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100
101<style id="classic-theme-styles-inline-css">
102/*! This file is auto-generated */
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109/*# sourceURL=global-styles-inline-css */
110</style>
111
112<link rel='stylesheet' id='contact-form-7-css' href='https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/plugins/contact-form-7/includes/css/styles.css?ver=6.0.6' media='all' />
113<link rel='stylesheet' id='opal-22-style-css' href='https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/style.css?ver=1.0.2' media='all' />
114<link rel='stylesheet' id='bootstrap-css' href='https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/assets/css/bootstrap.min.css?ver=7.0.5' media='all' />
115<link rel='stylesheet' id='swiper-style-css' href='https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/assets/css/swiper-bundle.min.css?ver=7.0.5' media='all' />
116<link rel='stylesheet' id='magnific-popup-css-css' href='https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/assets/css/magnific-popup.min.css?ver=7.0.5' media='all' />
117<link rel='stylesheet' id='style-css' href='https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/assets/css/theme.css?ver=1791230149' media='all' />
118<link rel='stylesheet' id='mmenu-style-css' href='https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/assets/css/mmenu-light.css?ver=1791230149' media='all' />
119<link rel='stylesheet' id='responsive-css' href='https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/assets/css/responsive.css?ver=1791230149' media='all' />
120<link rel='stylesheet' id='responsive-menu-css' href='https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/assets/css/responsive-menu.css?ver=1791230149' media='all' />
121<script id="jquery-core-js" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-includes/js/jquery/jquery.min.js?ver=3.7.1"></script>
vendor: 1 bytes, line 121
121
122<script id="jquery-migrate-js" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-includes/js/jquery/jquery-migrate.min.js?ver=3.4.1"></script>
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122
123<script id="bootstrap-js-js" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/assets/js/bootstrap.bundle.min.js?ver=1"></script>
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124<script id="swiper-js-js" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/assets/js/swiper-bundle.min.js?ver=1"></script>
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124
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125
126<script id="theia-sticky-sidebar-js" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/assets/js/theia-sticky-sidebar.js?ver=1"></script>
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126
127<script id="test-js" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/assets/js/test.js?ver=1"></script>
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127
128<script id="magnific-popup-js-js" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/assets/js/magnific-popup.min.js?ver=1"></script>
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128
129<script id="mmenu-light-js" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/assets/js/mmenu-light.js?ver=1791230149"></script>
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129
130<script id="main-js-js-extra">
131var myScriptData = {"ajaxUrl":"https://opal22.co.uk/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php"};
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133</script>
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133
134<script id="main-js-js" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/themes/opal-22/assets/js/theme.js?ver=1791230149"></script>
134
135<link rel="https://api.w.org/" href="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-json/" /><link rel="EditURI" type="application/rsd+xml" title="RSD" href="https://opal22.co.uk/xmlrpc.php?rsd" />
136<link rel="icon" href="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/footer-logo-1.png" sizes="32x32" />
137<link rel="icon" href="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/footer-logo-1.png" sizes="192x192" />
138<link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/footer-logo-1.png" />
139<meta name="msapplication-TileImage" content="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/footer-logo-1.png" />
140<style id="core-block-supports-inline-css">
141.wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849{flex-wrap:nowrap;}.wp-container-content-fd0eeb70{flex-basis:17px;}.wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start;}.wp-block-gallery.wp-block-gallery-1{--wp--style--unstable-gallery-gap:var( --wp--style--gallery-gap-default, var( --gallery-block--gutter-size, var( --wp--style--block-gap, 0.5em ) ) );gap:var( --wp--style--gallery-gap-default, var( --gallery-block--gutter-size, var( --wp--style--block-gap, 0.5em ) ) );}
142/*# sourceURL=core-block-supports-inline-css */
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144<link rel='stylesheet' id='acffa_font-awesome-css' href='https://use.fontawesome.com/releases/v6.6.0/css/all.css?ver=6.6.0' media='all' />
145
146</head>
147<body class="blog wp-theme-opal-22 hfeed">
148		<div id="page" class="site">
149		<header id="masthead" class="site-header">
150			<div class="main-menu-row">
151				<div class="container">
152					<div class="row justify-content-evenly align-items-center">
153						<div class="col-lg-12 d-lg-block d-none">
154							<div class="header-logo">
155																	<div class="logo-icon">
156										<a href="https://opal22.co.uk/">
157											<img src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/footer-logo-1.png" alt="">
158										</a>
159									</div>
160																									<div class="site-header__logo white">
161										<a href="https://opal22.co.uk/">
162											<img src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/logo-white-1.png" alt="">
163										</a>
164									</div>
165															</div>
166							<div class="mobile-ham">
167								<a href="#mobile-menu" class="mobile-menu-toggle">
168									<div class="hamburger d-flex flex-column justify-content-center align-items-center">
169										<div class="hamburger__line top"></div>
170										<div class="hamburger__line middle"></div>
171										<div class="hamburger__line bottom"></div>
172									</div>
173								</a>														
174							</div>
175							<div class="menu-sidebar__nav-wrap">
176								<div class="menu-main-menu-container"><ul id="primary-menu" class="nav navbar-nav header-nav"><li id="menu-item-375" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-375"><a href="https://opal22.co.uk/about/">About</a></li>
177<li id="menu-item-376" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-376"><a href="https://opal22.co.uk/exhibitions/">Exhibitions</a></li>
178<li id="menu-item-2618" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-opal_events menu-item-2618"><a href="https://opal22.co.uk/opal-events/origins-of-caste/">CASTA</a></li>
179<li id="menu-item-2410" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2410"><a href="https://opal22.co.uk/events-gallery/">Gallery</a></li>
180<li id="menu-item-2540" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2540"><a href="https://opal22.co.uk/projects-and-events/">Projects &#038; Events</a></li>
