Decision - Origins

Decision details

Origins

Decision Maker: Ward Member for East Folkestone (3)

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

Black History Month - A diverse group of people coming together to celebrate Black History Month and Black men in honour of our founding member Arike who passed away in June 2020.

 

Decision:

To provide funding of £249.90 to the above project.

 

 

Reason for decision:

The theme for this year is: Black men are good - Stereotypical views have obscured

the images of Black men for centuries. Racial and class inequalities, systematic

discrimination and the media have contributed to creating a distorted portrayal of

Black men in which they are pathologised. Black men are good is real lived

experiences and achievements are underrepresented and overshadowed by the

representation of them as perpetrators of violent crimes. George Floyd’s death, and

subsequent Black Lives Matter protests, have instigated a ray of solidarity and hope

around the world and have exposed the racism experienced by Black people. In light

of these protests, how can we encourage Black men to reclaim their true identity?

This project will also honour founding member Arike who passed away in July 2020 by highlighting the shared experiences of Black men in the town through visual art,

conversations, poetry, food and music. It will also promote his legacy by engaging

with local artists to create work on the theme and invite people of diverse identities

who had/have a connection with Arike and other Black men to contribute a piece of

writing, finishing the sentence ‘Black Men Are…

 

Origins know that explicit racism was once legal and practised openly just a few

decades ago: Discrimination in work, a place to live or access to education. Outlawing racial discrimination has helped. But it continues for black communities as an experience for people and in Folkestone Kent and throughout the UK. We feel that there is a need to work in partnership with the statutory and voluntary sectors in

Folkestone to make a positive difference in Kent. The Black community is underrepresented in Folkestone, and for those who call Folkestone their home, there has been an interlocking of racism and mental health oppression. To provide services fairly, we want to promote equality, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief in line with the Human Rights Act. Origins group would like audiences to experience a greater awareness of the accomplishments Folkestone; a sense of pride in our collective multicultural history; and celebrate the diverse tapestry of cultures and ethnicities that form our national identity.

 

Publication date: 14/01/2021

Date of decision: 14/01/2021

Accompanying Documents: