CAS is proud to host our 8th Annual Black History Month Celebration this 23rd October — and this year’s theme, “Stand Firm in Power and Pride,” couldn’t be more fitting.
At CAS, we believe in the power of community — celebrating diversity, empowering voices, and building connections that matter. From our cultural events to our regular community workshops, every initiative reflects our shared commitment to inclusion and empowerment. Learn more about our ongoing community projects here.
Each year, our Black History Month celebration gives us a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Black individuals across generations. This year’s theme invites us to not just remember our history, but to stand tall in our identity — with confidence, dignity, and hope.
Expect an evening filled with stories, music, laughter, and powerful moments that remind us why standing firm matters. Our CEO, Nicky Iginla, will also be sharing a message on the power of pride and legacy — one you don’t want to miss!
Although registration has now closed and attendance is at full capacity, don’t worry — we’ll be sharing highlights, photos, and videos from the celebration right here on our page.
Follow CAS Rochdale across all platforms and join us as we honour history, celebrate culture, and keep standing firm in power and pride — together.
At Caring and Sharing Rochdale, we believe every child deserves a joyful, enriching, and safe space to thrive, especially during the holidays. This past Easter, we brought that vision to life once again with our exciting lineup of children’s activities, and what a memorable experience it was!
From laughter filled games to moments of discovery and creativity, our holiday program was packed with fun, friendship, and learning. Children of all ages enjoyed a wide variety of engaging activities from energetic football matches and thrilling PlayStation tournaments to classic word searches and outdoor games that got everyone moving and smiling.
We made time for creativity, encouraging kids to express themselves through arts and crafts, storytelling, and other imaginative exercises. It wasn’t just about entertainment, it was about building confidence, sparking curiosity, and nurturing the social and emotional development of every child who joined us.
As always, our team of dedicated volunteers and staff worked tirelessly to ensure every child felt included, safe, and celebrated. It’s the heart of what we do at Caring and Sharing Rochdale, creating community and sharing love through intentional, child centered programs.
The feedback from parents and guardians has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re already buzzing with ideas for the next round of holiday activities. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces reminds us why we do what we do. We’re not just hosting events, we’re helping to shape brighter futures, one holiday at a time.
If you’d like to get involved, support our mission, or learn more about upcoming programs, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can keep making a difference in the lives of the children and families in our community.
Thank you to our partners, Department for Education, Rochdale Borough Council, Your Trust Rochdale, and everyone who made this Easter break unforgettable. We can’t wait to see you at our next event.
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Your support means more children can experience safe, enriching holidays. Donate or partner with us today to keep the smiles going
Rochdale, a vibrant town in the northwest of England, has long been celebrated for its rich cultural diversity. Home to a thriving community of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, Rochdale embodies the spirit of multiculturalism. However, as with many communities, there can be challenges in bridging the gaps between different cultures.
In recent years, community events have emerged as a powerful tool in fostering greater understanding, tolerance, and unity among Rochdale’s diverse population. From cultural festivals to charity fundraisers, these events have played a vital role in breaking down barriers and promoting cross-cultural exchange.
Rochdale Community Events
The annual Rochdale Festival, for instance, brings together residents from all walks of life to celebrate the town’s rich cultural heritage. With its colorful parade, diverse food stalls, and spectacular performances, the festival provides a unique opportunity for people to connect with one another and experience the beauty of different cultures.
Similarly, local initiatives like the Rochdale Community Market have helped to promote social cohesion by providing a platform for people to share their traditions, customs, and stories. By engaging in meaningful conversations and learning about each other’s backgrounds, residents have been able to build lasting relationships and a deeper appreciation for the diversity that makes Rochdale so special.
Furthermore, events like our upcoming HAF Easter Children Activities are a major factor in building bridges between cultures. By bringing together children and families from diverse backgrounds, these events foster a sense of community, promote cross cultural understanding, and provide a fun and interactive way for people to connect with one another.
– The Greater Manchester Live Well Event, which gathered over 400 representatives from various Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organizations, local authorities, NHS, and funders. This event showcased the importance of collaboration and collective action in driving positive change.