181<li id="menu-item-2621" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2621"><a href="https://opal22.co.uk/join-us/">Join Us</a></li>
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183</ul></div>							</div>
184															<div class="donate-btn">
185									<a href="https://buy.stripe.com/6oE01j2qnf4eefSfYY"  target="_blank" >Donate<img src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/heart-logo.svg" alt=""></a>
186								</div>
187												</div>
188					</div>
189				</div>
190			</div>
191		</header>
192		<nav id="mobile-menu">
193				<ul id="mmobile-menu" class="menu"><li class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-375"><a href="https://opal22.co.uk/about/">About</a></li>
194<li class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-376"><a href="https://opal22.co.uk/exhibitions/">Exhibitions</a></li>
195<li class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-opal_events menu-item-2618"><a href="https://opal22.co.uk/opal-events/origins-of-caste/">CASTA</a></li>
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197<li class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2540"><a href="https://opal22.co.uk/projects-and-events/">Projects &#038; Events</a></li>
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200</ul>			</ul>
201		</nav>
202
203	<main id="primary" class="site-main">
204
205						<header>
206					<h1 class="page-title screen-reader-text">Blog</h1>
207				</header>
208				
209<article id="post-2922" class="post-2922 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-news-updates">
210	<!-- Inner banner-->
211	<div class="inner-banner">
212		<picture class="bg-img inner-banner-img">
213			
214			<a class="post-thumbnail" href="https://opal22.co.uk/opal22-honoured-by-diocese-of-leicester/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">
215				<img width="2560" height="1280" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/diocese-scaled.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="OPAL22 HONOURED BY DIOCESE OF LEICESTER" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/diocese-scaled.png 2560w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/diocese-300x150.png 300w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/diocese-1024x512.png 1024w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/diocese-768x384.png 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/diocese-1536x768.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100v
215w, 2560px" />			</a>
216
217					</picture>
218		<div class="container inner-banner_content">
219			<div class="row align-items-start">
220				<div class="col-lg-12">
221					<div class="inner-banner_title">
222						<h1></h1>
223					</div>
224				</div>
225			</div>
226		</div>
227	</div><!-- End - Inner banner-->
228	<section class="artical-content pt-100 pb-100">
229		<div class="container">
230			<div class="row">
231				<div class="col-lg-12">
232					<header class="entry-header">
233						<a href="https://opal22.co.uk/category/news-updates/" rel="category tag">News updates</a>													<div class="entry-meta">
234								<div class="entry-author">
235									<p> Opal22 </p>
236								</div><!-- .entry-meta -->
237								<div class="entry-date">
238									<p> 23 October 2025 </p>
239								</div>
240							</div>
241											</header><!-- .entry-header -->
242					<div class="entry-content">
243						
244<div class="wp-block-cover"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="512" class="wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-2927 size-large" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/diocese-1024x512.png" alt="" data-object-fit="cover" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/diocese-1024x512.png 1024w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/diocese-300x150.png 300w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/diocese-768x384.png 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/diocese-1536x768.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
245<div class="wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained">
246<h1 class="has-text-align-center has-large-font-size"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>OPAL22 HONOURED BY DIOCESE OF LEICESTER</strong></span></h1>
247</div>
248</div>
249<hr />
250
251
252<p class="wp-block-paragraph" style="text-align: left;">We are proud to share that Opal22 Arts and Edutainment has been recognised by the Diocese of Leicester with a Certificate of Appreciation for our ongoing commitment and advocacy for the Black community across Leicester and Leicestershire.</p>
253
254
255
256<div class="wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex" style="text-align: left;">
257<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The award was presented at the Diocese’s inaugural Black History Month concert, <em>The Sound of Power and Pride</em>, held on Saturday 18 October at Holy Trinity Church in Leicester. Organised by the Racial Equity Department and directed by Sophie Holder, the event brought together over 250 people from across the UK to celebrate faith, music, and heritage.</p>
258</div>
259
260
261
262<p class="wp-block-paragraph" style="text-align: left;">Headlined by Noel Robinson, alongside inspiring performances from BIG Gospel Choir, Vadé, and Naomi Parchment, the concert was a powerful celebration of worship and culture.</p>
263
264
265
266<p class="wp-block-paragraph" style="text-align: left;">During the evening, both Opal22 and Caribbean Court were recognised for their impact within the community. Founder Tara Munroe accepted the award on behalf of Opal22, highlighting the importance of telling stories that have too often been undocumented or ignored. Through exhibitions, campaigns, and educational programmes, including the acclaimed <em>Casta Paintings</em> exhibition at Leicester Museum, Opal22 continues to champion representation, cultural education, and creative empowerment.</p>
267
268
269
270<p class="wp-block-paragraph" style="text-align: left;">While we were the ones receiving the honour, the evening was truly uplifting &#8211; a reminder of the strength, creativity, and faith that define our communities.</p>
271
272
273
274<p class="wp-block-paragraph" style="text-align: left;">We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Diocese of Leicester, Bishop Saju Muthalaly, Reverend Elaine Sutherland, and the entire team at Holy Trinity Church for their recognition and dedication to celebrating diversity and inclusion.</p>
275					</div><!-- .entry-content -->
276				</div>
277			</div>
278		</div>
279	</section>
280
281</article><!-- #post-2922 -->
282<article id="post-2877" class="post-2877 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-black-history-month-2025 tag-black-culture tag-black-history tag-black-history-month tag-caribbean tag-education tag-events tag-leicester tag-leicester-events tag-opal22">
283	<!-- Inner banner-->
284	<div class="inner-banner">
285		<picture class="bg-img inner-banner-img">
286			
287			<a class="post-thumbnail" href="https://opal22.co.uk/black-history-month-events-programme/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">
