New magazine to be published celebrating local Black History

A new magazine celebrating local Black history is set to be published, after being put together in Black History Month by the Nigeria Community Association Rochdale.

The upcoming magazine features the heritage of African and Caribbean communities in Rochdale through stories, quotes, portraits, images, workshops, and events.

The magazine is a collaboration between the Nigeria Community Association Rochdale and the council, influenced by the likes of Dr Erinma Bell MBE DL, a celebrated and widely-recognised peace activist and champion for social justice who has also been named as one of the most influential women in Greater Manchester.

In 2003 Dr Bell co-founded and chaired CARISMA Community Alliance for Renewal Inner South Manchester Area, providing positive alternatives to street crime for young people. She was formerly Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester in 2011.

The magazine is also influenced by footballer Marcus Rashford MBE, medical practitioner Dr Omoshalewa Agbeja, as well as local leaders, including former Mayor Mohammed Zaman, Councillor Faisal Rana, the Mayor Billy Sheerin, MP Tony Lloyd, and council leader Allen Brett.

The new magazine – expected to be published next month and be a regular issue – has been put together throughout October, coinciding with the UK’s Black History Month, which has been celebrated nationwide for over 30 years. It was originally founded to recognise the contributions made over many generations to the UK by people of African and Caribbean backgrounds.

Now, Black History Month has expanded to include the history of not just African and Caribbean people, but black people in general.

A spokesperson for the Nigeria Community Association Rochdale said: “Black history should be an everyday celebration, as it entails the long existence and standings of the black race.

“At NCA, we are inclined to celebrate Black History Month through our magazine. However, this cannot be encapsulated in a given day or a month, as these are decades’ worth of historic moments which require so much research and movements.

“Our magazine will encompass the benefit of the Black community living and working in our borough, and will unveil the heritage of every day people.

“Our aim is for the names and stories of Black heroes and contributors to be a hallmark on the hearts of generations to come, as well as identify their heritage as Black, stand astutely and believe in themselves.

“It is also a period of recognition, reconciliation, renewal and a review of the Black race. We say a very big thank you to all organisations and individuals who have contributed to the making of our first Black history magazine.”

To contribute towards the magazine or for more information, please contact Mary Adekugbe:

• nigeriacommunityassociation1@gmail.com

• Tel: 07456136150