New gathering to connect and empower African, Black and Afrodescendant women in Preston

A new gathering is being organised for African, Black, and Afrodescendant women in Preston.

Mama Africa’s mission is to foster a supportive network that prioritises holistic wellbeing, celebrates shared heritage, and empowers reclamation and honouring of stories.

Brenda Chi is behind Mama Africa.

Brenda told Blog Preston: “Through the principles of Ubuntu – our interconnectedness – and Sankofa – learning from our past – we seek to amplify the voices of Black and African feminisms and inspire each other to flourish.

“We aim to create spaces for personal and professional development that uplift each individual and our community as a whole.”

When asked why it’s so important to create this space, Brenda said: “With the growing African and Black population in Preston, there is an urgent need for safe, inclusive spaces designed specifically for African and Black women.

“According to the population census carried out in 2021, there were 3,796 Black people in Preston and approximately half of this population were women. Nevertheless, existing women’s support spaces often lack diversity and are predominantly white. Furthermore, these spaces do not have intersectional strategies to tackle the unique needs of African and Black women.

“On the other hand, organisations working towards racial equality and promoting Black heritage tend to be male-led and focused on issues through an androcentric perspective.

“This oversight fails to address the unique challenges faced by African and Black women due to their race, gender, origin and sometimes immigration status. Hence, there is a pressing need for dedicated spaces that centre on the voices, challenges and wellbeing of African women and acknowledge the layered difficulties they face.”

Even though the group is being created in Preston, Mama Africa activities will be open to African and Afrodescendant women across Lancashire and beyond.

“Activities will include virtual and onsite events, Carnivals, training workshops, manifestations and campaigns,” said Brenda.

“Some important dates on our calendar will be the independent day of all African countries – especially those represented in Preston – Africa Day, Black History Month, and International Women’s Day amongst others.”

The first Mama Africa gathering will be on Friday 6 December at 10am at St James Church in Avenham.

Brenda said: “The objective of this meeting is for African, Black, and Afrodescendant women to connect, and express their needs.

“We will continue to meet once a month, and we will choose our meeting days depending on participants’ availability. This will also be discussed during our first gathering.”

For more information about the group, contact Brenda on 07960 137051.

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This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.