The aim of the partnership is to create a space for local Black Afro-Caribbean people to share their lived experience, culture, heritage and voice with the communities of Forth Valley.

CELEBRATE, LEARN, SHARE

This year, the theme for Black History Month UK is Standing Firm in Power and Pride.

Power represents the influence, leadership and capacity to effect positive change.

Pride reflects cultural identity, heritage and the celebration of Black excellence.

Our partnership group includes:

Rev Aaron Moffat-Jackman

Rev Aaron Moffat-Jackman is a 2nd-generation West Indian Episcopal priest dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within the Anglican Church in Stirlingshire. As the only minister of his heritage in Scotland, he brings a unique perspective to his role and shares his cultural heritage with his congregation and the wider community.

https://www.facebook.com/SaintSaviours

Rebecca Northover

In April 2024 Rebecca took on the role of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for Police Scotland in Forth Valley. She is building relationships between the community and the police.

Rebecca herself is Black and aware of the struggles that people still face today.

Kevin Harrison

Kevin Harrison is the Director of Artlink Central. Artlink Central brings artists together with people experiencing exclusion, disability or disadvantage. Our mission and artistic vision is to explore the creative potential of socially engaged arts practice in public and sited spaces. Artlink Central hosts creative opportunities across the area through Scene Stirling and is also the lead on arts for NHS Forth Valley.

Artlink Central

Ekua Osei

Larbert High School pupil and talented creative Ekua Osei, uses poetry, music and spoken work to express her lived experience and hopes for the future. Feedback from the audience last year noted that Ekua was an “Excellent poet. Very eloquent and mature beyond her years.” 

Yasmin Shorter, Ama-zing Harmonies 

Singing is a fantastic way to spread happiness, improve and promote health and well-being, alleviate stress, and creates a sense of community to enhance wellbeing and unite people together. Sharing in our activities will help people get to know each other, increase a sense of belonging and cohesion, promote Communal integration, and Community development. Engaging the youth with activities will boost their confidence and increase participation.

https://www.facebook.com/amazingharmonies

Adedolapo Agbaje and Akinbolarinwa Awoyinfa-Davies RCCG Stirling

City of God, Stirling, is one of over 750 parishes of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) within the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. We are a church for everyone—regardless of race, class, age, gender, or background. We welcome you to be part of our family. As a family-oriented church, we encourage parents to let their children fellowship with us in a special section for children, with classes that commence shortly after the main worship time. 

Home | RCCG, City of God, Stirling, Uk

Jacinta, Racial Inclusion & Supporting Empowerment (RISE)

RISE is a community-driven initiative dedicated to promoting racial inclusion and empowering racialised communities in the Forth Valley region. Our mission is to create a more equitable and inclusive society by addressing systemic barriers, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and amplifying the voices of those who have been historically marginalised.

Through a range of programs and advocacy efforts, we strive to build a Forth Valley where everyone can thrive, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.

About RISE Forth Valley – RISE Forth Valley

Sofia Farzana, Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) 

SEMA is an autistic-led non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the understanding of autism within racialised communities in Scotland and among decision-makers at local and national government levels. By integrating anti-racism and social justice into their mission, they support organisations in better serving autistic communities. SEMA stand in solidarity with Scottish Autistics of Colour, addressing a crucial yet overlooked necessity. Their aim is for Black, Brown, and Ethnic Minority individuals to feel welcome and supported wherever they go. As a catalyst for Ethnic Minority Autistic People in Scotland, SEMA strives to illuminate, educate, positively disrupt, and empower individuals to take control of their futures. Their values are Kindness, Achieving, Respected, Included, Bold, and Universal.

 2024 Shortlisted Nominee - Community Organisation Award: Race, Religion & Faith

Autism - SEMA.Scot

If you want to be involved in this or future years, please get in touch by emailing BHMForthValley@gmail.com with any ideas, existing plans or offers of support.