Black History Month Celebration 2025
On Monday 27th October, our Creative Support community came together for an incredible Black History Month celebration at Band on the Wall in Manchester.
The event was about uplifting and showcasing the achievements of our Black staff and the people we support, while also marking five years of our Manifesto for Action – our ongoing commitment to anti-racism and the celebration of Black identity.
Almost 100 people joined us for an afternoon filled with music, food, creative workshops, film screenings, inspiring speeches, and Black joy. As guests arrived, they dove straight into creative workshops celebrating cultural expression, designing beautiful jewellery and painting Adinkra symbols from Ghana, representing values such as love, strength, peace and unity.
“I’m having a good time. Creative Support celebrating Black History Month means they have regard for Black staff and people we support. The people I support have really engaged with the celebrations, especially the dance elements of our culture. The atmosphere today is charged with good energy,” said Jemimah, Senior Support Worker in Salford.
Ntkozo, who we support in Manchester, shared, “It’s a calm environment. Everyone’s approachable. It’s very good energy.”
For lunch, we enjoyed a delicious bowl of jollof rice – a traditional West African dish—served with a side of chicken prepared by Jeanne, Support Worker in Salford. Dessert featured ginger cake and toto cake; Jamaican favourites.
“It’s such a joyful event, so I wanted to contribute my chicken with my special seasoning. Something I’ve brought from my culture is happiness – I’m always happy to be here,” said Jeanne.
The room was suddenly buzzing as John, Acting Support Coordinator in Manchester, delivered a sensational bongo performance, followed by Love, Support Worker in Salford, who wowed the crowd with a traditional Nigerian dance. She got everyone up on stage, copying her movements.
“It’s so good to be here. I’m glad to be among people who recognise the Black community. Having fun, dancing, eating together – it makes me feel special. Becoming an EDI Champion is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” said Tunde, Support Worker in Warwickshire. Tunde’s role as an EDI Champion is to make spaces where people can be their authentic selves.
“It means a lot to be here. It’s an opportunity to feel accepted, to be among people and food I know, and to champion a cause,” said Temi, Support Worker in St. Helens.
Throughout the afternoon, staff delivered moving speeches, sharing personal journeys, cultural pride, and reflections on the ongoing work toward anti-racism.
Emeka, Support Worker and EDI Champion in Salford, spoke passionately about belonging: “In our Creative Support family, we make space for all cultures because in our community, everyone matters. When people feel seen, they shine. When people feel valued, they grow.”
“I come from Nigeria – a land full of colour and voices. To understand where we are, we must understand where we come from. Our strength lies in our diversity. We bring our caring nature from Nigeria to our support roles at Creative Support,” said Chinelo (Nelly), Support Worker in Manchester
Oge, Support Worker in Tameside made a powerful speech about Black mental health. She said, “I want to encourage people to speak out. We carry a burden from home and the transition of moving here. I lost and buried both parents this year and my Creative family were here. I got letters from HR and they sent links for me to get help. There is a stigma to getting therapy. They tell us we are strong, that we just need to pray and we will be fine but I want to advocate for talking and I am so glad help is offered. As Black people we need to be able to accept that help. It’s important, it matters.”
Later, we premiered our Black History Month short film, created with staff and people we support across Greater Manchester. After the screening, a live Q&A session gave attendees the chance to hear from those featured in the film. Many both on stage and in the audience stood up to express their pride in being part of Creative Support’s community.
Kate, Team Leader in Salford, said, “I work for a company that values people and I’m proud to be here. I’m proud to work somewhere Black people belong. My voice is heard and taken seriously.”
Mofe Binitie, Trustee on the Creative Support Board, reflected, “Today is about the Creative Support community. It’s especially important when many staff have come to the UK from other countries. It’s about taking people on a journey, and learning about where others have come from.”
Akeisha Brown from our EDI Team, who organised the event, summed up the spirit of the day: “It’s been a beautiful day. In the EDI Team, we work to make everyone feel seen, heard, and valued – including their culture, their heritage, and everything that comes with that. Today is to showcase that.”
Thank you to everyone who took part in this special celebration. We can’t wait to continue amplifying voices from our incredible Black community and building on our Manifesto for Action in the years ahead.
Find our Manifesto for Action: https://www.creativesupport.co.uk/black-lives-matter-manifesto-for-action/
Watch our Black History Month short film: youtube.com/@crtvspprt
Get involved: To join our EDI initiatives or become an EDI Champion, email EDI@creativesupport.co.uk
