Derry~Londonderry experienced the pulsating rhythms of African drums to mark Africa Day.
The celebration in St Columb’s Hall was organised by the African Caribbean Community Network (ACCN), supported by Apex Housing Association through the Housing for All Shared Housing Programme. The event was also supported by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and Derry City and Strabane District Council.
The free event took place on Saturday 25 May 2024 with 600 people in attendance, including Mayor of Derry City & Strabane, Cllr. Patricia Logue. Families were treated to music, dance, and arts and crafts.
Doreen Murugi, Founder of ACCN, said: “It was a delight to bring people together to mark Africa Day. It was occasion to highlight diversity and educate the community about our various cultures and traditions, fostering a spirit of unity within the broader community.”
Sheena McCallion, Chief Executive of Apex, speaking at the event, said: “This celebration of African culture in the heart of the city is a feast for the eyes, and I thank and congratulate the African Caribbean Community Network for sharing their rich culture with us at such a vibrant and inclusive event.”
Apex currently has twelve shared neighbourhoods across Northern Ireland, with five of these attending the Africa Day celebrations – Woodlands Avenue in Culmore, Dunineany View in Ballycastle, Ballynafoy Close in Belfast, Areema Grove in Dunmurry and Sycamore Drive in Dungannon.
£21.5m has been invested in these shared neighbourhoods and their associated good relations plans. In each neighbourhood, Apex works in partnership with local advisory group stakeholders and residents to develop and deliver a good relations plan for the area.
Find out about the Housing for All Shared Housing Programme.