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Exhibit celebrates untold black community stories

Darren Watley A woman and man in bright African-inspired clothing, standing in front of a multi-coloured quilted display. The woman is in a jacket which has brown, gold, black and white patterns, over a black crop top. She is wearing large silver dangly earrings and has a green, orange, yellow and red scarf knotted on her head. The man is dressed in a jacket with large blue, purple and orange circular patterns over a navy polo shirt. His head is shaved and he has a neat grey beard.Darren Watley
Aurea Reis, a Wolverhampton-based author and TEDx speaker and photographer Darren Watley curated the exhibition

Fashion and storytelling will take centre stage at a university exhibition celebrating the lives of 19 men and women from African and Caribbean communities.

The display at the University of Wolverhampton aims to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers and inspire change.

Accessories, headwraps and clothing provided by the city's African Fashion Shop will be on display, with photographs taken by Darren Watley.

Curator Aurea Reis said: "Each participant at the event will be sharing their personal journey, adding layers of meaning and connection to the exhibition."

The exhibition is called A Welcoming Table and celebrates Black History Month, inspired by this year's theme of "reclaiming narratives".

Author and TEDx speaker Ms Reis, who is originally from Angola but now lives in Wolverhampton, said it showcased the voices of people sometimes overlooked.

"This year we decided to create our own exhibition and invite like-minded individuals who are building themselves from scratch, inspiring the next generation and implementing positive narratives within the black community," she said.

The event will also feature a poetry performance from author Jannette Barrett.

Darren Watley A woman in a bright purple fanned headdress and skirt and jacket with blue, purple and orange circular print, over a black top. She has an ornate silver collar necklace and dangly earrings. She is sitting down in front of a multi-coloured quilted display.Darren Watley
Dr Chanae Mayers mentors aspiring clinical psychologists from under-represented backgrounds

Among those whose stories feature are Ludemira Gomes, from Wolverhampton, who owns Sabura restaurant.

The self-taught chef prepares weekly meals for the homeless and runs holiday clubs to teach children about healthy eating.

The exhibition also highlights the work of senior clinical psychologist Dr Chanae Mayers, who advocates for better access to mental health services in black communities.

Darren Watley A woman with long brown hair stood in front of a multi-coloured quilted display. She is wearing an off-the-shoulder red dress, with a white and yellow graphic pattern, and red high heels. She has a thick red necklace and large earrings. She is posed with one knee raised and her hands touching the quilt.Darren Watley
Ludemira Gomes's restaurant serves food from Portugal, Cape Verde and Angola

Dr Chukwuemeka Ibeachu, co-chair of the university's Global Majority Staff Network, said attendees would hear from inspirational black men and women.

"Let's continue to reclaim, amplify, and honour the voices and narratives that shape our community," he added.

The free event takes place on Wednesday between 09:30 and 15:30 GMT at the Harrison Library on City Campus.

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