News Celebrate Black History Month in Maidstone
Come along on Monday 28 October to celebrate Black History Month at Maidstone Town Hall and Jubilee Square in the county town of Kent.
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has organised an event to celebrate the history of African and Afro Caribbean culture between 11.30am to 3.30pm.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy exhilarating African drummers who will be performing in Jubilee Square, children and adults can decorate a bird of paradise mask, pimp up a traditional carnival costume and listen to fascinating stories. A Black British History exhibition will be on show in the Town Hall for history enthusiasts and tea and coffee will also be available. Traditional food such as rice and peas, Jerk Chicken and more will also be on sale.
In the UK, Black History Month is an annual event which takes place every October. It is a significant occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British society. The theme this year is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ which is a call to action for Black communities across the UK to step into the role of storytellers, historians, and custodians of heritage.
Cllr David Naghi, Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion at MBC:
“I am thrilled we are celebrating Black History Month with this great event and hope everyone comes along to celebrate with us. Please come and join in, everyone is welcome to enjoy the event.”
The timetable for activities are:
Arts and Crafts 11.30am – 3pm
African Drummers – 12 noon and 2pm
Steel Pan Band and Children’s Carnival Costume Parade – 1pm and 3pm
Storytime – 12.40pm and 2.40pm
Why not also drop in on a pop-up exhibition ‘Moments in Time’ at Maidstone Museum, where the work of Olive Graham-Desnoes is on display until Saturday 2 November in the fine art gallery in celebration of Black History Month.
Olive Graham-Desnoes was born in Jamaica St Anns and came to England at the age of nine years old to join her family. She was educated in the UK and later studied Fine Art at the West Surrey College of Art & Design.