Black history – a glorious celebration

This impressive plaque has been designed and crafted by sculptor, Les Johnson, as an etching on acrylic.

Cllr Christine Hamilton, Cabinet Member for Equalities, said, “It is a wonderful plaque which is displayed on a pillar in the conference room at the Civic Centre. It is a moving and powerful demonstration of our commitment to equality for all our communities.”

Chandra Bhatia, Director of the Enfield Racial Equality Council added, “We have been working with Enfield Council to celebrate Black History Month.

“This plaque will remind people of the shame and degradation of slavery. Our copy of the plaque will be prominently displayed at our Edmonton offices at Community House and another will be displayed at Edmonton Green library.”

Mayor During also welcomed the High Commissioners of Angola, Jamaica and Sierra Leone to last Saturday's event.

There was also be music and song and a taste of the Caribbean and Sierra Leone at an inviting buffet.   

Black History Month is a national celebration focusing on the untold history of the Afro - Caribbean communities in Britain throughout October.

It marks the struggles and ambitions of these communities with music and song, poetry, readings, drama and entertainment.

Enfield’s communities have prepared a rich and thoughtful programme at venues around the borough with something to appeal to all generations.

Throughout October, Enfield’s theatres, libraries and community centres will be hosting a glorious celebration.

The programme is available at the Civic Centre, all libraries and community centres or on the council’s website at www.enfield.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth

Text on the Plaque:

The bicentenary marks an important opportunity to reflect on the injustices of the past, the progress we have made, and the challenges that remain. We must never forget our role in one of the most shameful episodes in the history of humanity. Over hundreds of years, millions of African men, women and children were captured, kidnapped and forced to undertake a journey that led to a lifetime of misery and exploitation.

Today we all accept that slavery is abhorrent and repugnant. The bicentenary gives us the opportunity to remember the millions who suffered and died as a result of slavery, and to pay tribute to the courage and moral conviction of all those – black and white – who campaigned for abolition. The spirit of freedom, justice and equality that characterised the efforts of the abolitionists is the same spirit that drives our determination to fight injustice and inequality today.

1807 – 2007

The bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade must leave a lasting legacy by inspiring everyone to work together
to shape a better world.