Norfolk Black History Month is being celebrated with more than 60 events

Molly Samuels-Leport with her portrait painted by Danny Keen which was unveiled at the launch of Norfolk Black History Month 2017. Photo: Alessandra Lacaita (Image: Alessandra Lacaita)

Danny Keen, chairman of Norfolk Black History Month, said there were more than 60 events for people to get involved in.

He said: 'The theme of Black History Month this year is 'Black history rooted in the past, shaping the future.'

'Black history shapes the political agenda, as we have seen with the Civil Rights Movement, independence from European colonialism and the struggle for freedom in South Africa.

'Black history is also clearly the modernising force behind so many advancements across the arts, music, dance and theatre.

'Many partners across Norfolk are involved in bringing together a diverse programme of music, film, dance and literature, featuring nearly 60 events, which celebrate the incredibly important contribution of Black history to the arts.'

Some of the Norfolk Black History Month events include:

• October 7 10.30am-12.30pm - coffee morning at Garvestone Village Hall with live music from Anna Mudeka, in aid of The Mudeka Foundation.

• October 7 7pm-9pm - West African musician Seyfo Kanuteh performing at The Bridge Plus Community Hub, Magdalen Street, Norwich.

• October 11 7.30pm - Open Mic night for singers, songwriters, musicians, poets, comedians and magicians at The Flamingo @ The Pig & Whistle, Norwich.

• October 12 7.30pm - Salsa featuring Jose Ferrera and his Cuban band and Salsish band at The Flamingo @ The Pig & Whistle, Norwich.

• October 14 and 15 10am - Walk and eat your way round the world with Magdalen Eats and Magdalen Walks at Magdalen Street Celebration, Norwich.

• October 18 6.30pm-9.30pm - Caribbean Evening at The Wharf Academy, Oak Street, Norwich.

Norfolk Black History Month was launched at a reception at City Hall in Norwich on Friday, September 29 and included the unveiling of a new painting by Mr Keen of Molly Samuels-Leport, who was seven times World Karate Champion during the late 1980s and early 1990s, Sunday Times International Sportswoman of the Year and a recipient of the Jamaican Award for Excellence.

Mr Keen said: 'Molly gave us an inspirational talk about her life and humble origins. I am so pleased that she was able to join us for the launch of Norfolk Black History Month and that she liked my portrait of her. We were also honoured that the Lord Mayor of Norwich, David Fullman and Sheriff of Norwich, David Walker were able to join us.

'The Lord Mayor gave a speech about his pride in Norfolk's long history of welcoming 'strangers' and immigrants and that the county was the home of England's first black mayor, Allan Glaisyer Minns, who was elected Mayor of Thetford in 1904.'

For more details of Norfolk Black History Month events go to www.bhcnorfolk.co.uk where you can also download the Black History Month events guide.