Celebrating Black History Month
PEOPLE in Inverclyde are being invited to celebrate Black History Month through a range of local events and activities taking place.
A series of shows, talks and performances are taking place throughout October at libraries, the Watt Institution and Beacon Arts Centre to mark the annual event.
Black History Month aims to celebrate the continued achievements and contributions of black people to Scotland, the UK and around the world but also raises awareness of issues such as racism, equality and historical slavery.
Provost Drew McKenzie joined with some of the contributors involved in the Inverclyde events to lend his support, including Jideofor Muotune who is leading the ‘#theafrowegian presents…’ series taking place at the Beacon Arts Centre.
Provost McKenzie said: “Diversity is something to be embraced and celebrated and Black History Month allows us to do that and look at the significant contribution black people have made to this area, Scotland, the UK and across the world.
“We cannot erase the past and chapters such as the transatlantic slave trade of which we see so many reminders of locally – and nor should we.
“By educating people about the past will help to consign exploitation, racism and prejudice to history once and for all and ensure a brighter future for everyone.”
The theme of Black History Month this year is ‘Time for Change: Action Not Words’.
Jideofor Muotune, creative director of afrowegian.org, said: “I’m passionate about sharing content that facilitates nuanced debate about race and culture in Scotland on my platform theafrowegian.org.
“As a black man, born in Nigeria but brought up in Glasgow, I’m really proud of my dual identity because I believe diversity is important. It helps us make better decisions.
“Black History Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate, share and learn about the history of black peoples in Scotland.
“I hope people get that this history is all Scots’ history and not just for Scottish people of colour.
“For example the recent revelation that that famous son of Greenock, James Watt, profited directly and indirectly from the Transatlantic Slave Trade, gives us an opportunity to revisit Scottish history with an informed transatlantic context. We should not be scared. We should be brave and bold.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to curate a series of events at this wonderful building in a wonderful location because Positive Education Always Corrects Error.”
For more information about events taking place as part of Black History Month, visit www.discoverinverclyde.com.