Bridget Fox attends the launch of Islington Black History Month (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Bridget Fox attends the launch of Islington Black History Month

September 30, 2009 11:30 AM

Bridget chats to the Martin family at the launch of Black History Month

Bridget Fox, shadow MP for Islington South and Finsbury, attended the launch of Black History Month: Hidden Histories at St Mary Magdalene Academy on Saturday. This free community festival has been organised by Islington Council and Cambridge Education @ Islington with sponsorship from local groups and businesses.

Bridget tries the delicious Caribbean food on offer at the launch of Black History Month

Saturday's launch event saw a huge crowd of people queuing for a free, delicious Caribbean lunch. After lunch, guest-speakers spoke about their Islington beginnings, with market stalls, music and dance performances and a play-zone keeping kids and adults busy.

The launch begins a month of celebrations and events for all the family including history centre talks, workshops, and a schools film festival at Screen on the Green. Waterstones are holding literature nights to showcase African-Caribbean writers and a heritage tour explores the impact of the slave trade and the campaign for abolition.

Bridget Fox said:

"The launch of Black History Month was a great event. I'm proud to live in such a diverse borough and we must educate both young and old about the histories of the people who live here.

The series of events that are happening as part of this are exciting and provide something for everyone. I hope you will all join me in celebrating Black History Month and ensure that the histories of black people in Islington remain hidden no longer."

Islington has taken the lead from the US to celebrate the diversity of our area with this free community festival, which runs until 30th October. For more information go to www.islington.gov.uk/bhm