DOZENS of people gathered in Ulster University’s Magee campus on Friday, October 24, for the North West Migrants Forum’s annual Black History Summit.
The theme this year was ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’ and attendees listened to speakers from all regions of the UK as they reflected on current debates surrounding migration, race and identity.
Among the contributors to the afternoon of discussion was Zita Holbourne who travelled from England to participate in the Summit.
As well as being a writer, multi-award-winning artist, educator, community activist and trade union leader, Zita Holbourne has done momentous work in exposing the Windrush Scandal.
Joining her on the podium was Lisa Williams, founder of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association. Ms Williams curates education programmes, arts events and walking tours to promote awareness of Black Scottish history and links between Scotland and the Caribbean.
Rajvi Glasbrook is senior implementation manager for the Welsh Government Anti-racist Wales Action Plan. Ms Glasbrook worked on the ‘Cynefin’ report which made the teaching of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic histories mandatory in the Curriculum for Wales.
Among the panellists were Dr Naomi Green, a researcher on the North West Migrants Forum’s Hidden History Project. She was joined by Ulster University researcher Seun Owanuga and Daniel Sanusi, organiser of Ulster University Students’ Union’s first-ever Black History Month.
Lilian Seenoi Barr said it was an honour to be able to introduce speakers and panellists who are literally shaping national conversations and policies in every part of the United Kingdom.
On hand to counterbalance the rich programme of knowledge-sharing were Maasai traditional folk singer Nelson Ngotiek and Irish country star Ritchie Remo who united for a unique cross-cultural fusion of music and dance.
It was left to Liverpudlian activist, author and politician Chantelle Lunt to bring Black History Summit 2025 to a close.
