as well as raise a happy biracial family.

    Andrea Vigille spoke on behalf of the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and talked about access to health as well as the steps being taken to tackle health inequalities amongst diverse communities. Bali Rodgers from Safer Communities Alliance covered the work being done by the organisation to help provide diversionary activity for young people as well as the importance of unity and community.

    Deputy Lieutenant Kelvin Holford spoke a word of thanks to all those in attendance and about how Dartford was one community regardless of background.

    Community partners and caterers Dela Oresanwo and Rebecca Ajewole closed the evening by talking about their local micro businesses both of which were created in the middle of lockdown amidst personal loss. Both business owners provided authentic Afro Caribbean cuisine and desserts to happy attendees.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC and event organiser, “As an organisation our whole ethos is about bringing communities together to celebrate what unites rather than divides. The simple fact is when we talk about Black history, it should not be separate from British history and I think it is often forgotten that the British ties with those from the Caribbean and African diaspora go back over hundreds of years. Those that are familiar with our work will know that we don’t just celebrate Black History only in October, but all year round just the way it should be. I would like to thank Dartford Borough Council and all our community partners for all their support for our programme this year.”

  • Health and Wellbeing Black History Month

    Health and Wellbeing Black History Month

    Health and Wellbeing Black History Month

    Continuing our programme of activity for Black History Month, KECC were delighted to work in partnership with The Dartford Health Living Centre and Dartford Borough Council to deliver a fun and informative health and well-being event with a particular focus on sickle cell, diabetes and adult social care.

    There was a variety of Jamaican and Nigerian food, along with performances by the Phase 5 Steel Band and some interactive arts and crafts workshops.

    A number of key partners were in attendance including Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford Borough Council, Kent County Council and community partners including Rethink Sahayak.

    The event was attended by Kent Equality Cohesion Council CO Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, Sharon Philips Chief Officer Healthy Living Center Dartford and the Mayor of Dartford Councillor Rosanna Currans.

  • Black History Month Events

    Black History Month Events

    Black History Month Events

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council is delighted to be working with Dartford Borough Council on a series of events for Black History Month. The celebrations include music and dance workshops with local schools from across the borough of Dartford.

    The programme was officially launched at Temple Hill Academy and was attended by Kent Equality Cohesion Council CO Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, Councillor Leader Jeremy Kite MBE, and the Mayor of Dartford Councillor Rosanna Currans.

    The workshops were led by renowned musician Lucky Moyo who taught the children how to play the djembe drums, some African dance steps and why it is important to celebrate a range of different festivals from Saint George’s Day to Black History Month.

  • 20th Anniversary of Maidstone Mela sees Founder Member Remembered

    20th Anniversary of Maidstone Mela sees Founder Member Remembered

    Temperatures soared at the beloved Maidstone Community Mela in Mote Park on Sunday September 10th which celebrated 20 years of bringing communities together from across the borough and was supported by Arts Council England, Maidstone Borough Council and Unison South East.

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council and its predecessor North West Kent Racial Equality Council have been involved with the Mela since its inception in 2003 when it was founded by the former Mayor of Maidstone the late Morel D’Souza in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. He wanted to organise an event to celebrate the diversity of Maidstone bringing communities together. The Mela for the most part over this period has traditionally taken place on the second Sunday in September.

    The 20th anniversary of the Mela was marked with a special presentation which was arranged by the KECC CEO Gurvinder Sandher and featured the High Sheriff of Kent Nadra Ahmed, Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Brigadier Wood, Kent County Council Chairman Gary Cooke and Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Gordon Newton. A silver salver was presented to Karin D’Souza, the widow of Morel recognising his contribution and leadership to the Mela over many years.

    There was a 6 hour stage programme with an array of diverse artists cultures represented on and off stage. Highlights included Uzambezi traditional Zimbabwean singing and dance troupe, Kitka Bulgaria Dancers and Square Peg Arts an award winning arts organisation whose choir consists of young people and adults with SEND as well as local community groups including the Maidstone Nepalese Community Group, Kerala Culture Association and the Maidstone Malayalee Association.

