Celebrating Black History Month
Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN)
- Health inequalities
Celebrating Black History Month at CAHN
October marks a significant month of reflection, celebration, and activism, as Black History Month (BHM) shines a spotlight on the cultural, social, and economic contributions of Black communities in the UK. For CAHN, BHM is more than just a month of remembrance – it is a call to action to address persistent health inequalities and promote racial equity.
CAHN’s leadership, including CEO Charles Kwaku-Odoi DL, and Chair Dr. Faye Ruddock DL, has been at the forefront of engaging with both public and private organisations during this month. One such initiative is the “Launch Time Talks,” where Dr. Ruddock and Charles discuss pressing topics such as Black health inequalities and the systemic barriers that Black communities face in accessing healthcare. These conversations not only highlight the gaps in healthcare provision but also provide a platform for collaboration and advocacy.
CAHN’s BHM Events and Partnerships
This year, CAHN proudly launched Black History Month with a Civic Launch event at Manchester Cathedral on 25th September 2024, gathering ceremonial and civic leaders, sector experts, and residents from across Greater Manchester’s 10 boroughs. The event, attended by Mayor Andy Burnham, highlighted the commitment to fostering Black leadership and unlocking the potential of all communities. Mayor Burnham remarked, “We must unlock the talents of all our communities, including our Black community and young people, to drive real change in the years ahead.”
Another major highlight was the Black History Month Gala, which took place on Saturday, 12th October 2024 at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate. The Gala brought together business leaders, activists, and members of the community to celebrate the achievements of Black Caribbean and African individuals and organisations. Through inspirational speeches, captivating performances, and the presentation of awards, the event was a powerful reminder of the contributions and resilience of these communities.
In addition to these key events, CAHN also hosted the Communications Leads Event on 12th September 2024. This event brought together communication professionals from different sectors to discuss strategies for amplifying the voices of Black communities. It was an opportunity for collaboration, ensuring that Black communities are accurately and effectively represented in media and communication efforts.
Throughout October, CAHN has also partnered with various private and public sector organisations to raise awareness about health inequalities and racial equity. As part of this, we have created a comprehensive Event Directory for Black History Month, which provides a detailed listing of all BHM events happening across Greater Manchester. The directory includes educational workshops, cultural performances, panel discussions, exhibitions, and much more. It is a valuable resource for individuals, families, schools, and businesses looking to engage in the celebrations and deepen their understanding of Black history and culture.
Join Us in Creating Change
As we continue our work throughout Black History Month and beyond, we invite everyone to engage with CAHN’s mission. Whether it’s attending one of our events, partnering with us, or supporting our advocacy work, your contribution helps us drive forward the changes needed to ensure health equity for Black Caribbean and African communities.
This October let’s not only reflect on the past but actively contribute to a future of fairness, inclusion, and opportunity for all. Join us at CAHN in making a lasting impact.
For more information about CAHN’s Black History Month events and to learn how you can get involved, visit CAHN’s BHM Page or CAHN’s Gala Page.
