Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council working in partnership with Dartford Borough Council produced a community celebration for Black History Month on Wednesday 2nd October. The event was supported by Arts Council England and took place at the Orchard West Theatre.

The event was part of a month long programme celebrating the achievements and accomplishments of the Black diaspora in the UK with this year’s theme “Reclaiming Narrative.” Civic guests included Cllr Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, Mayor of Dartford Cllr Andy Lloyd, Jim Dickson MP along with Gurvinder Sandher Deputy Lieutenant of Kent.

The evening featured a range of guest speakers including Akua Agyepong, Director of Adult Social Care at KCC and Naomi Benjamin, founder of Medway based CIC The Sewin Project. The speakers spoke about their individual journeys and how being Black and British shaped their identifies and life paths.

There was also a screening of the a Cohesion Plus produced film detailing the story of local resident and baker Dela Oresanwo who despite great trials and tribulations, runs a successful home baking business bringing joy to her customers.

Uzambezi, a Zimbabwean dance and music troupe performed traditional songs and choreography throughout the evening, wowing guests with their interactive numbers.

Local micro businesses were also showcased on the night, ranging from natural beauty products, soaps and jewellery as well as Afro-Caribbean groceries, brands and ingredients. Guests were able to also try Afro-Caribbean cuisine provided by Jerk on the Hill as well as delicious home backed desserts provided by Dela Homebakes.

Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “I am proud of what we were able to achieve working with Dartford Borough Council. Our work in the borough celebrates its diversity and the shared history of residents regardless of background 12 months of the year, during Black History Month we just amp up this work as we believe strongly that Black History is British History and it needs to be celebrated across the year not just in October.”