African & Caribbean Carnival Weekender 2021 magazine

Transformational Carnival: Culturally,
Socially and Economically.
increasing numbers of white people, especially the young, taking part in demonstrations in support of Black Lives Matter protests recently, this
With
that there will be real desire to play their part in supporting the event and to learn more about what a carnival in Milton Keynes means to their
suggests
Learning about the preparation for a carnival will start to change conversations within schools, develop a source of pride for young people with
peers.
and Caribbean heritages and attract positive attention from their peers.
African
will help to attract interest from businesses, especially those who want to establish themselves in areas where there is a diverse population. (BAME
This
make up more that 26% of the population of Milton Keynes)
groups
or before the day of the carnival itself, it would be expected that footfall will increase in shops, restaurants and other attractions as families, friends
On
others come from outside the town for the occasion. In the longer term, the attractions in Milton Keynes will become better known and more
and
culture dominates throughout society and by default it is perceived by white people, incorrectly, as “neutral” and “normal”. In contrast, the word
White
tends to be associated with distorted ideas about people, inferiority, being discounted, mockery or seen as inherently dangerous. This applies to
black
music, dress, dance, perceptions of beauty, intellect or leadership qualities - in fact any aspect of life and behaviour. Even a black person just
art,
for a walk is a suspect.
going
carnival will help to confound these erroneous and, unfortunately, normative assumptions. First, because people will be able to showcase aspects
The
their African and Caribbean cultures and experience real pride in their heritages. Secondly, it will be an uplifting and enjoyable experience for
of
in the town who supports the carnival and engages with it. They will be involved in a process of affirming that African and Caribbean cultures
everyone
their valuable and diverse contributions visibly and audibly, demonstrating differences which add interest, variation and greater attraction to life
make
events, including the Windrush scandal and George Floyd’s have alerted the wider public to well-documented and repetitive harsh realities
Recent
racism and discrimination in all its forms inflicts on black people with African and Caribbean heritages. Racism kills and wrecks lives. Black British
which
who have spent their lifetimes here legally could still be expelled illegally and unjustly. These events sit at the brutally sharp end of the everpresent
citizens
inclusion /exclusion continuum.
enduring pattern of marginalisation and exclusion leaves many young black people unable to take pride in their heritages or feel that they do not
This
in the UK or in Milton Keynes itself. Unfortunately, a sense of belonging can too often be found in gangs with well documented and tragic
belong
establishment of an African and Caribbean Carnival in Milton Keynes will show that this town is a place where people who share their heritages
The
develop a collective pride in them, forge stronger cultural identities rooted in their own heritages and develop a greater sense of belonging.
can
in the Carnival experiences and the preparations leading up to it will help make young people less likely to seek a sense of belonging with
Involvement
The establishment of the event itself is also a statement that black people with African and Caribbean heritages have established their
gangs.
as significant positive contributors to the economic, social and cultural life in Milton Keynes. This long overdue recognition and validation of
presence
and Caribbean Arts and Heritages will be an important step towards equality and social justice.
African
Stem the increase in anti-social behaviour resulting in a reduction in knife and gun crime
a)
Remove the division, anxieties and uncertainties after Brexit
b)
Fulfil the community’s interests for carnival - from our recent surveys
c)
Create a positive reference point for culture and identity, for young people especially but not limited to those from the diverse communities. Like
d)
young people need their roots to grow. (culture and identity)
trees,
Create a positive reference point for young people especially but not limited to those from the diverse communities.
e)
Improve confidence in the diverse community resulting in greater business activities
f)
Contribute to Economic and tourism increase to MK town.
g)
Create awareness of MK diverse cultures and tolerance among communities.
h)
Transfer skills amongst young people
i)
Unify MK community groups in MK by enabling young people and elders to directly participate and take ownership in the carnival
j)
Promote and create awareness of African – Caribbean diverse cultures to the wider MK community groups.
k)
Promote a culture of tolerance and acceptance with the aim of creating a safe community for all in MK.
l)
Improve social inclusion, equality and diversity of all MK community groups.
m)
Stimulate and bridge the gap between local communities and wider statutory institutions.
n)
Provide greater confidence with the community resulting in greater economic businesses.
o)
The carnival will also enhance the way the town is defined and known. Milton Keynes will now also be known as a town “with a Carnival”.
people can be expected to spend time and money here.
in Milton Keynes.
consequences including knife and gun crime and death.
Summary of Benefits the Carnival
p) Improve health outcomes