 The Black History Foundation organised the first Black History Fair in the UK on the 8th December 2007 at Birmingham’s Millennium Point. Following the Black History Month of October 2007, this event aimed to further promote awareness of black heritage and culture in the UK.
Due to the national interest, the fair attracted exhibitors from all across the UK, representing a variety of organisations, from community theatres to black history researchers and health awareness organisations.
Workshops were held throughout the day which addressed a variety of topics, promoting black business ethics to education and funding. Testimonies from five successful and inspiring entrepreneurs; Dr Christopher Johnson, Siobhan Harper-Nunes of Shakti Women, Barbara Campbell, Sunny Lambe and Natalie Campbell were given to an attentive audience.
Visitors thronged through the masses of stalls absorbing the wealth of information  thrown at them from every direction. The appearance of the legendary Yasus Afari was an honour as he had lengthened his trip from Jamaica for the event.
The first ever awards ceremony for Outstanding Contribution to Black Heritage also took place at the landmark event. Organisations were awarded from England, Scotland and Wales. Please see below for a list of winners.
 Winners for the East of England category, Norfolk Hidden Heritage, commented; ‘we need to see this as a start to uncovering the real history of our country’s population, not just that of the majority’ further emphasizing the need to understand and acknowledge the contribution black communities have made to this country.
The day was rounded up with entertainment from children’s comedian MC Parker from Nottingham who encouraged everyone to join in with his team building games, such as Trinidad verses Jamaica Fantasy World Cup Football.
Overall the event was a huge success and everyone who attended said they felt it was a positive step forward in uniting black people and their culture from across the UK.
The winners of the Outstanding Contribution to Black Heritage awards for 2007:
London: Black History 365™ – the Newspaper
| Black History 365™ was awarded according to the following points |
- The newspaper appeals to all interest groups
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- Provides a springboard for articulating the importance of heritage e.g. profiling Claudia Jones the lady who founded the carnival
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- The newspaper engaged the reader
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- The design work is excellent
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East of England: Hidden Heritage: The Archive centre
South East: The Historic Dockyard exhibition
South West: Devon and the Slave Trade – By Dr Todd Gray
West Midlands: Equiano Project – Equiano Society & BMAG
East Midlands: Slave Narratives – Nottingham Castle & Sankofa Project
North West: Fight To End Slavery: A Local Story At Touchstones Rochdale
North East: Spice Roots – Gateshead Council Arts Development Team
Yorkshire & Humberside: 'Doncaster African Caribbean Community Display
Scotland: 'The Slave Trade And Dumfries And Galloway” At The Stewartry Museum,
Wales: Everywhere in Chains: National Waterfront Museum Bicentenary Programme
For more information on future events and organisations email blackhistoryfoundation@hotmail.co.uk |
