Thanks so much to the African and Caribbean Elders group for inviting me to join their 2006 Black History Month celebrations. I spent a wonderful night listening to poetry, singing old time Caribbean songs (songs I’ve known since childhood, thanks to my Caribbean mum) and I also learnt more about Black History and the positive contributions Black people have made to Britain. Did you know, for example, that it was Garret Morgan, a Black man, who invented the traffic light? No? Me neither!
Black History Month is now coming to an end but I have very much enjoyed the events I’ve attended this year. I plan to play a central role in the borough’s plans to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery next year.
If you wish to share your ideas about how you feel Leyton should celebrate the abolition or Leyton’s wider Black history, please do not hesitate to get in touch!