A PROGRAMME of exciting online cultural events celebrating Black History Month in Renfrewshire have been unveiled.

Black History Month: Our Culture, Our Future – has been co-curated by Renfrewshire Leisure, Engage Renfrewshire, Jambo! Radio, Pachedu, University of the West of Scotland, Action for Culture and Ethics and the School of African Culture.

Held next month via online platforms and on Jambo! Radio, events include an online exhibition called Museum And Me, which has been curated by children from the African School of Culture, as well as a podcast featuring the children in which they discuss identity and what it means to be African and Scottish in Renfrewshire.

There will also be performances throughout the month from an eclectic mix of musicians and artists, including Joshua Idehen, Brownbear, and storyteller Michael Kerins. A webinar will mark the culmination of the celebrations on October 28, focusing on the representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic talent in Scotland’s arts, and in the Renfrewshire area in particular.

A line-up of speakers includes Milica Milosevic from Creative Scotland, musician Matt Hickman from Brownbear and Christian Harrison from the University of the West of Scotland.

They will provide a range of insights into why representation is vital when it comes to the arts sector.

George Tah, founder of Jambo! Radio, said: “As a radio station for the people of Afro-Caribbean heritage it is important we lead by contributing on the theme and programmes of Black History Month.

“It is also important for our organisation to be at the forefront of Black History Month for our audience and the Afro-Caribbean community in Renfrewshire.”

Regine Bews, founder of School of African Culture, added: “In the preparation for the Black History Month 2020, we have been co-creating a digital project in partnership with Renfrewshire Leisure’s Creative Learning Team.

“My participation and the decision by Renfrewshire Leisure and Renfrewshire Council to be involved in Black History Month is a huge step towards more inclusion of the black and minority ethnic community.

“For our organisation, this is a great opportunity to mark the presence of black African people in Renfrewshire; to foster pride in Scottish children of black African descent about their origins; to educate the community about African history in Renfrewshire and contribute to more community acceptation and cohesion.”

For more details of the events, visit www.renfrewshireleisure.com/black-history-month.