288				<img width="2498" height="923" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-BHM-FB-Covers-Main.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Black History Month Events Programme" decoding="async" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-BHM-FB-Covers-Main.jpg 2498w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-BHM-FB-Covers-Main-300x111.jpg 300w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-BHM-FB-Covers-Main-1024x378.jpg 1024w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-BHM-FB-Covers-Main-768x284.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-BHM-FB-Covers-Main-1536x568.jpg 1536w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-BHM-FB-Covers-Main-2048x757.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2498px) 100vw, 2498px" />			</a>
289
290					</picture>
291		<div class="container inner-banner_content">
292			<div class="row align-items-start">
293				<div class="col-lg-12">
294					<div class="inner-banner_title">
295						<h1></h1>
296					</div>
297				</div>
298			</div>
299		</div>
300	</div><!-- End - Inner banner-->
301	<section class="artical-content pt-100 pb-100">
302		<div class="container">
303			<div class="row">
304				<div class="col-lg-12">
305					<header class="entry-header">
306						<a href="https://opal22.co.uk/category/black-history-month-2025/" rel="category tag">Black History Month 2025</a>													<div class="entry-meta">
307								<div class="entry-author">
308									<p> Opal22 </p>
309								</div><!-- .entry-meta -->
310								<div class="entry-date">
311									<p> 1 September 2025 </p>
312								</div>
313							</div>
314											</header><!-- .entry-header -->
315					<div class="entry-content">
316						
317<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 17px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
318
319
320
321<p class="wp-block-paragraph">October is always a special month for <em>Opal22 Arts and Edutainment</em>, a time when we shine a spotlight on stories, voices, and histories too often left untold. This <strong>Black History Month,</strong> we’re proud to be hosting a series of <strong>authentic and accessible events</strong> that bring people together through creativity, conversation, and celebration. From powerful panel discussions to family-friendly workshops and immersive cultural experiences, each event has been <strong>designed to amplify stories of Black British History</strong></p>
322
323
324
325<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’ve been waiting for the perfect chance to dive deeper into Black history and culture right here in Leicester, this is it. Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a returning friend of Opal22, our Black History Month programme has something for everyone, and we can’t wait to welcome you.</p>
326
327
328
329<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Tickets are now live! Secure your place before they are gone!</strong></p>
330
331
332
333<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 17px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
334
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336<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
337
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339<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 17px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
340
341
342<details class="wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow">
343<summary><em><strong>Britain Re-written:</strong></em> 16th October</summary>
344
345<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 46px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
346
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349<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns: 32% auto;">
350<figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" fetchpriority="low" class="wp-image-2897 size-full" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-lReWritten-1080x1350-copy-3-819x1024.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-lReWritten-1080x1350-copy-3-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-lReWritten-1080x1350-copy-3-240x300.jpg 240w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-lReWritten-1080x1350-copy-3-768x960.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-lReWritten-1080x1350-copy-3.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>
351<div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
352<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&nbsp;</p>
353
354
355
356<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><br /><strong>Britain Rewritten:</strong></h2>
357
358
359
360<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday 16th October 5-9PM</h6>
361
362
363
364<h6 class="wp-block-heading"><br />Brookfield, <strong>266 London Rd, Leicester LE2 1RQ</strong></h6>
365
366
367
368<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><br />Join renowned historians <strong>Emma Dabiri</strong> and <strong>Robert Beckford</strong> for an evening that digs deep into the politics of archives and the urgent need to rethink how Britain’s history is told. Through <strong>panel discussions, interactive displays, </strong>and opportunities for <strong>audience engagement</strong>, this event invites you to question whose voices have been preserved, whose have been silenced, and how the archive can be reimagined as a space for truth and justice. P<strong>erfect for historians, cultural thinkers, students, and curious minds alike</strong>, this promises to be an inspiring and eye-opening evening of dialogue and discovery.</p>
369
370
371
372<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Can&#8217;t make it in person? Don&#8217;t worry! Digital tickets for the event are available on Eventbrite</p>
373
374
375
376<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
377<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1446928926369?aff=oddtdtcreator">Sign Up Here!</a></div>
378</div>
379</div>
380</div>
381
382
383
384<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&nbsp;</p>
385</details>
386
387
388<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 17px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
389
390
391<details class="wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow">
392<summary><strong><em>Black Star Mystery: </em></strong> 31st October</summary>
393
394<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns: 32% auto;">
395<figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" fetchpriority="low" class="wp-image-2894 size-full" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-Black-Star-1080x1350-copy-3-819x1024.jpg" alt="Black Star Mystery: Murder Mystery Steam train experience: poster" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-Black-Star-1080x1350-copy-3-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-Black-Star-1080x1350-copy-3-240x300.jpg 240w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-Black-Star-1080x1350-copy-3-768x960.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-Black-Star-1080x1350-copy-3.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>
396<div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
397<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><br /><strong>Black Star Mystery</strong></h2>
398
399
400
401<h6 class="wp-block-heading">31st October 5-9PM</h6>
402
403
404
405<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Great Central Railway PLC, Loughborough LE11 1RW</h6>
406
407
408
