We're still collecting donations
On the 13th November 2022 we'd raised £30 with 2 supporters in 42 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
We are #BristolBHM, and we need your support to sustain the program, provide creative opportunities and remain present beyond October.
by Sibusiso Tshabalala in Bristol, Bristol City, United Kingdom
On the 13th November 2022 we'd raised £30 with 2 supporters in 42 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
We amplify, promote and host the African communities' voice, activities, services and legacy through both the magazine and our social platform to preserve heritage, raise aspirations, educate the public and drive social change.
#BBHMSupport
Cognitive Paths in partnership with Cables and Camera’s have been delivering the Bristol Black History Month Magazine since 2016. The Magazine serves as a dedicated space to collect, preserve and celebrate the stories and achievements of African, Caribbean communities across the South West. We create a unique online and print platform, supporting the preservation and sharing of community history and culture.
Black History Month has been part of the fabric of the UK since the late 1980s however, in recent years there has been a renewed need to celebrate the achievements and struggles of Black people throughout history, right up to the present today.
In the past, Bristol City Council’s Equality and Community Cohesion Team has collated information and events and subsequently produced an online brochure. In 2016, the council decided that the Bristol Black History Month Magazine should be led by a local Black-led organization, enterprise, company, or entrepreneur. There was no statutory funding to organize events or with which to produce Black History Month brochures each year.
We have successfully delivered the magazine for six years which enables us to impart stories of our elders, particularly the Windrush generation, and to highlight individual and entrepreneurial achievements along with promoting academic excellence. This additionally includes providing employment opportunities for developing and established creatives and student interns.
During the peak of COVID-19, the #BLM Movement in 2020, and the toppling of Edward Colston, we were unsuccessful in all our grant applications. However, we persisted, offering vital visibility and agency to Black voices, services, and achievements. Nevertheless, it was a challenging time to secure advertisements which normally covers 45% of the project costs.
As we come out of the pandemic, we’ve regained our momentum towards delivering beyond October. Our services, in showcasing representational media content in a positive and culturally appreciative manner, are in higher demand than ever. We have come to understand the positive impact of our service from the positive feedback received, as below:
"It's such a beautiful, powerful and well done magazine! Thank you for creating this" Hana Seif El Nasr
“When we are running low, or on empty, October can help us to re-energise, rejuvenate, invigorate and educate. I am Black all year round and not just in October. “ Sherrie Eugene-Hart
“I have discovered loads of exciting software which I can now use for my own projects. I have gained professional experience … and learnt to trust my instincts and feel confident when completing tasks on my own.”
“I had experience with social anxiety before, but whilst completing the placement I have overcome this. All in all, I feel much more confident since doing my placement.”
Your donation will go towards supporting our creative placement programme and enable us to sustain the program beyond October. Since 2016, we have hosted 102 placements, produced 6 magazines, reached 40000 people and commissioned 23 creatives.
Thanks for your commitment to making BHM all year round.
Harambee!!
This project offered rewards