DERRY City and Strabane District Council this week launched a new group to help promote greater inclusivity for local Black and Minority Ethnic Communities.
The Foyle Race Equality Forum has been formed after members of the BME community came together from across the city and district to help give themselves a stronger voice and engage more with statutory agencies and elected representatives.
The launch took place in the Guildhall on Monday as part of a larger programme of events being hosted by Council in support of Community Relations and Cultural Awareness Week.
Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, was in attendance where she expressed her hope that the Forum can be a positive experience for those involved.
“I was pleased to see such a strong turnout at this event,” she said.
“We have a growing Black and Ethnic Minority community in our city and district and the Foyle Race Equality Forum aims to help them integrate into the wider community and address their needs.
“The challenges they face around issues like education, employment, access to services and hate crime are often distinct and the Forum aims to deal with them appropriately.”
To mark Community Relations and Cultural Awareness Week, a total of eight Council events will help explore how all members of our society can shape the future to be a positive space in which diversity is celebrated.
More information and a full schedule of Community Relations and Cultural Awareness Week events is available at www.derrystrabane.com.
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