409<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><br />Step aboard a <strong>one-of-a-kind live whodunnit</strong> set on a moving steam train and prepare for an evening like no other. Immerse yourself in a thrilling mystery brought to life by characters inspired by Black British history. Between twists and turns, enjoy <strong>a fine dining three-course meal</strong> in true vintage style, all while piecing together the clues to crack the case. <strong>Blending historical truths with playful fiction</strong>, this experience is light-hearted, informative, and the <strong>perfect excuse to dress up for a night of elegance, intrigue, and celebration.</strong></p>
410
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412
413<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
414<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1446968595019?aff=oddtdtcreator">Sign Up Here!</a></div>
415</div>
416</div>
417</div>
418
419
420
421<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&nbsp;</p>
422</details>
423
424
425<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 17px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
426
427
428<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
429
430
431<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 17px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
432
433
434
435<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Opal22 X Highcross</h3>
436
437
438
439<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 30px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
440
441
442
443<div class="wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex">
444<div class="wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-fd0eeb70" style="height: 0px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
445
446
447
448<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This Black History Month, Opal22 is teaming up with Highcross Leicester to bring history to life in the heart of the city. From interactive family activities to creative trails and pop-up experiences, we’re making sure Black history is not only seen but celebrated by everyone who passes through the centre.</p>
449
450
451
452<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Take a look at what<strong> FREE events </strong>we have on offer!</p>
453</div>
454
455
456
457<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 17px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
458
459
460
461<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="378" class="wp-image-2909" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-BHM-FB-Covers-Main-1-1-1024x378.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-BHM-FB-Covers-Main-1-1-1024x378.jpg 1024w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-BHM-FB-Covers-Main-1-1-300x111.jpg 300w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-BHM-FB-Covers-Main-1-1-768x284.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-BHM-FB-Covers-Main-1-1-1536x568.jpg 1536w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-BHM-FB-Covers-Main-1-1-2048x757.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
462
463
464
465<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 17px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
466
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468<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
469
470
471<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 17px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
472
473
474<details class="wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow">
475<summary><strong><em>Black History Month Highcross Launch:</em></strong> 1 October</summary>
476
477<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns: 32% auto;">
478<figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" fetchpriority="low" class="wp-image-2882 size-full" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-launch-1080x1350-copy-2-819x1024.jpg" alt="Opal22 Black History Month launch at Highcross Shopping centre poster" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-launch-1080x1350-copy-2-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-launch-1080x1350-copy-2-240x300.jpg 240w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-launch-1080x1350-copy-2-768x960.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-launch-1080x1350-copy-2.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>
479<div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
480<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Black History Month Highcross Launch</h2>
481
482
483
484<h6 class="wp-block-heading">1st October</h6>
485
486
487
488<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Highcross, Leicester, LE1 4AN</h6>
489
490
491
492<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We’re opening <strong><em>Black History Month </em></strong>at <strong>Highcross Shopping Centre</strong> with a celebration of movement, rhythm, and voice. Through a dynamic <strong>synthesis of poetry and  dance</strong>, performers will take bring to life the stories of Black British figures who shaped our history, transforming the heart of the city into a living, breathing tribute.</p>
493
494
495
496<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Performance locations and timings will be r<strong>eleased via instagram</strong> so make sure to follow us so you don&#8217;t miss out!</p>
497
498
499
500<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
501<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.instagram.com/opal22artsanded/">Click To Follow</a></div>
502</div>
503</div>
504</div>
505</details>
506
507
508<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 17px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
509
510
511<details class="wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow">
512<summary><strong><em>Flash Black Podcast Booth:</em></strong> 6-10 October</summary>
513
514<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns: 32% auto;">
515<figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" fetchpriority="low" class="wp-image-2903 size-full" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Podcast-V3-1080x1350-copy-819x1024.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Podcast-V3-1080x1350-copy-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Podcast-V3-1080x1350-copy-240x300.jpg 240w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Podcast-V3-1080x1350-copy-768x960.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Podcast-V3-1080x1350-copy.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>
516<div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
517<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><br /><strong>Voices that Raised a City</strong></h2>
518
519
520
521<h6 class="wp-block-heading">6-10th October</h6>
522
523
524
525<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Highcross, Leicester, LE1 4AN</h6>
526
527
528
529<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><br />Our annual <strong><em>Flash Black</em> podcast</strong> is back! This year, we sit down with <strong>Leicester’s Black elders</strong> &#8211; the people who created change, built spaces of belonging, and shaped our city. Their stories are legacies, kept alive when we listen, remember, and act.</p>
530
531
532
533<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Step inside the<strong> Flash Black podcast booth</strong> in Highcross shopping centre an immerse yourself in their stories ahead of their release! In the mean time, check out last years series:<strong><em> &#8220;Pioneers and Pathmakers&#8221;</em></strong></p>