Many more events have contributed to the rich diversity of community life in Rochdale, each playing a vital role in fostering greater understanding, tolerance, and unity.
However, the impact of community events in bridging cultural divides is not unique to Rochdale. Across the UK and around the world, such events have proven to be a key facilitator for social change.
In cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, community events have helped to foster greater understanding and cooperation among diverse communities. From cultural festivals to interfaith dialogues, these events have played a vital role in promoting social solidarity and challenging prejudices.
Globally, community events have also been instrumental in promoting cross cultural exchange and understanding. In countries like Canada, Australia, and the United States, events like cultural festivals, food fairs, and community markets have helped to bring people together and celebrate their differences.
Halloween parade in America
In conclusion, community events have proven to be a powerful tool in building bridges between cultures. By providing a platform for people to come together, share their experiences, and learn from one another, these events have helped to promote greater understanding, tolerance, and unity. As we move forward in an increasingly interdependent world, the importance of community events in promoting social unity and celebrating diversity cannot be overemphasized.
Oh, what a night it was as the Caring and Sharing team completely transformed Champness Hall into a dazzling venue that could rival the Oscars! Guests arrived adorned in magnificent cultural attire, eagerly anticipating a night dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements and milestones of the Black community.
The atmosphere was nothing short of glitz and glamour, with a red carpet for guests to walk upon, offering the chance to be photographed with none other than the Bell of the Ball herself, Nicky Iginla, the CEO of Caring and Sharing Rochdale and the driving force behind this spectacular event.
The celebration also welcomed esteemed guests, including MP Tony Lloyd, Right Honourable Deputy Mayor, Councillor Shakil Ahmed, Councillor Neil Emmott, Councillor Bev Place, Councillor Rachel Massey, Councillor Janet Emsley, Councillor Elizabeth Atewologun, and many other important dignitaries.
Upon arrival, guests were warmly welcomed by the Caring and Sharing team, all dressed in vibrant African tabards, and were guided straight to the food area, where they were treated to a delectable spread of traditional African cuisine, lovingly prepared by the Caring and Sharing Caterers.
As everyone took their seats, the main event commenced with prayers and a welcome address from Olawale Ogunijmi (Operations Manager, Caring and Sharing Rochdale).
The evening was further enriched with speeches from other notable individuals, including MP Tony Lloyd, Councillor Shakil Ahmed (Deputy Mayor of Rochdale), Prof Erinma Bell MBE, DL, JP (CEO & Co-founder, CARISMA), Rose Ssali (Founder, SAWN & MAMA), Hebe Reilly (Director, Cartwheel Arts), Dr. Charles Kachitsa (Entrepreneur, Consultant & Community Leader), Tikhala Chimpango (Director, Woman Arise CIC & Gems of Africa), and Princess Folashade Alonge (Founder, De Butterfly CIC).
The master of ceremonies for the evening, Alfa Kuabo, skillfully guided the proceedings, paying due respect to the esteemed speakers, who graciously shared their wisdom despite their busy schedules.
The night was also adorned with captivating cultural performances, including enchanting dances by the Sunshine Cultural Dancers, Sudanese dancers, Ethiopian & Eritrean dancers, Nigerian dancers, and dancers from many other countries.
In addition to the captivating dance performances, there was a powerful poem recital by 14-year-old Yvonne Maina and a mesmerising theatrical performance by the CAS Drama Group. Furthermore, the night resonated with melodious musical performances, featuring talented local artists who graced the stage with their soulful melodies and rhythmic beats.
Visitors had the opportunity to explore stalls set up by various community organisations, including All Things African, Living Well, and Culture Co-op. To promote health and well-being, a representative from the council, Anne Nikolaou, offered to measure attendees’ blood pressure.
For those seeking musical enjoyment, a DJ set the stage for an old-fashioned boogie, inviting everyone to join on the dance floor. Guests proudly displayed their beautiful costumes as they danced the night away to their favourite tracks.
The festivities were so infectious that many wished for an after-party, but, alas, the evening had to come to an end, bidding farewell until next year.
We eagerly anticipate the next grand event and encourage everyone to stay updated through Caring and Sharing Rochdale’s social media channels so as not to miss any future events.
