A RANGE of educational and cultural events are taking place across St Helens this October to help celebrate Black History Month.

The theme of this year’s event is Proud To Be, and people of colour from across the country are encouraged to contribute and share their personal stories, thoughts and experiences.

As part of this project, St Helens Archive Service is hoping to hear from people in the borough who are willing to share their photos and memories that align with this theme and black history.

The service is also looking for Black voices who would be willing to take part in the St Helens Oral History Project, which will interview residents about their lives to act as a new way of recording history.

The organisers are looking to capture the differing experiences people have had living in St Helens over the years.

Young people across the borough will also be getting involved in a number of projects, such as Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs from 9th to 16th October and supports a zero-tolerance message across the borough.

Additionally, St Helens Music Service will be working with young people to focus on the rich history of Black music and performers, with youth services doing similar work to shine a light on prominent Black people.

During half term, three local libraries will be host to Aleiah’s Adventures; a playful and physical experience that uses British Sign Language and visual storytelling to explore the wonderful world and celebrate diversity.

At a ticket price of £3, or £9 for a family/group of four, the production - suitable for ages eight and above - will be shown at the following locations:

Haydock Library: Wednesday 27th October, 11am

Moss Bank Library: Thursday 28th October, 11am

Eccleston Library: Friday 29th October, 11am

Finally, there will also be an exclusive screening of Alexis Maxwell's film, Roots, at the launch of the eagerly anticipated 'HERE' Augmented Reality trail on Saturday, October 23, in St Mary's Market.

Alexis, a black filmmaker from St Helens, explores authentic black voices from around our borough through his short film and this is not one to be missed.

Councillor Jeanie Bell, Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities and lead member for equality at St Helens Borough Council, said: “We’re committed to supporting everyone in our communities and this Black History Month is a brilliant opportunity for us to celebrate and recognise the contributions made by Black and Brown people.

"We have a diverse range of activities for everyone to get involved in with all ages encouraged to get involved and we’d love to hear the stories of why people are proud to be Black or Brown and here in St Helens Borough.”