‘Black history is everyone’s history’ (From Haringey Independent)

‘Black history is everyone’s history’

4:36pm Thursday 2nd October 2008 in

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A host of events will celebrate the borough’s black history and culture this month.

The packed programme will highlight the role played by Haringey’s diverse black community in shaping the area, as part of Black History Month.

The festival, organised by Haringey Council, runs until the end of October.

Council leader George Mehan said: “Black History Month is an opportunity for us all to recognise the important contribution the African Diaspora has made to the economic and cultural life of our society here in Haringey. I hope as many people as possible will get involved.”

Now in its fourth decade, the event will bring together some of the area’s best black artists, writers, musicians, artisans and academics.

From a seminar on the struggle for civil and human rights, to African mask-making, art and photography exhibitions, Black History Month spans every aspect of Afro-Caribbean life, past and present.

This year will mark the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the SS Empire Windrush, which carried the first of the post-war immigrants to Britain from the Caribbean.

Author Catherine Johnson, who grew up in Haringey, will be reading extracts from her acclaimed books.

Ms Johnson sees Black History Month as an opportunity to underline Britain’s multicultural society.

She said: “Black History is everyone’s history. The story of how African and Caribbean people ended up here is the history of how Britain was made.

“Ideally it should be part of life rather than a stand-alone event.

“When I was growing up and reading children's books I never saw characters like me in the stories.

“I think it is important that we realise that the past belongs to all of us.”

For more information and listings go to Haringey Council's website, or pick up a programme at your library.