We were delighted to collaborate with Newmarket’s African and Caribbean Unity Council for Advancement (ACUCA) to launch Black History Month in our town with a horseracing themed family event on Saturday 4 October.
Artist, Samantha Everitt brought West African rhythm and storytelling with Djembébé, an interactive djembe drumming adventure for children and families.
Families were able to enjoy being creative together, making colourful horse masks and bookmarks inspired by West African heritage textile patterns. Families were able to learn about the significance of horses in African countries, global horseracing and representation in horseracing, and were inspired by the stories of Khadijah Mellah, Josh Apiafi, Royston Ffrench, Sean Levey and Ashleigh Wicheard.
A pop-up library of Black British and Black African literature and children’s story books was busy, and an Inspiration Wall filled with ideas and future careers, hopes and goals.
Families were able to explore the museum and share in our displays exploring trailblazing people in horseracing from the African diaspora and see Khadijah Mellah’s winning race silks from her groundbreaking Magnolia Cup win at Goodwood in 2019. This historic win is going to be made into a film, directed by Ashley Walters – watch this space!
Food was supplied by A Taste of Jamrock, a local caterer with an delicious menu of Caribbean dishes, thanks to funding from West Suffolk Council.
Supporting the event, groundbreaking jockey, Khadijah Mellah, joined us for a chat at the end which was hugely inspirational.
Oumou and Nyk from ACUCA said “We were delighted to collaborate with the museum for this year’s Black History Month event. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate African and Caribbean heritage through storytelling, food, and community. It was amazing to see so many people from different backgrounds come together, and we received such great feedback from families who truly enjoyed the day. Seeing children and families engage, learn, and take pride in our shared culture truly reflects what ACUCA stands for — unity, education, and empowerment. It was lovely to share our heritage and inspire children with role models like Khadijah Mellah.
A big thank you to everyone who took part, and to Sarah and the NHRM team for their incredible support.”
Creative Programme Manager, Sarah Coleman, said
‘We all had the best time celebrating Black History with the amazing sound of djembe drumming, learning from inspiring leaders in horseracing and just the most amazing atmosphere. We’ve all learned so much today and very much look forward to next year’s event with ACUCA – which will be held on Saturday 10 October 2026 – do save the date!
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Fairstead House and Newmarket Academy who kindly loaned their djembe drums for this event and Oumou and Nyk for all their work and our amazing volunteers who helped with all the activities on the day.’
