This year marks the 11th Year Anniversary of Black History Month celebrations across Wales and we are delighted to announce that the theme for Black History Month 2018 is Icons of Black Wales.

There are a number of events taking place across Wales – an informative educational and celebratory programme that engages, educates and empowers individuals, community groups and Wales-wide communities in acknowledging and recognising the contributions that the African Diaspora has made in the history of Wales’ economic and cultural development.

Black History Month encourages everyone, irrespective of ethnicity or colour, to take part in events, learn about our shared global history and celebrate diversity and cultural understanding. Black History is Welsh history and should be studied, celebrated and showcased as part the national curriculum, additional educational activities, artistic programmes, College and University Studies and Museum and Gallery exhibits.

For details of Black History Month events, and the BHM365 strategy, please visit www.bhmwales.org.uk

4theRegion is co-hosting Swansea’s first Race Equality Conference on Monday 8th October, which will bring together black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities from across South West Wales, together with political leaders, businesses and entrepreneurs, to explore concerns and opportunities relating to race relations in our region.

We feel strongly about the importance of affirming this city’s commitment to diversity and race equality, now more than ever in the context of rising racism and division in the wake of the Brexit campaign and Trump’s divisive rhetoric. We want to ensure Swansea and South West Wales is a safe and welcoming place for everyone. We also want to ensure there are opportunities for all young people to make their contribution to life and business in our region. We hope our friends and partners will join us on 8th October, for a show of solidarity and to discuss this important subject.

Click here to register your free place at the Wales Race Equality Conference. There are opportunities to sponsor, and any organisation is invited to take a table in the exhibition from just £100. Contact Dawn or Zoe at 4theRegion for more details.

Race Council Cymru manages the Black History Wales wide (BHW) and Black History Cymru 365 portfolio in Wales and acknowledges the contributions made by Black people to local, national and world history and culture.

Uzo Iwobi, director of Race Council Cymru, says "Over the past few months, we have been asking our grassroots communities to nominate significant individuals whose work and contributions have been impactive for recognition and acknowledgment across Wales to mark the theme Icons of Black Wales and we have been overwhelmed by the brilliant contributions people of African descent and diaspora have been making here in Wales, both those on the list and many whose names are not featured on the list."

At Swansea Museum on the 16th October from 10.30am-12.30pm there is the unveiling of the FirstWaves Parliamentary Exhibition. This exhibition focuses on the impact of the Race Relations Act 1968 Free Event and all welcome to attend.

On Saturday 20th October from 11.30am-6.00pm there is a Youth event at the Wales Millennium centre (Glanfa stage), featuring New Town Kings and Reuel Elijah, Crossing Borders Music and Heritage Musicians and Dancers funded by Heritage Lottery Young Roots Fund, as well as an open-mic. On the same evening, there will be another youth event at Ffresh at the Wales Millennium Centre, which will have a Young Performers and Entertainers music at 9pm – 10.45pm – tickets may be purchased from Wales Millennium Centre Box Office.

The Grand Finale will be held at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on Thursday 4th November from 11.30am to 6.00pm featuring Bob Bailey and the Jailers, Ify Iwobi and Co band, Ma Bessie and her Blues Band, Sun of Africa etc. and the event will be opened by our Hon First Minister Carwyn Jones AM.

Black History Wales Wide programmes are funded by Arts Council Wales, Welsh Government and other kind supporters and contributors without who’s support these events would not have been possible.

If you would like to know more about Black History Month events across Wales, please visit https://bhmwales.org.uk/

Twitter: @BHMWales

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BHMWales/

For general information about Race Council Cymru, please visit https://racecouncilcymru.org.uk/

Twitter: @rcccymru

Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/rcccymru/

Alternatively please email: info@racecouncilcymru.org.uk or phone 07838 360979