Support service event in celebration of Black History Month (From Croydon Guardian)

Support service holds event in celebration of Black History Month

9:00am Monday 24th October 2011 in News By Hannah Williamson

Service users and staff from a south London support service enjoyed a day of singing and dancing in celebration of Black History Month.

The event, held at Fairfield Halls in Croydon on October 7, was organised by Care Management Group (CMG), an independent provider for people with learning disabilities and associated needs in the UK, to celebrate Black history and culture.

More than 100 service users, family and friends attended the day. Special guests included Croydon Mayor Councillor Graham Bass who opened the day, and Ketty Shunmoogum, Team Administrator for mental health and substance misuse service at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM).

The day started with some singing and was followed by some traditional South African Dancing.

Another highlight of the day was the afternoon's Black Fashion Show and Catwalk, which showcased a range of African designs from past and present.

Asama Akrama, service user from Green Lane, CMG's service in Morden said: "I had great fun doing Bollywood dancing in the hall and trying on Punjabi clothes. I also enjoyed modelling for the fashion show and trying lots of African food."

Guests also enjoyed African drumming and an array of authentic home-cooked African foods, which they could sample.

Councillor Bass said: "I was privileged to attend such a diverse and interesting event.

"I really enjoyed talking to so many different service users from different backgrounds, truly representing the cultural diversity of our community in Croydon.

"Events like this do a great deal to increase people's awarenesses of the richness of Black history and culture."