23rd October 2024
Each October the Jason Roberts Foundation (JRF) host an event and activities for the Brent community to celebrate Black History Month, to remember moments in history, achievements, and contributions that Black people have made in the United Kingdom.
Introduced by historian and author, Dr Carter G Woodson in the USA in 1926, Black History Month began in the UK in 1987.
Reclaiming Narratives
This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Reclaiming Narratives” to correct historical inaccuracies and uncover untold stories of Black people’s contributions to art, literature, business, sport, politics and more in the UK and around the world.
On Wednesday 23rd October JRF joined up with Brent Council at Brent Civic Centre to celebrate Black History Month.
Fittingly JRF’s ‘Empower to Achieve’ Heritage project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, traces the Ancestry of Women in Sport of Caribbean, Indian, and Somali Heritage.
Three of the women of Heritage the project is focussed on; Lorna Falconer – Head of Football Operations at Brentford Football Club, Connie Henry, MBE – founder of charity Track Academy, creator of the Sports Give Back Awards, and former international triple jumper; and Celeste Stevens, Head of Safeguarding & Academy Player Welfare at Reading Football Club took to the stage at the ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ event and spoke to the audience about their career journey, families, and personal experiences competing and working in the world of sport.
The event was attended by over 250 people who heard some of their previously untold stories and interacted with the ladies during a Q&A session.
Many young participants of JRF projects and activities who are contributing and taking part in the National Lottery Heritage Funded project were in attendance and enjoyed the rest of the evening which included poetry, arts, and music.
Young JRF Media intern Marley said, “This project has given others and people like me the opportunity to research, gain skills and experience, and be responsible for contributing to the work and projects run by the Foundation. I’m learning new things every day and we are all constantly being inspired by the women of Heritage involved in the ‘Empower to Achieve’ project, who always have time for us.”
For more information about JRF projects and events follow #JasonRobertsFdn and email info@jasonrobertsfoundation.org
