Communities and police unite to mark Black History Month

Hundreds of people from communities across Nottinghamshire turned out to support an afternoon of fun-filled activities to mark Black History Month.

Dancing, food tasting, face painting, and musical performances took place during the celebration event at Victoria Primary School in The Meadows on October 12.

The event, organised by Nottinghamshire Police’s youth outreach team, attracted more than 200 guests from a diverse range of communities, both young and old.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell addressed all guests in a speech to emphasise the importance of diversity and working closely with communities across Nottinghamshire to build trust and confidence.

The three-hour community celebration marked Nottinghamshire Police’s contribution to Black History Month, which takes place every October in the UK.

It provides everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand Black heritage and culture, with African and Caribbean backgrounds having been a fundamental part of British history.

Visitors could have a go at different sports, including cricket, boxing and football, which were provided by Trent Bridge and Support Through Sport.

The Chayah Project, which supports vulnerable young people, provided delicious Caribbean food, including jerk chicken, for everyone to try, and led a group dancing session.

Victoria Primary School’s choir performed during the afternoon, with children singing songs that they had learnt in lessons. In addition, pupils had designed their portraits of inspirational Black people, which were displayed at the event.

Officers from the Clifton neighbourhood policing team offered guests the opportunity to explore their engagement van, take part in a Top Trumps-style activity, and answer questions about policing.

Visitors enjoyed a wide range of activities including live music, and stalls offering books, hand-made crafts, clothes, a raffle, hair braiding, face painting, and personal safety and crime prevention information.

The afternoon brought together 18 partner organisations to celebrate diversity and Black communities from across Nottinghamshire, including the fire service, Violence Reduction Partnership, and Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office.

The event was organised by the youth outreach team as part of the force’s Prevention Hub, which is a collaboration between multiple force departments responsible for developing and delivering strategies to prevent crime and disorder throughout the city and county.

It covers a range of areas including crime prevention, violence against women and girls, and cadets.

Nottinghamshire Police’s youth outreach coordinator Romel Davis, who organised the free event, said it was brilliant to see such a diverse range of communities benefit from the afternoon.

He added: “Our Black History Month event was a real success, with a diverse range of communities and ages represented.

“It is really important that we celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of Black people to our society, which is why there is such a need to host events like this that unite people.

“These events are crucial for building trust and confidence, breaking down barriers with those who may have had a negative police experience, and providing opportunities to young people.

“Our youth outreach work champions this approach year-round when engaging with young people from ethnic minority communities, which is why we are fortunate to work closely with the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation who support our Live Our Best Life Awards.”