News Archive

Black History Month 2009

Celebrated in the Heart of Butetown
Events held throughout October at Wales Millennium Centre

Black History Month (BHM) is a remembrance of the important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated annually during the month of October in Britain. It’s origins go back to 1926 when Carter G Woodson, (Editor- Journal of Negro History), established African Caribbean celebrations in America. It is still celebrated there each year in February. Here in Britain, BHM has grown to over 6,000 events each year, with events and activities taking place in various areas across Wales.

Black History Month (BHM) 2009 will this year cumulate in an all day event at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff on Saturday 31 October. This will build on last years historic event that involved simultaneous workshops held across Wales for the first time ever. The activities involved this year will again focus on children, teenagers and adults participating in arts, crafts, gospel, rap, creative murals, family trees, percussion and mask making.

This year’s celebrations are funded by the Arts Council of Wales and Cardiff Council and are again being facilitated by Black Voluntary Sector Network Wales (BVSNW) with the support of several local organisations and over 40 volunteers.

We expect attendance numbers to far exceed last years amazing turn out of over 1,100 people from a diverse range of backgrounds and ages from throughout Wales.
Wales Millennium Centre will be transformed into an interactive cultural experience offering performances, workshops, motivational speeches and exhibitions exploring ‘African/Black History’.

Entertainment showcased on the day will be provided by artists from BVSNW’s Black and Minority Ethnic Artist Database and will also showcase local schools.

An official launch of Black History Month will be held at Wales Millennium Centre on Monday 5 October at 12.00 noon in Glanfa. This event will include performances and speeches. Please call BVSNW to reserve your space.

Further events will be taking place at Wales Millennium Centre throughout October, contact BVSNW for details.

For further details contact the Black Voluntary Sector Network Wales on:
02920 450 068 / info@bvsnw.org.uk
www.bvsnw.org.uk