We hosted our Africa Day event on 21st May at Simpson Memorial Hall in Moston, to give people in North Manchester a vibrant celebration where they could share their culture and learn about African culture. It was an opportunity to build relationships in the local community and start to build bridges between community groups to bring people together.
As one of thirty organisations that worked together on this fantastic day, we were among community groups, local businesses, and voluntary organisations to celebrate the togetherness of the North Manchester community. Funded in part by the We ♥ MCR Charity and the North Manchester Inclusion Partnership, we put on many activities for those who joined in with the celebrations.
Thanks to Freshrb for creating the video for the day. Freshrb were also responsible for designing promotional materials and flyers for the event, and Winning Hearts and Minds were responsible for creating t-shirts for volunteers incorporating the designs.
We were visited by some high-profile guests from our community, including Charles Kwaku-Odoi, Deputy Lieutenant; Cllr Yasmin Dar, Deputy Mayor and Moston Councillor; Local councillors Cllr Paula Appleby and Cllr Julie Connolly; and Moston PCSO Angela.
We had a packed day, with a variety of activities. From a live African fashion show from Equal Education Chancs, to modern African music from a local DJ, we were treated to a feast of what makes the African community special. Culture! Culture! and Street Style Surgery provided interactive educational workshops for all present, and local groups put on stalls of African artifacts, artwork, clothing, and food. As well as the modern African music, we were treated to African drumming from Adinkra Heritage CIC and a dance performance from the Blossom Foundation.
