News » Black History Month 2011

Cultural Fun and Black History Month Festivities in Croydon for CMG Service Users

Service users and staff from CMG services across South London enjoyed a day of singing and dancing to celebrate Black History Month. Guests joined local people, politicians, and community groups at the event at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls on Friday.

It was a great opportunity to celebrate the diversity of service users’ backgrounds, and learn more about different cultural groups and the immense contribution that they have made, and continue to make, to British society today.

The day got off to a flying start with some beautiful singing from CMG’s Siobhan Radburn. This was followed by some traditional South African dancing, an array of authentic home-cooked food for guests to sample, Zimbabwean dancing and drumming, and a solo act from CMG’s service user Elaine Smith.

Over 100 service users, family and friends attended on the day. Special guests included the Worshipful Mayor of Croydon, Cllr Graham Bass, who opened the programme with a welcoming speech, and Ketty Shunmoogum, Team Administrator for mental health and substance misuse service SLAM (South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust).

Another highlight of the day was the afternoon’s Black Fashion Show and Catwalk, showcasing a range of elaborate and colourful African designs from past and present.

Asama Akram, service user from Green Lane, CMG’s service in Morden, said:

“I had great fun doing Bollywood dancing in the hall and trying on Punjabi clothes. I also enjoyed modeling for the fashion show and trying lots of African food.

“It was great to meet service users from around South London and to make new friends.”

Speaking on the day, Onyekwere Ogueri, CMG’s event organiser said:

“At CMG, we’re passionate about encouraging our service users to experience different histories and cultures and get more involved in the community. Our Black History Month event on Friday provided the perfect opportunity to do just that.

“We were delighted that members of the public and other residents from local care homes came along today, so that even more people were able to get involved with this fantastic cultural event.”

The Worshipful Mayor of Croydon, Cllr Graham Bass, said:

“I was privileged to attend such a diverse and interesting event today. I really enjoyed talking to so many different service users from different backgrounds, truly representing the cultural diversity of our community in Croydon.

“Events like this do a great deal to increase people’s awareness of the richness of Black history and culture.”

ENDS

 

Learning Disability Today

This article appeared on Learning Disability Today's website on 24th October 2011. For the full article please click HERE.

Croydon Guardian

This article appeared in the Croydon Guardian on 14th October 2011. For the full article please click HERE.

Croydon Advertiser

The Croydon Advertiser also featured CMG’s event in the wider context of Black History Month celebrations that have been taking place recently in Croydon. CMG’s event organiser, Onyekwere Ogueri, is quoted saying:

"Black History Month not only gives us all the opportunity to celebrate black history and culture, but also to celebrate what is great about Croydon. The amazing mix of people and cultures make Croydon a brilliant place to live and work. We're passionate about encouraging people to experience different histories and cultures and get more involved in the community."

For the full article please click HERE.