A Night of Pride and Community: Celebrating Black History Month at Manchester’s Rainbow Community Centre
- Lorraine Lawrence
- Nov 14
- 4 min read
On Thursday 23rd October 2025, I (Lorraine Lawrence) had the wonderful opportunity to attend a Black History Month Celebration at the Rainbow Community Centre in Manchester as part of my ongoing community engagement work. The event was a heartfelt gathering that honoured the enduring legacy and vibrant contributions of the African and Caribbean diaspora to life in Manchester. If you’d like to learn more about this inspiring organisation and the incredible work they do in the community, visit Rainbow Community Centre.
A true Manchester welcome
From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was buzzing. It was a full house filled with warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable aroma of home-cooked food. The room radiated the vibrant energy and spirit that makes Manchester’s community so special, with people greeting each other like old friends and children’s laughter buzzing through the crowd.
In true Caribbean and African fashion, the evening began with what we all know best: a plate of delicious, soul-satisfying food. A huge thank you goes to Chef Juliette, one of our dedicated PPI group members, whose culinary talents shone throughout the evening. Every dish was bursting with flavour, love, and care, from the perfectly spiced vegan curry, and the rich, colourful sides. The food didn’t just satisfy our appetites it brought people together, sparking conversations and smiles at every table and chair.
With bellies full and plates emptied, everyone was ready for a night of culture, connection, and joy. The atmosphere was alive with anticipation, the kind that promises an evening of celebration, storytelling, and shared heritage that will be remembered long after the drums have stopped beating.
Honouring Culture, creativity, and community
The event was officially opened by Lesmond Taylor, one of the organisers and another member of the UPTURN Caribbean PPI group. It was wonderful to reconnect with Lesmond, who I’ve had the pleasure of working with before. His warm welcome and infectious enthusiasm perfectly captured the spirit of the evening.
The evening’s programme was beautifully curated: a showcase of creativity and pride that reflected the strength and unity within Manchester’s African and Caribbean communities. Guests were treated to live performances, spoken word poetry, a percussion orchestra, and even a few fun games and quizzes that had everyone engaged and smiling. Each moment celebrated our shared heritage and the powerful contributions of those who came before us, paving the way for generations to come.
Inspiring reflections from Professor Washington Alcott
The evening concluded with a deeply moving address by Professor Washington Alcott, a respected historical researcher, educator, and community historian. He is widely recognised for his work in uncovering and sharing the often-overlooked histories of the African and Caribbean presence in Britain, from the early arrivals of African scholars and seafarers to the lasting influence of Caribbean migration on culture, education, and civic life.
Professor Alcott spoke passionately about the importance of telling our own stories, ensuring that the contributions and experiences of Black communities are recognised not just during Black History Month, but throughout the year. He highlighted how these histories are embedded in British society in music, art, education, and activism and emphasised that celebrating them is both a tribute and a responsibility.
He also encouraged the audience to consider how we can continue this work: educating future generations, supporting cultural initiatives, and keeping these narratives alive through storytelling and community engagement. His words were both inspiring and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
Ultimately, Professor Alcott reminded us that understanding our past is essential to building a more inclusive and empowered future: a message that perfectly captured the spirit of the evening.
Closing reflections
As the evening ended, I left the Rainbow Community Centre feeling uplifted, inspired, and deeply proud. The celebration was a beautiful reminder of our shared heritage and the strength that comes from unity and community spirit.
Attending events like this also reinforces the heart of my work with the UPTURN community engagement and PPI initiatives. These events offer genuine opportunities to connect with people beyond formal meetings or surveys, allowing for meaningful conversations that shape how projects evolve and respond to real community needs. Building trust and long-term relationships through shared experiences is vital it ensures that voices from all backgrounds are not only heard but actively influence decisions. Each event strengthens the collaborative bonds that underpin our work, reminding me that true engagement is about partnership, respect, and ongoing dialogue that continues well beyond a single evening of celebration.
My sincere thanks go to all the organisers, volunteers, and community members who worked so hard to make the event such a success. Your dedication, creativity, and warmth shone through in every detail from the thoughtful planning to the joyful atmosphere that filled the room.
Author:
Lorraine Lawrence
Community Researcher (UPTURN)
Department of Health Science,
University of York