534
535
536
537<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
538<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rURAZw8Tw6A&amp;t=2s">Click to Listen</a></div>
539</div>
540</div>
541</div>
542</details>
543
544
545<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 17px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
546
547
548
549<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 0px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
550
551
552<details class="wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow">
553<summary><strong><em>Pick Your Nose: </em></strong> 23rd October</summary>
554
555<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns: 32% auto;">
556<figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" fetchpriority="low" class="wp-image-2904 size-full" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Pick-1080x1350-copy-819x1024.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Pick-1080x1350-copy-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Pick-1080x1350-copy-240x300.jpg 240w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Pick-1080x1350-copy-768x960.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Pick-1080x1350-copy.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>
557<div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
558<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Pick Your Nose: Kids Workshop</strong></h2>
559
560
561
562<h6 class="wp-block-heading">23rd October</h6>
563
564
565
566<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Highcross,  Leicester, LE1 4AN</h6>
567
568
569
570<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ever noticed how many African statues are missing their noses? This fun, hands-on clay workshop gives children the chance to explore <strong>how facial features can reflect race, culture, and identity</strong>. Kids will learn through play, shaping and moulding their own unique sculptures while sparking conversations about history and heritage in an age-appropriate way. Creative, engaging, and a perfect way to <strong>keep young minds active during the October school break, </strong>this workshop combines art and learning in a memorable experience they’ll be proud to take home.</p>
571
572
573
574<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
575<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1640000659119?aff=oddtdtcreator">Sign Up Here!</a></div>
576</div>
577</div>
578</div>
579</details>
580
581
582<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 17px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
583
584
585<details class="wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow">
586<summary><strong><em>Children Trail Through Time:</em></strong> 1-31 October</summary>
587
588<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns: 32% auto;">
589<figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" fetchpriority="low" class="wp-image-2905 size-full" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-History-Trail-1080x1350-copy-819x1024.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-History-Trail-1080x1350-copy-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-History-Trail-1080x1350-copy-240x300.jpg 240w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-History-Trail-1080x1350-copy-768x960.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-History-Trail-1080x1350-copy.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>
590<div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
591<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Children Historical Trail Through Time</h2>
592
593
594
595<h6 class="wp-block-heading">1-31st October</h6>
596
597
598
599<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Highcross, Leicester, LE1 4AN</h6>
600
601
602
603<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Embark on a <strong>self-guided adventure </strong>celebrating Black British figures who shaped our nation’s history. <strong>Solve puzzles, follow interactive clues</strong>, and uncover fascinating stories along the way to <strong>win fun prizes!</strong> A perfect mix of learning, exploring, and play for children of all ages!</p>
604
605
606
607<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Pick up your starter pack from the <strong>Highcross information desk</strong> and begin your journey.</p>
608</div>
609</div>
610</details>
611
612
613<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 17px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
614
615
616<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
617
618
619<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 100px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
620
621
622
623<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
624<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" data-id="2882" class="wp-image-2882" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-launch-1080x1350-copy-2-819x1024.jpg" alt="Opal22 Black History Month launch at Highcross Shopping centre poster" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-launch-1080x1350-copy-2-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-launch-1080x1350-copy-2-240x300.jpg 240w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-launch-1080x1350-copy-2-768x960.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-launch-1080x1350-copy-2.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" />
625<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Launch Night at Highcross</figcaption>
626</figure>
627
628
629
630<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" data-id="2903" class="wp-image-2903" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Podcast-V3-1080x1350-copy-819x1024.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Podcast-V3-1080x1350-copy-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Podcast-V3-1080x1350-copy-240x300.jpg 240w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Podcast-V3-1080x1350-copy-768x960.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Podcast-V3-1080x1350-copy.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" />
631<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Podcast Booth</figcaption>
632</figure>
633
634
635
636<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1446928926369?aff=oddtdtcreator"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" data-id="2897" class="wp-image-2897" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-lReWritten-1080x1350-copy-3-819x1024.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-lReWritten-1080x1350-copy-3-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-lReWritten-1080x1350-copy-3-240x300.jpg 240w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-lReWritten-1080x1350-copy-3-768x960.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-lReWritten-1080x1350-copy-3.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></a>
637<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Britain Re-Written</figcaption>
638</figure>
639
640
641
