'A Taste of Africa 08’was a large scale community event which aimed to promote community cohesion and cultural awareness through the celebration of African Art and Culture during the designated Black History month of October. This year’s event has been very successful and even more magnificent than in 2007, and we plan to follow this trend in 2009. The success of the event was greatly due to all our Champions whose support enabled this wonderful series of events to take place in the month of October 2008 for the benefit of many communities within the Tees Valley. Audience Numbers expected at the complete event are anticipated to reach over 4,500; comprising over 2,000 festival audience, 1000 youngsters through schools, 500 community participants and 100 direct from the business community. The audience will consist of individuals, small organisations, providers and trainers, students and the private sector. Below is a list of activities for the 2008 Taste of Africa event: Arts Exhibition 2nd - 16th October @ Python Galleries, Royal Middlehaven House Middlesbrough: The exhibition is an exquisite creative display of Art works which features traditional forms of African Art including, painting, sculpture and much more. The exhibition gives an opportunity to local and aspiring artists in the Tees Valley to showcase their work to the public thereby creating awareness and promoting artistic development of their work with an opportunity to potentially develop their talent as a business. African Awards Dinner 10th October @ Wynyard Rooms, Wynyard Park Billingham: The T0A 08 African Awards dinner was organised to recognise contributions and support of individuals and organisations to the African and new communities in Tees Valley. This event also recognised organisations that work with or provide services to diverse groups. Debate 17th October @ Europa Foyer, Teesside University Middlesbrough : The TOA 08 debate focused on Race Equality with the debate topic being “Race Equality Act”– truth or myth? The debate was held at the Europa Foyer of the Teesside University Middlesbrough and it was attended by a diverse audience of different backgrounds totalling 67 people in all. It was chaired by Tony Baker, a well known broadcaster and the debate consisted of a panel of 5 which are: Silas Chikengezha, a member of the Commission for Racial Equality Herbert Dirahu, a member of the Stockton Afro-Caribbean Community Association Daljeet Singh, a member of the Black and Ethnic Community Organization Network Julien Kotze, a researcher at Durham University Courntey Hay, a member of the Northern Complainant Aids Fund The debate allowed for individuals and the community to participate and share ideas. 24th October Children’s Morning Workshops @ Middlesbrough Town Hall, Middlesbrough: This involved series of interactive school workshops in the morning which enthralled youngsters with story-telling, African art & craft, poetry, dance and more. The workshop had performers from the ‘Osun Arts Foundation’ and ‘Afrikkan Fusion’ which are professional cultural organizations from Liverpool and London respectively. The workshop also discussed the issues of racism and bullying in schools and how to address such issues. This was conducted by the organization ‘Show Racism a Red-Card’ led by Gary Bennett and Elizabeth …. . Gary Bennett who is an ex Sunderland football player was able to use his football experience to share with the youngsters on how to deal with the issue of racism in everyday life. About ten schools within the Tees Valley were registered for the morning workshop and about four hundred kids were in attendance. The workshop helped youngsters develop an understanding of culture and creativity throughout the schools and raised confidence and rapport of young people 24th October Community Carnival @ Middlesbrough Central Square, Middlesbrough: A Taste of Africa 08 witnessed a carnival style procession in the heart of Middlesbrough at the Central Square with participation from artists, performers, school children and groups. Some of the artists and performers include: the Osun Arts Foundation from Liverpool, Mervin Thomas and Garner Harris of Hands and Feet CIC from Newcastle and Rico Jakk from the National Urban Circus Theatres. The street performances provided a multicultural exposure not seen in Middlesbrough before. 24th October The Evening Showcase @ Middlesbrough Town Hall, Middlesbrough: The themes of A Taste of Africa 2008 provided a multi-dimensional showcase for local African talent, celebrating African art, poetry, fashion, performance, design, music, food and thought. Local entrepreneurship and excellence were also celebrated alongside fabulous performances by remarkable African entertainers at the Middlesbrough Town Hall. Some of the professional entertainers and performers at the event were: Kassai Massai live African band based in London, Osun Arts Traditional performers from Liverpool and the Gateway Project which is an Ethiopian dance group based in Middlesbrough. Other local talents that performed during the showcase are: Abingdon Primary School Steal Band, Proud to be me Group, Stockton Rhythm Train Band and Nkosana Npofu the Poet from South Africa. The community youth performers during the showcase were: The 3 contenders, Jasper, Bre and JC Entertainment dance group. In addition to this, the four finalists from the Stage Star North East 08 talent competition also performed for the top prize, a laptop, which was won by … The event was hosted by Dr Toks Sangowawa and Sam Debra and over … people were in attendance.