Queen to honour Brighton activist during Black History Month

Black History Month starts on Saturday (1 October) with African Night Fever’s launch party at the Pavilion Theatre.

Saidi Kanda from Tanzania and reggae legend Rebel Control will be playing live music sets at the event.

During the month the historian and activist Bert Williams MBE is due to be honoured by the Queen.

And celebrations will mark the 90th anniversary of the India Gate at the Royal Pavilion.

The memorial gate was a gift from India to Brighton for caring for her wounded soldiers during the First World War when the Pavilion was converted into a hospital.

There will be literary events during the month, a film festival as well as more music, photography, other visual arts, workshops, debates and food.

Irene Mensah, Brighton and Hove Black History volunteer and member of the group’s artists collective, said: “Black History Month focuses on the often unacknowledged presence of black and multi ethnic individuals.

“The significance of celebrating this every year is that it allows the wider community to gain a new awareness of our past and present achievements as well as our communal hopes for a more united future.”

She said that it includes ways of respecting our differences and celebrating what unites us.

Find out more at www.brightonblackhistorymonth.org.uk.