Our Region in Focus
Read the stories of some of the remarkable people and cultural events that make up Greater Manchester's black communities.
Whit Stennett MBE
Whit Stennett became Trafford’s first black mayor in 2003 after having come to England from Jamaica in 1959 with just £50 in his pocket. Listen to this celebration of his life and work.
Heart of the Community
Here we focus on a range of people from across Greater Manchester's black communities and the major contributions they have made in every area from politics to music.
University of Manchester (21st Century) by David DixonGreater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
Campaigner and Councillor
Whit Stennett has campaigned for racial equality and the union movement. In 1993 he became Trafford’s first black councillor when he was elected for the Clifford ward, which he represented until 2021. In 1998 he was awarded the MBE for services to the African Caribbean Community
Erinma Bell MBE
Professor Erinma Bell is a peace activist. She and her husband Raymond witnessed a close friend being gunned down in front of them. Shocked by what they had seen, they set up CARISMA to give young people positive alternatives to street and gun crime.
Honoured
Erinma, who grew up in Moss Side, was honoured in 2017 with a sculpture designed by Manchester-based artist Karen Lyons. The sculpture is made out of 50 lethal firearms seized by police or surrendered during gun amnesties.
Carl Cox
Carl Cox is a world renowned DJ, well known for his contribution to music through acid house, dance music and techno. What's less commonly known is that he was born in Oldham in 1962.
Festus and Coxsone Sound System by Jean Bernard SohlezNotting Hill Carnival
3 Deck Wizard
In the 80s he had a very recognisable and unique sound which was derived from Rare Groove, New York Hip-Hop, Electro and Chicago House. Whilst Playing at Zap Club in front of 15,000 people, Carl Cox hooked up a 3rd turntable and earned himself the name 3 Deck Wizard.
Carl Cox (21st Century)Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
Charts
In 1991, Carl Cox’s debut single “I Want You” peaked at number 23 in the U.K Charts and earned an appearance on Top of The Pops. In 1995, he released his F.A.C.T mix CD which sold over 250,000 copies and is widely known as the benchmark for Techno.
Rave on the Underground (2018-07-16) by Esther CoxLondon Transport Museum
Senor Cox
Cox’s Influence and popularity in Spain is extraordinary. His 3rd album ‘The Second Sign’ reached number 3 in Spain’s National Charts. Also, Cox had a residency at ‘Space’, a club in Ibiza which he helped become one of the biggest clubs in the world during his time there.
Black History Stockport
Black History Stockport is a project focused on discovering Stockport’s African and Caribbean Heritage through stories, images, videos, workshops, and events. Carol Ann Whitehead, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, was one of the people recorded as part of the project.
Cultural Impact
The African & Caribbean culture in Greater Manchester has had an impact on the region in a number of ways, predominantly in the music and food industries.
Mancunian Melodies (21st Century)Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
Manchester Carnival
Since 1972, Manchester has hosted the Caribbean Carnival. An event which celebrates community, heritage and music in the heart of Alexandra Park, Moss Side.
In recent years, carnival is attended by thousands of people as there has been a growing appreciation of the culture.
Afro BBQ Festival (21st Century)Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
Afro BBQ Festival
In 2019, Salford was host to the UK's largest festival of African street food.
The festival attracted foodies from across the country as it served delicacies from Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana and several other African Countries.
Black History Stockport
Trafford Local Studies
