Black History Month celebrated in Bolton with events

Following a successful programme of events last year, the Bolton Black History Group will be working with Bolton Library and Museum Services and The African Community Association of Bolton (ACAB), to put on a busy schedule of film showings, exhibitions, workshops and fun activities suitable for all ages.

Founder of the group Marlene says that the group has grown from 5 members to 119, which has attracted people from all over the world.

Marlene said: “Have a look at the programme of events and come along.

“We have some fun events not just on October 1, which are open to everyone.”

Bolton Black History Group with Mr Motivator last year (Image: Public)

On Tuesday October 4, the group will host a Zoom watch party from 7:30-8:30pm, where BBHG will be presenting part 1 of the not to be missed Amadeuz Christ film ‘Out of Darkness’, where it will look at the untold history of African people and the events that have contributed to their conditions today.

On Monday October 3 ACAB will be holding their traditional opening ceremony to mark Black History Month between 11am and 3pm at their new base at Unit 28, Market Place, BL1 2AL.

Bolton Black History Group last year (Image: Public)

Four schools are also expected to take part and perform at the choral event, where light refreshments will be provided.

ACAB is ran by a group of volunteer members working together to develop, promote, and advance the understanding of the rich and colourful arts, history, culture, heritage, and traditions of the diverse community who have settled from all nations of Africa within Bolton.

Chairman Rev Lawrence Aboagye added: “We also celebrate Black History Month to highlight some of the atrocities mated by man to man, to serve as education for the general public and to remind us of them so we will not go back to them.

“We also celebrate the achievements of Black and Asian inventions which have been hidden from the world's view by making them public.

“After all, knowledge is power.

Bolton Black History Group celebrating together last year (Image: Public)

“We also use the celebration of the Black History Month as a period to foster community cohesion between our membership and the entire community with the events that we organise.”

ACAB will be involved in several events such as face painting, drumming, and drumming workshops, as well as dancing which will take place at the above their office space in all the five Saturdays in October.

There will also be an open day event on October 3 from 10am to 12pm at the above address.

Bolton University will also host a Black History Month event at the main reception on October 17 from 11am to 2pm.

The Closing Day Celebration will be held at St John Fisher Parish, Kearsley, Bolton BL4 8QQ, on November 4 starting from 4.30pm to 9.30pm.

The organisation is also looking for support to raise funds for the continuing work they do within the community by sourcing raffle prizes for their closing event, where the Mayor of Bolton will preside to close the event.

For more information on other activities Bolton Black History Group are organising, and to register, call Marlene on 0791 028 5769 or email the BoltonBlackHistory@gmail.com.

To find out more on ACAB and their events contact Lawrence on 07841499674.