“Since being part of Preston Black History Group  I have learnt about the relationships between the group and IBAR at UCLAN.

The Black Lives Matter movement has brought me partial understanding and allegiance. But I feel that the cause has been heavily politicised.

I Joined Preston Black History Group to learn through academia as opposed to just cultural celebration.

There are many stories to share through BTTF, especially the ones via Afrique Oye (Rakiyah) and her educational journey against the odds.

I would like the future of Preston Black History Group to be an independent School of African history & Literature. It could be an online reference tool, answering pertinent individual questions on black identity, politics, culture and the importance of a shared history for all.

The best part of being in the Preston Black History Group is its network and strong links.”

“I have learnt about how resilient black communities are and how hard people work to overcome racism in their lives.

The recent resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement has reinvigorated my motivations and commitment to Preston Black History Group and our work.

I felt that as a mother I had a duty to engage my child with both elements of her heritage.

There are so many stories to be told throughout our time together, trips, events, research projects.

I now hold a deeper understanding and awareness of how black history is world history and how its effects are still being felt to this day.

So much still to be done to address the differences in the way people are treated due to the colour of their skin.

The group also provides a unique platform to be able to ask difficult questions.

To try and understand people’s experiences and impacts on their lives and how I and others like me overlook their privilege of being born of white British heritage.”

“Since my involvement with Preston Black History Group, I have come to better realise the significance of the contribution that has been made to the development of mankind by people of African origin.

One of the biggest effects that being a part of Preston Black History Group has had on me is, the increase in the pride I have in my History and Culture. 

I originally joined Preston Black History Group to learn more about the History and Culture of people of African origin, irrespective of where they presently live i.e. Continental Africa, the West Indies, America, or the United Kingdom etc.

One of the fondest stories I would share is the surprise celebration of Philip Duncan’s birthday at one of our annual food social gatherings in Preston City Centre.

I would like Preston Black History Group to retain all the excellent characteristics it presently has such as welcoming, open minded, a sense of camaraderie, honesty and integrity, resilience etc. but increase in size to expand it’s skill base to include members with more experience and expertise in fundraising, researching, marketing, and I.T.

One of the best things about being a member of Preston Black History Group is the feeling of belonging to a family.

“As a member of Preston Black History Group, it is an experience within itself. 

Our team leader, influencer/organiser, works tirelessly for the group achievements, organising trips to the Rum Story in Whitehaven, Wilberforce Museum, Hull, Sunderland Point, visiting Sambo’s Grave, Liverpool history walk; the Atlantic Slave Museum. I have enjoyed trips to Lake District and Colwyn Bay Wales, and many more places of interest.

I am proud of our main event BLACK TO THE FUTURE, held in October at the Fulwood Methodist Church Fulwood, Preston.”

“I have learnt a great deal about Black History since I met up with Clinton, and I have enjoyed being part of it.

I got to know about Black History through Gateway. But somebody mentioned about the Black History Group and so I joined, I enjoy going out and taking photographs with Clinton. 

I would like more people to get involved and listen to their stories, to hear what it was like for them and where they came from.

The best thing of joining the Preston Black History Group, has been getting to know the committee of the Black History Group, and getting more information and getting to know the people at the AGM.  And getting the stories and history about Black History. And it gets very, very interesting. “

“I have learnt about the history and how they treated the slaves, how the slaves escaped and made a new life.

I enjoyed the trip I went on to see Sambo’s Grave and the female servant, how she was treated by the house owners, and also the love of the residents at Sunderland Point to Sambo.

There needs to be more stories and history from Black Lives Matter. I think because of what has come out so far they have a stronger identity.

It is important to learn about how Black People have been treated throughout history.

I would like to continue learning and seeing their history unfold, like the trip I went on, one member actually knew two of the Miners.”

“I’ve learned so much hidden history – stories and people who have been quietly turning the tables.

I am glad I’ve been working with Preston Black History Group to change the stories and redress the balance.

The group offers a sense of fairness, being a member gives me a sense of belonging to something greater than myself.

Looking back on how far we have come together, babies who have become young adults, elders who have left us but richer for having known them.

There needs to be More – just more! More connections, people and impact.

Growing my knowledge and understanding of the Eurocentric nature of my education has changed me and has given me ways to talk about difficult issues.

Family, friends, trust, working together, common goals, support.”