MAV UK - Black History UK
- MAV UK Admin
- Oct 29
- 3 min read
Professor Erinma Bell at HOME Venue Manchester.
In 2003 Erinma Bell became a co-founder and CEO of her own formidable charity known as CARISMA. This is a front-line community based group set up to offer life-chances for people in the community by giving them positive alternatives other than violent street, gun and gang crimes. MAV UK have worked closely with the charity for many years
As part of our celebration for Black History in the month of October, MAV UK staff and volunteers joined Erinma Bell at the HOME Venue in Manchester City Centre. Erinma conversed with two other inspirational Black Women, Dr Ngozi Edi-Osagie, Consultant Neonatologist and Dr Cordelle Ofori FFPH, Director of Public Health at Manchester City Council . They shared their journeys and reflections on what it means to lead as a Black woman in the UK today - the challenges, the lessons, and the joys. It was an amazing evening of honest conversation, inspiration, and connection.
See links for service.
Crystal Pathways' ESOL Services in Manchester
Crystal Pathways' ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) service in Manchester are positively, highlighting the supportive and effective nature of the courses. Participants have reported significant improvements in their English skills, leading to increased confidence and success in finding employment. The company is praised for its effective teaching methods and support, which have made a tangible difference in students' lives, according to feedback from both participants and referrers like the Department for Work and Pensions.
Participants have made progress that exceeded expectations, thanks to the supportive environment created by Crystal Pathways teachers. MAV UK are pleased to be able to join with Crystal Pathways, providing a venue for delivery of the ESOL Course.
Ian Swanston (Chairperson of MAV UK) said, it was wonderful to hear the teacher in session 3 of the ESOL Course reflect on the contribution of black inventors such as Garrett Morgan who Patented the three-way traffic signal and a safety hood (a precursor to the gas mask).
See link for service below.
MAV UK Movement and Mindfulness
Movement and mindfulness has become a key aspect of activities to support MAV UK's commitment to improving local people's mental health and well-being. Our movement and mindfulness sessions delivered by Amina on Thursday afternoon from 2pm are now being supported by Dance sessions for adults on a Thursday evening from 7.30pm. Dance and movement are key parts of both sessions. The Movement and Mindfulness sessions during the day have included children on school holidays. This allowed parents to attend with their children. The sessions included mindfulness colouring. These sessions supported Black History celebration throughout October 2025. The activities were enjoyed by parents and children.
We are pleased that MAV UK team of staff and volunteer are committed to ensuring that Dance remains part of our regular activities in our local venue. We have teamed up with Jet Black Academy offering Thursday evening dance sessions. Dance ia an art form, consisting of sequences of body movements with aesthetic and often symbolic value, either improvised or purposefully selected. Dance is a key part of Black History. It can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoire of movements or by its historical period or place of origin. Dance is typically performed with musical accompaniment, and sometimes with the dancer simultaneously using a musical instrument themselves.
Information for the MAV UK supported evening Dance Classes are set out below.
Comments