Celebrations for Black History Month began last week, with a showcase of Black creatives sharing the impact of heritage and culture.
The event named Black Creative Trailblazers shared this years theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’.
The experience was held at Aviva Studios on Thursday 3 October, hosted a variety of Black creatives from across the UK and provided invaluable networking opportunities to not only give them spotlight but nurture the talent.
This included Salford based singer-songwriter Roukaya B, shared why events like this are important for presenting history and culture.
As she said: “It is very important, as a collective that may have been underrepresented, overlooked.
“It’s very important for us to take hold of the reins again and showcase what we do, why we’re here, and what we have to offer.”
She continued: “There is not many things that are this well established for Black people to do that gives them opportunity.
“So, when I was picked for the opportunity, I couldn’t say no.”
Roukaya B was one of the sixteen acts that were presented throughout the show, displaying four different themes throughout, black excellence, black love, black chameleon, and black joy.
Don’t mind us, we’re just having a good time celebrating Black History Month in style ✨
— Black Creative Trailblazers (@blktrailblazers) September 28, 2024
Dress up and join us for the Black Creative Trailblazers showcase 🎉
🗓️ Date: Thursday 3rd October 2024
⏰Time: 6:30pm
📍Location: Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester M3 4JQ pic.twitter.com/OUelHI3RRm
The different themes were vital as the founders, Ronke Jane and Adeola Adelakun, shared the value in representation in the community, as Ronke added: “It’s so important because we see underrepresentation, we see barriers.
“It’s not enough to talk about it and complain about it, we have to do something about it.”
Ronke Jane and Adeola Adelakun have found success for themselves being the owners of the award-winning brand Cultureville, and with their own success they shared the importance of an event like this.
As Ronke continued: “Through events like this we are hoping to break some of those barriers that black creatives face such as not having the network that they need to really elevate and create sustained careers.
“So, through Black Creative Trailblazers we allow Black creatives to have the centre stages of epic spaces like this.”
Adeola Adelakun also shared the importance of the event as added: “We wanted a space for the Black community to come and enjoy and focus on the best things about being black and that’s what this night is.”
Black History Month has taken place since 1987, and celebrates, shares, and understands the impact of Black heritage and Black culture.
The annual Black Creative Trailblazers is hosted at the start of Black History Month, however, its aims to encourage a cultural love all year round.
As Adeola continued: “Black History Month is a great moment to spotlight incredible talent, to focus on things that are important to the Black community.
“I think it’s important to take that moment, but also use that time to build relationships that will last you all year round.”
She added: “It’s more than one night, you’re continually thinking about how we are being equitable in the opportunities that we have and making sure that everyone gets a piece of the pie.”
The celebrations continued throughout the evening, and following the show guests were treated to a buffet of food and a dazzling afterparty – it was a wonderful way to start of the month-long celebration of history and culture.
Throughout Black History Month more events can be found across Salford with there being a selection of celebrations held across the city – you can check them out here.
Recent Comments