642<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1446968595019?aff=oddtdtcreator"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" data-id="2894" class="wp-image-2894" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-Black-Star-1080x1350-copy-3-819x1024.jpg" alt="Black Star Mystery: Murder Mystery Steam train experience: poster" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-Black-Star-1080x1350-copy-3-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-Black-Star-1080x1350-copy-3-240x300.jpg 240w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-Black-Star-1080x1350-copy-3-768x960.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opal-22-Black-Star-1080x1350-copy-3.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></a>
643<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Black Star Mystery</figcaption>
644</figure>
645
646
647
648<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1640000659119?aff=oddtdtcreator"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" data-id="2904" class="wp-image-2904" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Pick-1080x1350-copy-819x1024.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Pick-1080x1350-copy-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Pick-1080x1350-copy-240x300.jpg 240w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Pick-1080x1350-copy-768x960.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-Pick-1080x1350-copy.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></a>
649<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pick Your Nose</figcaption>
650</figure>
651
652
653
654<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" data-id="2905" class="wp-image-2905" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-History-Trail-1080x1350-copy-819x1024.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-History-Trail-1080x1350-copy-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-History-Trail-1080x1350-copy-240x300.jpg 240w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-History-Trail-1080x1350-copy-768x960.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Opal-22-History-Trail-1080x1350-copy.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" />
655<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Children&#8217;s Historical Trail</figcaption>
656</figure>
657</figure>
658					</div><!-- .entry-content -->
659				</div>
660			</div>
661		</div>
662	</section>
663
664</article><!-- #post-2877 -->
665<article id="post-2859" class="post-2859 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-black-history-month-education-
665programme tag-black-culture tag-black-history tag-black-history-month tag-caribbean tag-college-course tag-education tag-events tag-leicester tag-opal22 tag-school-courses tag-school-programme tag-teacher-training tag-windrush">
666	<!-- Inner banner-->
667	<div class="inner-banner">
668		<picture class="bg-img inner-banner-img">
669			
670			<a class="post-thumbnail" href="https://opal22.co.uk/black-history-month-school-courses-and-teach-training/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">
671				<img width="478" height="268" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-16.32.23.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Black History Month School Courses and Teacher Training" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-16.32.23.png 478w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-16.32.23-300x168.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 478px) 100vw, 478px" />			</a>
672
673					</picture>
674		<div class="container inner-banner_content">
675			<div class="row align-items-start">
676				<div class="col-lg-12">
677					<div class="inner-banner_title">
678						<h1></h1>
679					</div>
680				</div>
681			</div>
682		</div>
683	</div><!-- End - Inner banner-->
684	<section class="artical-content pt-100 pb-100">
685		<div class="container">
686			<div class="row">
687				<div class="col-lg-12">
688					<header class="entry-header">
689						<a href="https://opal22.co.uk/category/black-history-month-education-programme/" rel="category tag">Black History Month Education Programme</a>													<div class="entry-meta">
690								<div class="entry-author">
691									<p> Opal22 </p>
692								</div><!-- .entry-meta -->
693								<div class="entry-date">
694									<p> 2 July 2025 </p>
695								</div>
696							</div>
697											</header><!-- .entry-header -->
698					<div class="entry-content">
699						<p>Opal22 is proud to offer a range of expertly designed Black History Month workshops, courses, and training opportunities for both students and teachers.</p>
700<p>We provide both ready-to-go sessions and fully tailored programmes, workshops, and teacher training sessions to suit your school&#8217;s curriculum and timeline. For your convenience, these services are available both in person and online.</p>
701<p>We believe every young person deserves access to accurate, well-informed education and our team of knowledgeable, experienced facilitators are here to deliver exactly that. From the Black Tudors to contemporary change makers, Opal22’s work highlights the vital contributions, stories, and experiences of Black Britons across the centuries.</p>
702<p>Partner with us to make your Black History Month provision impactful, inclusive, and expertly delivered.</p>
703<p>Reach out to us at <a class="wsMvqdsCQwHMdXuvCLlSAkmVYButhGSUc " tabindex="0" href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_self" data-test-app-aware-link="">[email protected]</a> for more information.</p>
704<p>Let&#8217;s teach Black History correctly!</p>
705					</div><!-- .entry-content -->
706				</div>
707			</div>
708		</div>
709	</section>
710
711</article><!-- #post-2859 -->
712<article id="post-2835" class="post-2835 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-windrush-tea-party tag-black-culture tag-black-history tag-caribbean tag-events tag-leicester tag-opal22 tag-windrush">
713	<!-- Inner banner-->
714	<div class="inner-banner">
715		<picture class="bg-img inner-banner-img">
716			
717			<a class="post-thumbnail" href="https://opal22.co.uk/windrush-tea-party-celebrating-caribbean-community-and-elders/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">
718				<img width="1130" height="1584" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-30-at-11.02.30.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Windrush Tea Party: A Celebration of the 77 years of Windrush" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-30-at-11.02.30.png 1130w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-30-at-11.02.30-214x300.png 214w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-30-at-11.02.30-731x1024.png 731w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-30-at-11.02.30-768x1077.png 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-30-at-11.02.30-1096x1536.png 1096w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1130px) 100vw, 1130px" />			</a>
719
720					</picture>
721		<div class="container inner-banner_content">
722			<div class="row align-items-start">
723				<div class="col-lg-12">
724					<div class="inner-banner_title">
725						<h1></h1>
726					</div>
727				</div>
728			</div>
729		</div>
730	</div><!-- End - Inner banner-->
731	<section class="artical-content pt-100 pb-100">
732		<div class="container">
733			<div class="row">
734				<div class="col-lg-12">
735					<header class="entry-header">
736						<a href="https://opal22.co.uk/category/windrush-tea-party/" rel="category tag">Windrush Tea Party</a>													<div class="entry-meta">
737								<div class="entry-author">
738									<p> Opal22 </p>
739								</div><!-- .entry-meta -->
