Watford Museum hosted police and partners on Wednesday 20 October to mark Black History Month.
The Watford community joined police and partners on Wednesday (20 October) for an afternoon of food, music, dance, poetry and presentations to mark Black History Month.
Organised by Hertfordshire Constabulary Hate Crime Officer, PC Dani Howlett-Bolton – supported by her colleague PCSO Sarah Thomas and partners – the event was hosted at the Wellspring Church, just off the Lower High Street.
Representatives from the Hertfordshire Constabulary, Watford Borough Council, Herts Services for Young People and Watford Museum joined students from Laurance Haines School and West Herts College, as well as members of the Watford Kenyan Women’s Association, to celebrate the great achievements and contributions of the town’s Black community.
The event gave people of colour a local platform to highlight the historical discrimination that they have endured – and sadly still endure today – as well as showcasing their heritage and aptitudes.
Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Roots Caribbean restaurant, including spicy jerk chicken, curry goat, and mac and cheese.
The event’s itinerary began with Laurance Haines School students Runako Mutsipa and Adama Bah performing emotional readings, sharing their own experiences of growing up as Black children in Watford and their hopes for the future.
It was followed by a dance from the Watford Kenyan Women’s Association, which was of particular significance on what is Mashujaa Day in Kenya.
‘Mashujaa’ is Swahili for ‘heroes’ and every year on 20 October, Kenyans honour all those who contributed to the fight for their country’s independence from British rule, which was eventually achieved in 1963.
The dance performed by members of the Watford Kenyan Women’s Association was the same one carried out by their ancestors as a way of welcoming home the men who had fought.
Students from West Herts College also showcased their talents, with Sammy777 (Sammy777 on YouTube and @Sammy7.7.7 on Instagram) performing a self-penned rap and his classmate Nicole Blakk (@nonelikebee on Instagram) sang her own poignant tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Watford Chief Inspector Ian Grout and Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Pete Edwards also spoke at the event, sharing plans for a new community cohesion group which is to be set up later this year.
It will be made up of representatives from Watford’s diverse communities and will provide an opportunity for everyone to discuss the issues that affect them. Police and partners will be able to use this feedback to address problems and in turn make the community a safer place to live, work and visit.
PC Dani Howlett-Bolton, the Hate Crime Officer for Watford and Three Rivers, said: “It was an honour to be in the company of so many passionate and articulate people. The talent that we saw on stage absolutely blew us all away and the performers should be rightly proud of the contribution they make to the fabric of our community.
“It was incredibly moving to hear the personal experiences of those who attended and we had the opportunity to have some really profound conversations. As a Hate Crime Officer, it made me even more determined to support our ethnic communities by challenging discrimination where I see it and breaking down barriers in order to foster a more cohesive and tolerant society.
“I want to publicly thank everyone who was involved in this year’s event. I think we all agree that we must all do more to promote black culture and learn about black heritage all year round – not just for one month of the year – and I know our new community cohesion group will help us on our way to achieving this.”
Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Community, Councillor Aga Dychton said: “Watford’s Black history stretches over three centuries and is something everyone in Watford should know about and celebrate. We’re thrilled to have welcomed everyone to the museum this week and to work with our dedicated community-focused police service.”
