Black History Month is more than a reflection on the past; it is a vibrant, living conversation between our heritage and our future. This year, the Africa Community in Surrey & Sussex (ACISS) is proud to present a celebration under the powerful theme: “Saving Our Stories in Power and Pride.”
But how does one save a story? We believe the answer is by living it.
We do not simply recount history; we breathe life into it through art, play, dialogue, and shared experience. We invite you to join us for a magnificent, immersive event dedicated to honouring the rich tapestry of African and Caribbean heritage through creativity and connection.
Live Your Heritage: Hands-On Experiences
This year, we are moving beyond observation and into participation. We have curated a series of hands-on workshops designed to connect you directly with living traditions.
· Learn the Art of Adire (Tie and Dye): Under the guidance of skilled artisans, discover the techniques behind creating vibrant, iconic patterns. This is more than a craft; it is a storytelling medium. You will leave with not just new knowledge, but your own unique piece of hand-dyed fabric.
· Discover Traditional Beadmaking and Crafts: Connect with history through the meticulous and beautiful art of beadmaking and other traditional crafts. These artefacts are repositories of culture, each colour and pattern holding a meaning waiting to be shared.
· Play Traditional African Games: Experience the joy, strategy, and community spirit of indigenous games. This is a chance for all ages to engage with history in a fun, dynamic way, understanding how play has always been a central pillar of our cultures.
Nourish Your Spirit: Food, Music, and Community
A celebration is not complete without the warmth of community. Our event will be a feast for the senses:
· Enjoy authentic flavours that tell their own stories of home and heritage.
· Feel the rhythm of moving music that provides the soundtrack to our diaspora.
· Engage in the warmth of community networking, building bridges and strengthening bonds within and beyond our community.
Expand Your Mind: Powerful Discussions
To be “rooted yet rising” requires thoughtful exploration of our identity. We are honoured to host insightful discussions designed to inspire and provoke thought:
· “Woven Identity: Preserving Culture Through the Art of Adire and Beadmaking”: Delve into how traditional arts are powerful tools for cultural preservation and expressing identity.
· “Rooted Yet Rising: The Power of Identity in a Diaspora World”: Join a vital conversation about navigating modern life while staying firmly connected to cultural roots.
Join Us in Celebration
This is more than an event; it is an invitation. An invitation to learn, to create, and to celebrate with us. It is a day to ensure our stories are not saved in archives, but are worn, played, spoken, and lived with power and pride.
Come and be part of this special day of heritage and creativity.
Event: ACISS Black History Month Celebration 2025
Theme: Saving Our Stories in Power and Pride
Find out more and get involved:
For all enquiries, please contact us at +44 7456 382002 or +44 7538 324483.
Email: info@aciss.uk | Website: www.aciss.uk
We look forward to celebrating with you.