740								<div class="entry-date">
741									<p> 23 June 2025 </p>
742								</div>
743							</div>
744											</header><!-- .entry-header -->
745					<div class="entry-content">
746						<p class="" data-start="308" data-end="389"><strong data-start="308" data-end="389">The windrush Tea Party</strong></p>
747<p data-start="112" data-end="450">On the sun-dappled afternoon of June 21st, we came together for a celebration that felt like a warm embrace from history itself. Our Windrush Tea Party, held in the heart of Leicester, was more than just an event. It was a tribute. A tribute to the strength, resilience, and enduring joy of the Windrush Generation and the community they built.</p>
748<p data-start="452" data-end="777">We celebrate Windrush not only to honour the past, but to root ourselves in the legacy of those who paved the way. Those who arrived with suitcases full of dreams and hearts full of hope. Those who faced hardship and hostility, yet still made home, built community, and gave so much to Britain’s culture, economy, and soul.</p>
749<p data-start="779" data-end="1235">This year’s tea party was bursting with energy, laughter, and the sweet scent of Caribbean food in the air. From the music, to the stall holders, to the smiling attendees, the day was alive with colour, rhythm, and love. Elders were treated like royalty as they sipped tea, nibbled rum cake and shared stories. Children played fair-style games, learned about Windrush history, and created joyful noise that echoed through the park.</p>
750<p data-start="1237" data-end="1498">We had live performances that moved us to our feet including the spoked words of Imano Ahiro and Poetic Lili, the gospel sounds of EAGA choir, and, of course, the incredible talents of Tann-I Browne. There were craft stalls, dominoes, raffle&#8217;s, a plethora of fiid choices, all narrated by our incredible host, TV&#8217;s John Simmit.</p>
751<p data-start="1539" data-end="1826">But beyond the bunting and the music, the heart of this celebration was community. Seeing generations of elders, parents, and children come together in joy reminded us why we do this. Because remembrance is resistance. Because celebration is healing. Because our stories deserve centre stage.</p>
752<p data-start="1828" data-end="2061">We are deeply grateful to everyone who came, danced, laughed, donated, and helped make this event what it was. To our volunteers, performers, food vendors, and community partners: thank you. You brought the spirit of Windrush alive.</p>
753<p data-start="2063" data-end="2194">As we look to the future, we carry the legacy of our elders forward. We honour the past, celebrate the present, and make space for new voices.</p>
754<p data-start="2196" data-end="2327">Windrush is not just a story but is a living, breathing force. And on June 21st, under the summer sky, we felt it in full bloom.</p>
755					</div><!-- .entry-content -->
756				</div>
757			</div>
758		</div>
759	</section>
760
761</article><!-- #post-2835 -->
762<article id="post-2812" class="post-2812 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-culture-comics">
763	<!-- Inner banner-->
764	<div class="inner-banner">
765		<picture class="bg-img inner-banner-img">
766			
767			<a class="post-thumbnail" href="https://opal22.co.uk/culture-comics-exhibition/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">
768				<img width="1080" height="1080" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Square-Post-Exhibition.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Culture Comics: Young Creators Reimagine Black Culture Through Graphic Novels" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Square-Post-Exhibition.png 1080w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Square-Post-Exhibition-300x300.png 300w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Square-Post-Exhibition-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Square-Post-Exhibition-150x150.png 150w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Square-Post-Exhibition-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100v
768w, 1080px" />			</a>
769
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771		<div class="container inner-banner_content">
772			<div class="row align-items-start">
773				<div class="col-lg-12">
774					<div class="inner-banner_title">
775						<h1></h1>
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778			</div>
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782		<div class="container">
783			<div class="row">
784				<div class="col-lg-12">
785					<header class="entry-header">
786						<a href="https://opal22.co.uk/category/culture-comics/" rel="category tag">Culture Comics</a>													<div class="entry-meta">
787								<div class="entry-author">
788									<p> Opal22 </p>
789								</div><!-- .entry-meta -->
790								<div class="entry-date">
791									<p> 8 April 2025 </p>
792								</div>
793							</div>
794											</header><!-- .entry-header -->
795					<div class="entry-content">
796						<p data-start="173" data-end="291"><strong data-start="173" data-end="254">Culture Comics: Young Creators Reimagine Black Culture Through Graphic Novels</strong></p>
797<p data-start="293" data-end="388">Late last year, we put out a call to young minds across the UK, and the response blew us away.</p>
798<p data-start="390" data-end="705">The <strong data-start="394" data-end="439">Culture Comics: Graphic Novel Competition</strong>, launched by Opal22 Arts and Edutainment in partnership with the <strong data-start="505" data-end="541">Stephen Lawrence Research Centre</strong>, invited young people aged 12 to 18 to explore and express Black culture through the playful, powerful medium of graphic storytelling. And now… the results are in.</p>
799<p data-start="707" data-end="1167">Why graphic novels? Because they’re bold, imaginative, and make reading feel like an adventure. We wanted to give young people a creative space to reflect on the world around them, using a format that speaks their language. What came back were stories that were deeply personal, wildly inventive, and full of heart — from reflections on Black family legacies to clever critiques of cultural stereotypes, to poetic comics exploring identity, joy, and belonging.</p>
800<p data-start="1169" data-end="1420">These young creators showed us what it means to imagine the future while honouring the past. Through their eyes, we saw a new generation asking big questions — about history, heritage, power, and place — and answering them with courage and creativity.</p>
801<h3 data-start="1427" data-end="1485"></h3>
802<h3 data-start="1427" data-end="1485"><strong data-start="1431" data-end="1485">Public Exhibition at LCB Depot: Come See the Magic</strong></h3>
803<p data-start="1487" data-end="1946">From <strong data-start="1492" data-end="1518">25th April to 16th May</strong>, the top entries were exhibited at the <strong data-start="1558" data-end="1592">LCB Depot Gallery in Leicester</strong>. But this was no ordinary exhibition. We transformed the gallery into an interactive, story-rich space where visitors could view the comics, respond to the same prompts, and join conversations sparked by the stories on display. It was a celebration of talent, voice, and perspective — and a reminder that our young people have something powerful to say.</p>
804<h3 data-start="2432" data-end="2481"></h3>
