Colin Jackson to Inspire 2012 Black History Celebrations

Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson will be the guest speaker at a special 2012 themed Black History month celebration in October.

The current 110m hurdles world-record holder will speak at the Olympic inspired day to celebrate Black History Month at the Woodville Halls, Gravesend. The day promises to be action packed, promoting cultural diversity and encouraging community cohesion among young people. The day will feature an exciting exhibition and opportunity to meet with sports people from a black or minority ethnic background, as well as hear from speakers on services available within the black and minority ethnic community.

Schools across Gravesham will also host unique African drumming and dancing workshops and have the opportunity to experience African story telling and tie-dye for the first time. An exhibition of African Artists featuring the works of Tola Wewe and Nike Arts will be held at the Peter Blake Gallery in Dartford Library from Monday 5 October.

The event will also look to engage young adults with the 2012 Games whilst promoting the Olympic and Paralympic values of Excellence, Inspiration, Respect, Equality, Determination, Friendship and Courage. Highlighting the importance of black history in relation to these values will be Olympian Colin Jackson, who is sure to entertain and inspire all who attend.

The special event has been organised by BME Concern with support from Gravesham Borough Council and the Go Gravesham initiative. The half-day celebration is FREE to attend and will take place on Tuesday 20 October from 10am-2pm.

For information about attending the event or about the schools workshops please call Anne Phillips of BME Concern on 07983 473855 or email bmeconcern1@gmail.com