    Further acts included the Kings of Dhol the UK’s leading Dhol ensemble, Jassi Sidhu international Bhangra Superstar and One Love Orchestra who wowed the crowd with their renditions of Reggae classics.

    CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL said: “We are grateful to the local community and all of our partners for their support over the past 20 years. I never envisaged in 2003 that we would still be delivering the Mela in 2023. Much credit needs to go to our community partners who have worked so hard alongside us each year to enable to Mela to take place and to celebrate the diversity and cohesion of Maidstone, our County town in Kent.’’

  • Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival

    Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival

    The Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival returned to Calverley Grounds on Sunday 23rd July. The free to attend community celebrations were organised in partnership by Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Cohesion Plus, supported by Arts Council England and Royal Tunbridge Wells Together.

    Festival attendees who attended in their thousands experienced a full, culturally diverse artistic programme both on and off stage, comprising of both local and national talent. Also available were free musical workshops for ages 0-5, parents and guardians as well as cuisine from around the world for attendees to enjoy.

    Civic guests were also in attendance including Deputy Lieutenant Georgie Warner, Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Huges Patterson and Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Cllr Ben Chapelard who spoke from the main stage about the importance of coming together to celebrate community and diversity.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC who produced the Mela commented, “We are incredibly pleased that we were able to deliver another community focused, culturally diverse event consisting of art forms and artists from around the world. The ethos of the Mela Festival is to bring people together to celebrate difference in a positive and enlightening way. The fact that Tunbridge Wells has been so receptive to the event over the course of a decade speaks volumes about the area and how community matters regardless of ethnicity, background, faith and gender. We always look forward to coming to Tunbridge Wells to deliver this event and are already planning on returning next year.”

  • Windrush Celebrations take place across Gravesend, Dartford and Maidstone

    Windrush Celebrations take place across Gravesend, Dartford and Maidstone

    A week of activity took place across Gravesend, Dartford and Maidstone to celebrate Windrush Day and the 75th Anniversary of the arrival of the SSE Windrush. Organised and delivered by the North Kent Caribbean Network and supported by Cohesion Plus, Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Dartford Borough Council, Gravesham Dartford Borough Council and Kent County Council.

    The programme of events were launched by a flag raising and networking event in Dartford which was attended by Deputy Lieutenant Kelvin Holford and Leader of the Council Cllr Jeremy Kite as well as staff members from Dartford Borough Council and community members.

    This was followed by a community luncheon in Gravesham which saw community guests and senior staff from Gravesham Borough Council. The event was also an opportunity to showcase exhibition produced by the NKCN called ‘The Front Room’ which serves as a time capsule for what would have been a typical household for those who arrived from the Caribbean to the UK.

    Furthermore, a special Windrush event and flag raising ceremony took place on Thursday 22nd June at County Hall in Maidstone to mark 75 years since the arrival of the SSE Windrush to the UK in 1948. The event began the flag raising outside of Sessions House which was attended by partners, community and NKCN group members as well as KCC and Kent Police colleagues. The flag which was designed by a volunteer from NKCN, flew centre stage at the top of Sessions House and was flown for the remainder of the week to mark the national celebrations for Windrush 75.

    The flag raising was followed by a luncheon serving traditional Caribbean cuisine that was attended by civic guests including High Sheriff of Kent Nadra Ahmed and Chairman of Kent County Council Cllr Gary Cooke. Also in attendance were the Leader of KCC Cllr Roger Gough and Chief Superintendent Shaun White from Kent Police.

    The exhibition was presented in its entirety at County Hall and gave those in attendance the opportunity to interact to view it as well as talk with the Windrush generation from North Kent who were also on hand to talk about their experiences and challenges working, studying and living in the UK.