African women celebrate Black, interracial cultural heritage in UK

Hundreds of African women gathered over the weekend at the Bradford Art Centre, United Kingdom, to showcase and celebrate Black and interracial cultural heritage to the outside world.

The event tagged ‘Black History Month’ was put together to celebrate and honour the achievements, experiences and contributions of Black and interracial women, while celebrating their wider history, heritage and cultural legacies of Black communities in the UK.

The event highlighted the importance of creating spaces where women can share their stories, celebrate their heritage and inspire younger generations to embrace their identities with confidence and pride.

The event, which was organised by Black and Interracial Women in Bradford (BIWIB) under the leadership of Dr Osemeike Gloria Eyieyien, brought together civic leaders, academics, community advocates, faith leaders, professionals, students and members of the public for a memorable celebration of identity, cultural heritage, unity and empowerment.

The gathering provided a platform to recognise the stories and achievements of Black and interracial women, highlighting their resilience and invaluable contributions to families, communities and wider society through powerful theatrical performances, poetry, music, dance and inspirational speeches.

It also afforded those present the opportunity to reflect on the importance of preserving heritage, strengthening relationships and building inclusive communities for future generations.

One of the important personalities that graced the occasion was the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Chris Herd, who praised the contributions of Black and interracial women.

In his opening speech, the Lord Mayor of Bradford acknowledged and commended the valuable work being undertaken by Black and interracial women across the city and praised the organiser of the programme, Dr Osemeike Gloria Eyieyien, for her vision and commitment in uniting Black and interracial people together to promote their identities and cultural heritage.

He recognised their significant contributions to fostering unity, promoting culture and building a lasting legacy for future generations, highlighting the important role women play in strengthening community relationships, encouraging cultural understanding and bringing people together across different backgrounds.

The Lord Mayor’s message set an inspiring tone for the event, recognising the value of community-led initiatives in celebrating Bradford’s diversity and ensuring that the contributions of Black and interracial women receive the recognition they deserve.

Addressing the gathering, the organiser of the event, Dr Osemeike Gloria Eyieyien, who is Founder and CEO of IAccend Initiative CIC, shared her vision of building a community where positive relationships flourish, connections grow stronger and a genuine sense of belonging continues to develop.

She emphasised the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships, promoting mutual understanding and creating inclusive spaces where people from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed, respected and connected.

Her vision centred on the belief that stronger communities are built when people come together, appreciate one another’s differences and recognise their shared humanity. By fostering meaningful connections and encouraging collaboration, communities can create a lasting legacy that future generations will be proud to inherit.

The messages from both the Lord Mayor and Dr Eyieyien reinforced the central themes of the event: “Unity, cultural appreciation, community belonging and collective responsibility for building a more inclusive Bradford”.

One of the major highlights of the event was the “10 Decades” stage play, produced and directed by Ehijie Jeffery Ebhodaghe.

The powerful theatrical production took audiences on a journey through different decades, exploring the experiences, struggles, achievements and contributions of Black people across generations.

Through compelling storytelling and dramatic expression, the production highlighted important themes of Black history, cultural identity, resilience, heritage and social progress.

It offered audiences an opportunity to reflect on the historical experiences of Black communities, acknowledge their achievements and appreciate the enduring legacy they continue to build for future generations.

The stage play brought a wider historical and cultural dimension to the Black History Month celebration. While the event as a whole focused on celebrating Black and interracial women, the production explored Black people’s experiences and contributions more broadly, recognising the importance of understanding and preserving Black history in its entirety.

The performance was complemented by poetry, a variety of musical performances, dance and inspirational speeches, creating an atmosphere of cultural pride, reflection and celebration.

The creative contributions demonstrated the power of the arts to preserve history, amplify voices, connect generations and foster a deeper understanding of Black heritage.

The “10 Decades” production stood out as a significant feature of the event, bringing history to life while reinforcing the importance of cultural recognition, community unity and the preservation of heritage.

The event attracted a distinguished gathering of civic, academic, cultural and community figures, reflecting the importance of collaboration in building stronger and more inclusive communities.

Notable guests at the occasion included Ghufrana Qureshi, a West Yorkshire-based domestic abuse consultant, trainer and community leader, whose work supports communities and addresses issues affecting women and families.

Also present was Pedi Obani, Associate Professor of Law at the University of Bradford, whose academic work contributes to important discussions surrounding law and social issues.

The event also played host to Daniel Bates, CEO of Bradford UK City of Culture, and Jonathan Triffitt, Dean of Bradford Cathedral, representing Bradford’s cultural and faith communities.

Other notable personalities included Dr Olushola Kolawole (OAK), Senior Lecturer at the University of Bradford and CEO of OAK Initiative, and Sandra Brown, CEO of Black Health Matters United Kingdom.

The event also attracted faith-based leaders, community leaders, professionals, students and members of the public, creating a diverse gathering united by a shared commitment to celebrating heritage, promoting understanding and inspiring positive change.

Their presence, the organiser noted, reflected the importance of bringing together people from different sectors to recognise the achievements of Black and interracial women and encourage meaningful collaboration across Bradford.

The event also championed the voices of Black and interracial women and demonstrated a commitment to celebrating their identities, experiences and achievements.

It also encouraged reflection on representation, leadership, equal opportunities and intergenerational understanding. By bringing these themes to life through the arts and community engagement, the gathering reinforced the need for continued efforts to address barriers affecting women and underrepresented communities.

Beyond celebrating history, the event also served as a reminder that recognising the contributions of women from diverse backgrounds is essential to building communities where everyone feels seen, respected and valued.

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