£235k Grant Unlocks Black Caribbean Heritage in Northamptonshire

A landmark two-year project, "Summer of '76: Black Youth United by Reggae, Heritage and Resistance," has been launched in Northamptonshire, bolstered by a £235,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This initiative by the Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council aims to bring to light the "untold stories" of black Caribbean communities.

For decades, the rich cultural, social, and political contributions of these communities have been largely missing from local historical records. The project will focus on the experiences of young people who built communities, fought racism, and fostered belonging through music and culture.

Anjona Roy, chief executive, stated the funding will "preserve and make this heritage accessible." The project will detail the Matta Fancanta Movement, a black youth collective from the late 1970s, showcasing how they used music and collective action to combat discrimination.

Educational resources, including exhibitions, films, and podcasts, will be developed from collected memories and photographs. This "once-in-a-generation opportunity" seeks to safeguard a vital chapter of Northamptonshire's history before it is lost, inspiring today's youth by past generations' resilience and activism.