Oxford City Council is organising a number of community events including a panel discussion for Black History Month this October.

Topics for discussion include tackling health disparities within the black community, to shedding light on economic inequalities, policing, and recognising the contributions of black women in health and social care.

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Speakers include Faith Ehigie, a specialist nurse who will discuss sickle cell disorder and Thalassaemia, Dr Mary Akindola who will discuss mental health, Neil Bouse from Thames Valley Police, Jacqui Gitau from African families in the UK (AFiUK), and Milli Khalia who is the city council’s equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) lead.

The event is hosted by the community champions scheme in partnership with local leaders and groups.

In the afternoon there will be market stalls run by a range of different community organisations who will answer questions about the services they offer, ways to get involved, as well as community activities and support available for people in Oxford.

These include the city council’s youth ambition team, African and African Caribbean Kultural Heritage Initiative (ACKHI), Transition Lighthouse, African Families in the UK (AFiUK), Oxford Hub, Public Health, Thames Valley Police, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care System (BOB ICB), and Oxfordshire Community Education Group (OCEG).

Dolcie Obhiozele, founder of the Oxfordshire Community Education Group (OCEG), said: "We are pleased to collaborate with the many organisations supporting this essential event to ensure that Black History Month becomes a permanent fixture in the Oxfordshire calendar annually."

The event is on Friday October 13 from 10am to 3pm at Rose Hill Community Centre.

Councillor Ajaz Rehman, cabinet member for inclusive communities, added: "This will be a day of learning, dialogue, and celebration as we come together to shine a light on the richness of black history and its invaluable contributions. 

Bicester Advertiser: Councillor Ajaz Rehman Councillor Ajaz Rehman (Image: Oxford City Council)

“Your presence is more than an attendance - it's a participation in the narrative of history, a celebration of unity, and a commitment to growth.

"Let's make this event a resounding success, together.”

The Museum of Oxford is also supporting two activities for Black History Month.

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A lunchtime talk on Caribbean food in the UK with Riaz Phillips on October 11 will explore how food and identity are intertwined in the Caribbean community.

It is also supporting a free 10-day creative arts project for people aged 16 -25 and over 50 called  'Spaces We Made Our Own' delivered by iCreative at Film Oxford.

Led by African Caribbean artists, participants will create a short film about the social and cultural activities of the African Caribbean community ‘going out’ in Oxford in the 1960s and 70s.

There are limited places available to take part.