Dorchester kicks off Black History Month at Shire Hall
Schools, artists and key figures in Dorset's diverse history will feature
Black History Month starts in Dorset today (Sunday 2nd October) with a day of events dedicated to black history and injustice at Shire Hall in Dorchester.
Schools are set to get involved by presenting poetry, art and putting on some performances around the county's link to slavery and the emancipation movement.
John Stockley, an African American GI son from Weymouth, is set to give a talk about his life and recent discovery of siblings he never thought he had.
He's recently been to the United States to feature in TV documentary Britain's Secret War Babies where he made this discovery.
"I do enjoy seeing the people and meeting them in Dorchester. It’s so important that we do this," Stockley said.
"Having just returned from America and seeing how people celebrate different things there it’s so important that we do the same here.
"My talk will be about my life as an African American GI son being brought up in Dorset.
"I’ve got a little story to tell and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it."
Local artist Sophie Mollins will also be at the event where she'll explore the historical significance of sugar, and Ken Olende from Stand Up to Racism is set to talk about Black resistance from the Caribbean to the UK.
The event at Shire Hall takes place between 11am to 4pm on October 2.