October's events for Black History Month drew some of their biggest audiences yet as the theme of 'Hidden Histories' struck a chord with multicultural Islington.
A schools' essay and speech-writing competition, a film festival, a heritage tour and a literature night with Bonnie Greer featured in Islington's 22nd annual Black History Month (BHM) celebrations.
Islington's BHM events shone a spotlight on the contribution of African and African-Caribbean people whose achievements in various walks of life - though missed from mainstream historical accounts - have positively shaped cultural, political and religious life in the borough.
Cllr Ruth Polling, Islington Council's executive member for leisure and equalities, said: "Islington's Black History Month always uncovers a few surprises as we rediscover our past.
"Many people would be surprised to know our borough was home to Britain's first ordained black minister and Britain's first black community arts centre.
"It's typical of the borough's diversity and rich social history that this year's stories have proved inspirational to a new generation of Islington young people - eleven of whom have won a study trip to Washington DC - the home of America's first black president."
Children across the borough have used the celebratory events to explore, create and discover their potential. 11 budding authors - one from each Islington secondary school - won an essay competition and will be travelling to Washington DC in February to explore the seat of American democracy.
Throughout the month, well-known guest speakers talked about how their Islington beginnings have influenced their lives.
One event gathered an inter-denominational panel to discuss the legacy for black clergy left by Bishop Samuel Crowther - Britain's first ordained black minister.
Bishop Crowther's extraordinary life started in West Africa in 1809 whe he was sold into slavery. But he found himself living and studying at St Mary's School in Islington and was subsequently ordained a Bishop at Canterbury Cathedral in 1864.
As part of Black History Month 2009, a blue plaque will be erected in the borough to his memory.
The pioneering Keskidee Centre, Britain's first black community arts centre, was the subject of another debate on its influence on Britain's black arts scene - lead by Alex Pascall OBE, co-founder of The Voice newspaper.
This year's events follow successful past Black History Months in Islington. BHM in 2008 saw Cambridge Education and The Wellcome Trust come together to celebrate black people's contribution to science and discovery, while BHM 2007 marked the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
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Page Last Updated: 03 November 2009