Sefton is delighted to be celebrating the inspiring history and achievements of black and ethnically diverse communities, locally and around the world, during Black History Month.

This national celebration, which takes place throughout October, is also an opportunity to celebrate our diversity and reflect on how people can help to tackle race discrimination in all its forms.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing at Sefton Council, said: “Throughout Black History Month and all year round we are proud to be celebrating our black and ethnically diverse communities. As a Council, we are incredibly grateful for the contributions black people continue to make not only here in our Borough, but across the UK and around the world.

“Sefton Council is committed to driving forward race equality both in the workplace and across the Borough. It is our priority to promote an inclusive culture, which will reinforce our strong community spirit.

“This month is a time for people to come together and look at lessons learnt so we can create a better future.”

There will be a number of events and activities hosted across the region for Black History Month. Among these are:

Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS)

Sefton CVS is hosting an event on Friday 13^th October to welcome and celebrate members of the black community.

From 10.30am-2pm, Southport Community Centre will host activities including black history games and access to resources such as podcasts and videos for all attendees.

Sefton CVS is an independent charity which aims to ‘support independent, resilient and sustainable communities’ by promoting and assisting the work of voluntary, community and faith (VCF) groups.

The event is free for everyone, and refreshments will be provided.

Wear Red Day for Show Racism the Red Card

Friday 20^th October is Wear Red Day, which asks people to wear red clothing to show that they are against racism. The movement was created by Show Racism the Red Card, the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity.

Sefton CVS invites people to join them from 10.30am-2pm at The Life Rooms in Southport. Guests to the free event can enjoy refreshments and games alongside a black authors reading corner.

Learn more about Sefton CVS on their website.

Sefton Libraries

During the month, libraries across the Borough will be highlighting literature written by ethnically diverse authors in special displays. They will also be celebrating local ethnically diverse authors that they have worked with over the past year, including Harun Morrison, Sandra Suubi and Hellen Songha. More details will be available on their social media pages.

Follow them on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date.

Liverpool City Region (LCR) Race Equality Hub

Crosby Library will play host to a mini summit held by the LCR Race Equality Hub on Tuesday 31^st October.

The Race Equality Hub was set up to tackle injustice and inequality, and drive forward positive change for ethnically diverse people. It aims to remove barriers to recruitment while developing ways to address under-representation in the workplace.

The summit seeks to open up conversations with the community about their own needs and how the LCR can support this.

Learn more about the Race Equality Hub on their website.

Further afield

The National Museums Liverpool are running a series of events during Black History Month, including Inspirational Black Scousers, which offers a guided tour through the stories of some of the many inspirational Black British people connected to Liverpool. This will be hosted at the Museum of Liverpool on various dates between the 4^th and 22^nd October.

Find out more on their website.

Culture Liverpool will also be hosting events during the month, sharing personal stories, music and art. Highlights include creative writing workshops, Katumba drumming and a walking tour based on the 1919 race riots.