Neath Port Talbot is joining in the celebrations for Black History Month.
The Council’s MEAS (Minority Ethnic Achievement Support) team is organising a special evening of song, dance and reading in aid of the ABM Africa Health Links charity which sends equipment and doctors to Africa.
Black History Month is a celebration of Caribbean and African cultures.
Throughout October, there will be a range of events and activities for people of all ages UK wide from music and dance to poetry and exhibitions.
Neath Port Talbot Council is playing its part and is organising an event that pays tribute to the immense contribution that different cultural groups are making to the county borough.
The programme for the evening showcases the achievement of Black icons past and present. The audience will be both entertained and educated with a talk on Black History Month from Dr David Abankwa and a talk on the mining community in South Wales and Paul Robeson from Neath Port Talbot Deputy Leader, Peter Rees.
Cefn Saeson Comprehensive pupils are playing a big part on the night with talks on Michael Jackson, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King and the Windrush.
Ayo Thompson will talk about Black History in Wales.
Music will be presented by soloist Isioma Ikediashi, Pastor Felix and the RGCC congregation and J2N Gospel Choir together with Gwaun Cae Gurwen Brass Band, Sandfields Steel Band and Cwmtawe School Choir and Music Club.
Neath Port Talbot schoolchildren will also be making a contribution to the evening. Pupils from Ynysmaerdy and Alderman Davies Church in Wales Primary schools will be joining in.
Council Leader, Ali Thomas, said, “The Council is proud to be part of these celebrations.
“The MEAS team is working hard to raise the achievement of Black and Ethnic Minority pupils in schools.
“This celebration evening gives people the opportunity to not only focus on the contribution Black men and women make in our communities but to learn more about Black History and culture.
“It is important that we bring the local communities together to promote peace and unity.”
