The Maidstone Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) forum was delighted to have Helen Grant MP and the Deputy Mayor of Maidstone, Councillor Malcolm Greer together with 200 guests from 20 different countries around the globe, all coming together to enjoy celebrating Maidstone’s diverse borough and the achievements of the forum over the last year.
The event was designed for sharing cultures and traditions; to meet new friends, find out more about the Maidstone BME forum and learn more about services available to new arrivals to the Borough.
Helen Grant MP and Deputy Mayor Malcolm Greer with some of the attendees and organisers
Helen Grant MP and Deputy Mayor Malcolm Greer with some of the attendees and organisers
Helen Grant MP spoke passionately about the need to embrace and celebrate our diversity and to counter the national 85% increase in hate related crime that has emerged following the Brexit referendum.
Helen said ‘events such as our Maidstone BME Forum multi-cultural celebration are precisely what is needed to sustain happy and cohesive communities. It is also vital that people from diverse backgrounds engage with the political process if they are to effect positive change. Registering to vote is a good start, but I would encourage people to stand for election in public office, at all levels.”
Jacqueline Bobb, Maidstone BME Forum facilitator and Service Manager from Involve Kent said “The BME multi-cultural celebration event was truly inspirational. I am so proud of our BME ladies who worked so hard to pull it all together. The event was really owned by the communities themselves and it was a joy to watch the enthusiasm and talent of our local musicians and dancers who proudly showed off their traditions and demonstrated just how diverse and talented our borough has become.”