Black History Month – October, 2023

Black History Month is a time of celebration, recognition and sombre reflection.  Black people from African and Caribbean communities have been an integral part of British history and society long before 1948. Despite the epidemic of racism and unfairness affecting black people, they continue to break barriers and use their creativity and innovation to influence lives today.

Black History Month (October) is a time to celebrate African and Caribbean cultures. DIVERSECrawley have included Chagossian culture too this time. 2023 Black History Month is going to be a very busy month for DIVERSECrawley as they plan to reach out to all community members of all ages by:

• Month long Diverse Authors Books Displays, (African, Caribbean and Chagossian) at Crawley and Broadfield Libraries for both children and adults.
• Month long exhibitions at Crawley Museum and for the first time at Crawley Library
• Visiting Ifield Community College assembly on 2^nd October to give a Black History Month Talk
• Read to children as young as 3 years old, some African, Caribbean and Chagossian stories at Crawley Library on 7^th October
• Crawley Museum Exhibition Launch (a free event, welcoming everyone), is on 7^th October from 12:30 to 4pm.

There will be VIPs like the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex Lady Emma Barnard, High Sheriff of West Sussex Andy Bliss and Crawley Mayor Jilly Hart, as well as many other esteemed guests.

They will give talks on the following themes:

1. Black Lives Matter Too Update
2. Windrush Scandal Update
3. Chagossian Islands History
4. African, Caribbean and Chagossian FASHION

There will be drumming, singing, cultural food tasting (African, Caribbean and Chagossian), children’s fashion show, workshops and much more.

•  On the 14^th October they are celebrating World Food Day with Mary’s Meals at Crawley Museum from 1pm to 3pm
• “Wear Red Day” to show racism the Red card, is on 20^th October where ALL community members are encouraged to wear red, take a photo and upload it on #WRD