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, Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus commented, “We are so incredibly proud of what we were able to achieve and deliver this year, working with some extraordinary community partners and businesses. This year our programme centred on Black women in positions of power and we couldn’t be more pleased to have provided a platform to these individuals, affording them an opportunity to tell their inspiring stories. This year is about reclaiming the narrative of Black History and we couldn’t agree more. Black History Month is all year round as is reflected in our activity in Dartford throughout the year, it is British history and is something that is vital that we recognise, celebrate and uplift. Tonight I believe we did just that and I am so grateful to everyone who attended and supported.”