Stories of city's diversity set to be celebrated

A woman with long dark and light brown braids is taking a selfie. She is wearing a one-shoulder black and white top.Image source, Sandra Godley
Image caption,

The event will be hosted by Sandra Godley OBE

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Coventry's diverse heritage is to be celebrated through a free event that will combine exhibitions, dance, poetry and music.

A Cultural Conversation will be held at St Mary's Guildhall on 20 October, and is part of the national Heritage Open Days programme.

Hosted by Sandra Godley OBE, it will bring together local artists, storytellers and community leaders to talk about identity, focusing on women who have made the city their home - including those from African and Caribbean backgrounds.

"Now more than ever, we need spaces to listen, share, and celebrate our diverse stories," said Ms Godley.

"This event is about honouring the voices of women whose journeys continue to enrich Coventry's cultural fabric, creating understanding, unity, and inspiration for generations to come."

A brown brick building on a small street with lanterns hanging on the outside. there is an archway with large doors, and arched windows. A shield-shaped brown sign that says "St Mary's Guildhall". in the foreground is a black and white buildingImage source, Rod Kirkpatrick
Image caption,

It will be held at St Mary's Guildhall on 20 October

Included in the event is a Windrush exhibition by Maureen Cottle, as well as a talk from Ruth Nabintu, a clinical sister at Warwick Hospital, who is an advocate for women's wellbeing.

There will also be live dance from Amaraba Dance, live music from The Elizabeth Singers, and an exhibition from House of Emmanuel that will explore the cultural connections between Coventry and Ethopia.

Rounding off the day Ms Godley will host a panel, which will see contributors reflect on how African and Caribbean culture has evolved in Coventry and how women have passed it down through generations.

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