Barnsley Africans Together Association (BATA)

Barnsley Africans Together Association (BATA) promotes a better world!

 Banrsley Africans Together organised a special celebration of the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s famous speech 'I have a dream'.

 The celebration marking the black history month took place on Saturday 5th October 2013 at St. George’s church Barnsley. The function was attended by over 100 people including two Barnsley councillors- Kath Mitchell and Joe Howard, Diane Weston the operational development manager Berneslai Homes, Tom Feeney Planned Maintenance Manager Berneslai Homes, Beverley Powell Equality and diversity adviser at Barnsley Hospital. Jules Horsler the Equality & Diversity manager Barnsley Council spoke on behalf of the Council. During his opening remarks, Jules delved into the famous Martin Luther speech highlighting significant progress in  the life of minorities and black people particularly notwithstanding the fact that there are still unfulfilled dreams. Jules focused on equality and diversity in some contrasting ways by challenging society to be more tolerant and inclusive towards all minorities including those with reduced capacity due to impairment and acquired conditions. While appreciating the fact that society has much to be proud of in regards with inclusion amidst diversity, Jules concluded that observing that there are still some challenges that need everyone’s attention towards creation of a more unified society.

Various other speakers weighed in with the message of social inclusion, tolerance, and the need for harmonising diversity in Barnsley. From Hull, the Guest Speaker Mr Frank Wambari focused attention on unity and collective responsibility in building a diverse society on the basis of mutual respect care for all. 

The occasion which provided the first of its type opportunity for caring and sharing between diverse people of Barsnley was graced with a buffet. It was encouraging to have such a positive mix from the wider social divide and the organisers believe this opens wider doors towards the promotion of diversity and inclusion Barnsley fitting well with the advancement of Barnsley as a growing multicultural abode for people from around the world. There were more than ten different cultural African traditional attires. Different traditional and cultural meals from Africa were served to the guests. Barnsley African Together chairman, said how, he appreciated Barnsley people because of their hospitality. He used a good example of his neighbour who exceptionally welcomed him and his family with a bookie of flowers and a welcome card to the estate. He also said that Africans forms the highest number of Black Minority Ethnic (BME) people groups in Barnsley.

He said the dream of BATA is for them to have a forum where:- 

 Africans can promote their culture

 they build individual strength and capacity to enable them improve quality of life

 they organise events and activities that promote community involvement and also provide support and advice for individuals and families.

Barnsley Africans Together Association was founded in 2010 by Benson Kimaru the current Chairman.  So far we have participated in most of the social events organised by the Council annually; like Mayor’s parade, taster of culture etc,.

We have also organised training sessions, trips and so on.

Benson Kimaru, 

Chair 

Barnsley Africans Together Association

7th Dec. 2013

Barnsley South Yorkshire,UK.