BELFAST’S City Hall was bathed in red and green on Sunday night to mark the start of Black History Month.
At the request of the North West Migrants Forum, nine of the North’s 11 councils have agreed to illuminate properties on various dates over the next four weeks.
Locally Derry City and Strabane District Council will light up its buildings on October 21.
Black History Month is a celebration of the achievements of black people throughout time, right up until the present day. Marked worldwide, it is seen as an opportunity for everyone to learn about the black community while also encouraging them to eradicate the inequalities that still exist in society today.
Belfast City Council lit up City Hall on Sunday night, October 1, with Mid Ulster District Council set to illuminate its buildings this evening.
Thanking all authorities that have agreed to highlight what is a very important annual event, Director of the North West Migrants Forum, Lilian Seenoi Barr, said Black History Month was a golden chance to learn more about people who have made and who continue to make an impression on society.
“We are very excited to be celebrating Black History Month and we want to thank each local council that has granted our request to light up their buildings to mark the occasion.
“The main aim of Black History Month is to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people not just in Ireland or the UK but around the world.
“It provides a moment of reflection for people as well as a reminder to educate ourselves.
“By honouring the struggles faced by black people as a whole, Black History Month strives to be a reminder of equality and inclusion,” Mrs Seenoi Barr added.
As part of Black History Month, the North West Migrants Forum will hold its annual Black History Summit in Ulster University’s Magee campus on October 21. Registration is still open via http://www.nwmf.org.uk.
Keep an eye on your council building:
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council: October 20
Ards and North Down Borough Council: Decision taken on Jan 26 to pause light ups until April 1 2024
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council: October 20
Belfast City Council: October 1
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council: October 21
Derry City and Strabane District Council: October 21
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council: October 20
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council: October 21
Mid Ulster District Council: October 3
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council: October 21
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council: Cannot facilitate light up due to absence of colour changing light system