Positive work of Gloucester’s BAME communities celebrated
A virtual event to celebrate the positive contributions black and minority ethnic people have made in Gloucester and wider society is being held this month.
The free event, called Each One Teach One, will include keynote speakers, videos, stories from inspirational people and a discussion panel to look at some of the key issues in the struggle for racial equality.
It has been organised by Gloucester City Council and funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC). It will take place via Zoom on Thursday 18 March, from 1pm to 3.30pm.
Mayor of Gloucester Kate Haigh will be giving a welcome at the start of the event, which will feature keynote speaker Nasra Ayub, a freelance journalist who writes about race, education and culture, the Instruments of Praise gospel choir, singing, poetry and much more.
Winners of a school poetry competition will be sharing their poem and Rupert Walters, chair of the Gloucester City Commission to Review Race Relations, will conclude the event by considering the next steps in the fight for racial equality.
People are also being invited to post their stories about the BAME community in Gloucester to highlight people who have made a difference. You can tag #BAMEGloucester on social media or email community.wellbeing@gloucester.gov.uk.
Contributions will be showcased on social media as well as a Museum of Gloucester blog and some will be shared in the Each One Teach One event. The deadline for entries is Wednesday 10 March.
You can register for the Each One Teach One event by visiting www.tinyurl.com/2p2bou62
Cllr Jennie Watkins, cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods at Gloucester City Council, said: “Gloucester is a wonderfully diverse community and people from all cultural backgrounds have made an enormous contribution to the city and beyond. This virtual event is a great opportunity to celebrate the diversity and I look forward to hearing some of the inspirational stories that will be shared.”
Martin Surl, Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “We have a moral obligation to question what more we can do to tackle prejudice and inequalities in our society and we are delighted to support this event.
“Acknowledging the inspirational contributions of Gloucestershire’s black community has always been important to our office while recent events have shown it’s even more important to help share and celebrate these achievements widely.”