Star-Studded Gala Event

Medway African and Caribbean Association played host to nearly 200 people at a star-studded gala event to celebrate 40 years on Saturday 20th July, at Rochester Corn Exchange in Medway.

The gala which was hosted by star of TV and stage Richard Blackwood was attended by several dignitaries, which included the Deputy Mayor of Medway, Councillor Douglas Hamandishe, who shared the most inspirational story about his escape from trauma as a refugee, and how that shaped his life, and his pride of his journey and how much he admired MACA and the work of the charity. Richard Blackwood was full of praise for the Deputy Mayor as a positive Black role model and also praised the local talent on the night.
Also in attendance was the Leader of Medway Council, Councillor Vince Maple, and Councillor Nina Gurung, portfolio holder for Heritage, Leisure, and Culture, as well as one of MACA founders Madge Cole, Ron Hill, Vince Cole and many other of the MACA founders.

MACA received congratulatory message from UK Queen of Soul, Beverly Knight, from Kings School Rochester, Kent Fire and Rescue, Dominic King BBC Radio Kent, Kent Community Foundation, Cedi Frederick Chair of NHS Kent and Medway, MS Webb, Dr Barbara Adewumi, University of Kent

The event featured performances from MACA Young People United, who over the past 6 months have been working on a production that tells the story of forty years of Hip Hop Dance and Afro Beat, and a show that told the story of African and Caribbean culture through textiles created by Eddy Eguaoje, working with a team of over 20 community members to tell the story
Local artists Chidima and Ambrose performed some of their latest music, written and produced here in Kent, then we had one of the UK leading Afro Beat artists Silvastone, who had everyone on their feet.

Chairperson Carol Stewart says of the event “ This has to be one of MACA’s most spectacular celebrations in 40 years. We were so honoured to see so many people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds, gathered together in a showcase that was all about unity, and celebrating diversity .

All the people that took part did an amazing job, and in particular our local talent here from Medway and Kent. MACA has so much to be proud of, and we have so much more we want to achieve, we look forward to another 40 years and more! “

The gala was sponsored by The Historic Dockyard Chatham, MS Webb, Chinara Enterprises Ltd, Asda Foundation, also funding from Arts Council England for the 40th anniversary project, National Lottery community fund, Kent Community Foundation, in-kind support from Medway Council, Kings School Rochester , Creative Medway

MACA has more events taking place as part of its 40th anniversary, including a screening of its documentary, The Journey to 40 years, taking place on Friday 30th August at the Chatham Historic Dockyard, also a mini exhibition, its 18th annual Black Achievers and Diversity awards, ending the year with an African and Caribbean market.