Black History Month event at The Atkinson in Southport is a huge success

The amazing, and often unrecognised, achievements of people of colour were highlighted in an afternoon of music, poetry and guest speakers at Southport's Atkinson Studio Theatre on Saturday, writes Martin Hovden.

The event, organised by Southport Against Racism and compered by the excellent Tony Niemen, featured a rich selection of entertainment and education which attracted a large and appreciative audience.

There were poetry readings by pupils from high schools Greenbank and Meols Cop, plus a brilliant World Reimagined sculpture created by Christ the King pupils (my picture shows art teacher Mrs K Martin with sixth form art student Jacob Whyman).

One of the highlights of the day was an uplifting presentation by motivational speaker Sam P Jollah, who  survived war in Sierre Leone. The turning point in his life came when he took up tennis as a young boy and went on to become an international tennis coach. Now aged 40, he's lived in Southport for the past 18 years.

Sam, whose autobiography is called How Tennis Saved My Life, put the spotlight on the many black people worldwide who have achieved so much in the world of science and technology, including the invention of the GPS system and the American space industry.

Broadcaster Dr Phil Frampton, who grew up in a Southport children's home and went to KGV, outlined how he coped with the racism he suffered while living in the town, although he stressed he felt no racism from his teachers. He is the author of  The Golly In The Cupboard.

We were also treated to performances by singers Boukaye B (picture shows her with compere Tony Niemen in front of the superb oil on canvas portrait of Martin Luther King by the very talented local artist Robert Newbiggin); professional actress and singer Sandra Sumner; Southport couple Debbs and David Attwater; and young Southport singer/songwriter Asher Nix. 

Young Iranian rapper Tando spoke of the fight against oppression in his country before his performance, while the event was closed by members of Southport Singers.

Organiser Kat said she was delighted with how the afternoon went and there will be another one in Southport next year.

COMING SOON: My video of the event, including interviews with Sam P Jollah, Dr Phil Frampton and Tony Niemen.