BLACK HISTORY EVENT -EMBRACING COMMUNITY DIVERSITY 

On Saturday, 24TH  OCTOBER 2026, from 4.00 PM – 10.00 PM

 at                                                                                                                                         

 RBL Memorial Hall, Newland Street, Witham CM8 2XW.                                                                                                                                       

SMARTLIFE SERVICES COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY                                                                                                                     

Present

BLACK HISTORY EVENT:  EMBRACING COMMUNITY DIVERSITY 

BLACK HISTORY honours the achievements of the Black Community throughout history. The Theme on this occasion is Embracing the different ethnicities  in Witham  

The rationale of these activities is to bring our community together whilst promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. As people, we recognise our cultural identity in the things we share with other people. Diversity is the many different cultures living within society.  Diversity promotes tolerance and understanding between different cultures; it also enriches our community through shared experiences with different people

The Day will consist of

WHOLE HEALTH: looking at varying conditions

Health Check by Essex Wellbeing Service

Sexual Health by 

Presentations & Demonstrations on ‘Complementary Therapies’ & Footcare

STORYTELLING

Talks on Cultures, Clothes, Different Foods, Hair, and Products from different countries. 

STALLS from Organisations and more.

MIXED MUSIC in the background

SLIDE Show on Black History and its contribution  to  the WORLD

Representatives will also include community role models, from local politicians to business development advocates, training providers to community workers, to tutor, advise, and/or support any concerns young people may have about their history, culture, or place in society on the day of the event.  Witham’s young people represent the future of our local economy, so we aim to ensure that our more senior members of the borough can help bridge the age gap with support and mentoring around self-awareness, history and culture, to continue a legacy, a level of prosperity afforded to present-day young West Indians by past West Indian and African generations.

“New entrepreneurs, potential young small start-up business owners in the Witham and surrounding area will be able to swap ideas, talk and debate with guest speakers, stakeholders, including people from successful local businesses.”

Designed for Afro-Caribbean and African communities as well as the wider public, this program supports personal wellness in a supportive social and environmental setting.   “Exclusivity by Inclusion!”

THE CELEBRATION

To celebrate Black people's contribution to the world at large, our people's presence, and their ongoing contributions to heritage, culture, and commerce in Britain and other countries. 

 INCLUSION!”

The objective is to support the community through this edutainment event project, drawing on the contributions of family and friends (living and deceased) to the rich heritage of British culture.  Across consumer, social, political, academic, and commercial spheres, West Indian people have shaped the British social landscape over the past 60 years through their contributions.  However, many of our young Caribbean descendants may be far removed from this history.  A social inclusion format for public benefit can enlighten these same individuals about their past and present and, more importantly, provide a sense of direction for the future.  West Indian people from the 1st to 6th generation in Britain will benefit from a Smartlife Services event, which aims to support those facing social exclusion or disenchantment—regardless of their status, finances, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, creed, or education—primarily but not exclusively by:

Enabling minority groups to participate more effectively with the wider community

Increasing or coordinating opportunities for beneficiaries to engage with service providers, enabling providers to adopt services that better meet beneficiaries' needs.  Living the legacy: Honouring the first generation of migrants from the Caribbean and Africa to Britain in the late 1940’s.

With sub-themes:

Inter-generational dialogue and exchange (storytelling, hopes, aspirations, challenges faced, contrasts and parallels with modern-day concepts).  Contributions of service personnel from WW1 and 2 (shared history, role in helping make Britain a multi-diverse society).  Living the legacy today (role of black people in modern Britain, supporting young Black Britons to fulfil their potential)

In closing, Smartlife Services firmly believes people benefit collectively through participation and adapting social behaviour to effect change for the better, because ‘no man is an island’; we all have to learn to care, share, and help one another. Join us as we grow and succeed together. We're glad you're here to be a part of our celebration.