Norfolk Frames, the manufacturer of an award winning range of Decent Homes Standard British GRP fibreglass doors, Q Mark fire doors and PVCu windows, recently made a donation towards the 5th annual Norfolk Black History Month celebration, which runs throughout October this year.

Black History Month has been running in other parts of the UK since 1987 and the 2007 event is particularly important as it marks the bicentenary of the 1807 Parliamentary Act, which aimed to abolish the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

The money donated by Norfolk Frames has been used to fund pre-event publicity posters to enable maximum participation in the events surrounding Norfolk Black History Month.

Highlights this year include: MOBO and Mercury Award-winning musician Soweto Kinch, critically acclaimed poet Lemn Sissay, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and one the UK's finest Black comedians Curtis Walker.

Norfolk Frames works with many social housing partners across the country, one of whom being Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

The donation to Norfolk Black History Month (BHM) comes as part of an initiative by the company to actively support the well being of the communities in which it works, the self-esteem of residents and the prosperity of its local partnerships.

Through a policy of Equality & Diversity Norfolk Frames also aims to respond to the diverse needs of individuals by delivering equality and diversity for partners, their tenants and for those working for and on behalf of Norfolk Frames Ltd.

This year's Norfolk BHM programme includes strong representation from Great Yarmouth as well as reaching Norwich, Sheringham, Aylsham, Watton, Geldeston and Thetford.
Many events are open to the public along with a large number of 'closed' events taking place in schools and colleges across the county and in both the county's Prisons.

Open events include a series of engaging and thought-provoking lectures organised by the NNREC (Norwich & Norfolk Racial Equality Council) as part of the Norfolk's Hidden Heritage Project, two exciting new theatre productions at the Norwich Playhouse entitled ‘Lifting the Mask’ and ‘Diary of a Son of Africa’, as well as workshops and exhibitions taking place at museums and libraries across the county.

Norfolk BHM is jointly organised by NNREC and Norfolk Education and Action for Development (NEAD). The two organisations see Black History Month as a unique opportunity for individuals and groups of all ages and ethnicities to come together and celebrate the diversity of Norfolk.

The ultimate aim is not that Black Achievement is celebrated for a month each year, but that it is integrated into all aspects of society.

Support for the event also comes from members of the Norfolk BHM Steering Group, which range from Norfolk Constabulary and Broadland District Council to local community groups such as Young Urbanites and Great Yarmouth International Association.

Julia Dyson is a member of Great Yarmouth International Association (GYIA), a group of friends who come together to celebrate their contrasting cultural heritage, whilst at the same time promoting and sharing their diverse history.

She explained: “Although Norfolk is depicted as a white county, it has had a black presence for many centuries, in fact Britain’s first black major, Allen Minns, was elected in Thetford in 1904.

“GYIA, along with NNREC and NEAD, aims to bring together the different Black Minority groups of Great Yarmouth and promote good relations within the wider community through social and cultural events such as Norfolk Black History Month, which at the same time inject the Norfolk Arts Scene with a much-needed dose of cultural diversity.”

Julia added: “2003 saw the first Black History Month celebrations in the Great Yarmouth area, thanks to a grant from the Community Champions Fund, set up by the DfES, as well as support from organisations such as the police and NNREC.

"This year’s event was mainly funded by a grant from the Community Development Foundation though their Connecting Community Plus programme, but without the help of volunteers and contributors such as Norfolk Frames the event wouldn’t be the success it is today.”

For more information on Norfolk Black History Month or for a programme of events visit: www.norfolkblackhistorymonth.org.uk and for details of Norfolk Frames’ Equality & Diversity Policy visit: www.norfolkframes.co.uk/equality-and-diversity.

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