805<h3 data-start="2432" data-end="2481"><strong data-start="2436" data-end="2481">Coming Soon: The Culture Comics Anthology</strong></h3>
806<p data-start="2483" data-end="2745">Can’t make the exhibition? Don’t worry. All winning comics will be professionally published in a <strong data-start="2580" data-end="2601">curated anthology</strong>, available to purchase soon. This collection is more than just a book, it’s a vibrant time capsule of youth creativity, culture, and vision.</p>
807<p data-start="2747" data-end="2831">Stay tuned. The future of storytelling is here, and it’s drawn by a new generation.</p>
808					</div><!-- .entry-content -->
809				</div>
810			</div>
811		</div>
812	</section>
813
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815<article id="post-2848" class="post-2848 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-international-womens-day tag-black-culture tag-black-history tag-caribbean tag-events tag-leicester tag-opal22 tag-windrush">
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821				<img width="1080" height="1080" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Opal-Womens-Day-Insta-1080x1080-1.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Talk Dirty, Paint Pretty: A Night For Us" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Opal-Womens-Day-Insta-1080x1080-1.png 1080w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Opal-Womens-Day-Insta-1080x1080-1-300x300.png 300w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Opal-Womens-Day-Insta-1080x1080-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Opal-Womens-Day-Insta-1080x1080-1-150x150.png 150w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Opal-Womens-Day-Insta-1080x1080-1-768x768.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100v
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839						<a href="https://opal22.co.uk/category/international-womens-day/" rel="category tag">International Women's Day</a>													<div class="entry-meta">
840								<div class="entry-author">
841									<p> Opal22 </p>
842								</div><!-- .entry-meta -->
843								<div class="entry-date">
844									<p> 9 March 2025 </p>
845								</div>
846							</div>
847											</header><!-- .entry-header -->
848					<div class="entry-content">
849						<p><strong>Talk Dirty, Paint Pretty: A Night For Us</strong></p>
850<p>Black Women Take Over Abbey Leisure Centre For A Night Of Laughter!</p>
851<div class="flex basis-auto flex-col -mb-(--composer-overlap-px) [--composer-overlap-px:55px] grow overflow-hidden">
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857<div class="[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden" tabindex="-1">
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863<div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark">
864<p data-start="357" data-end="733">On March 7th, Leicester’s Abbey Sports &amp; Leisure Centre transformed into something beautiful and rare: a space curated by Black Women <em data-start="475" data-end="481">just</em> for Black women to be bold, outspoken, unfiltered, and celebrated for it. <strong data-start="510" data-end="538">Talk Dirty, Paint Pretty </strong>wasn’t just a celebration of <strong data-start="612" data-end="641">International Women’s Day</strong>. It was a full-body exhale. A space to laugh, cry, paint, reflect, and above all, to <em data-start="728" data-end="732">be</em>.</p>
865<p data-start="735" data-end="981">We opened the night with the words of <strong data-start="780" data-end="798">Cheri Gillings</strong>, whose poetry danced between power and vulnerability, speaking to the complexity of Black womanhood with every verse. Then came <em data-start="993" data-end="1016">Just Between Us Girls</em>, an unfiltered panel conversation where nothing was off limits. Sex, softness, rage, joy, resilience. Our guest speakers we laid it all on the table, and the audience loved it. It was like a kitchen table convo with your aunties, sisters, and best friends.</p>
866<p data-start="1246" data-end="1498">Next, we got messy, in the best way. Every guest was handed a canvas and invited to paint whatever came to mind (and plenty of things came to mind!)</p>
867<p data-start="1500" data-end="1773">We closed the night on a high with comedy icon <strong data-start="1548" data-end="1569">Sharifa Butterfly</strong>, who brought the house down. Her humour hit all the right nerves and had the room laughing with every punchline. If joy is a form of resistance, we were revolutionary that night.</p>
868<p data-start="1775" data-end="2032"><strong data-start="1775" data-end="1803">Talk Dirty, Paint Pretty</strong> wasn’t just an event. It was a love letter. A creative call to arms. A reminder of why <strong data-start="1891" data-end="1930">Black women-led events </strong>are so vital, because everyone deserve&#8217;s spaces where they are centred, celebrated, and completely unfiltered.</p>
869<p data-start="2034" data-end="2127">To everyone who came: thank you for your presence, your power, and your paint-splattered joy.</p>
870<p data-start="2129" data-end="2160">We’re not done. Not even close.</p>
871<p data-start="2129" data-end="2160">Check out the hightlights reel here: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIBvcZJNbFd/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/p/DIBvcZJNbFd/?hl=en</a></p>
872<p data-start="2129" data-end="2160">
873<p data-start="2129" data-end="2160">      <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2856" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_8238-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="261" height="348" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_8238-225x300.jpg 225w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_8238-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_8238-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_8238-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_8238-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 261px) 100v
873w, 261px" />      <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2854" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_8212-1-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="261" height="348" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_8212-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_8212-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_8212-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_8212-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_8212-1-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 261px) 100vw, 261px" />      <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2853" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_7669-2-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="261" height="348" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_7669-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_7669-2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_7669-2-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_7669-2-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_7669-2-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 261px) 100vw, 261px" />      <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2852" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_7666-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="260" height="347" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_7666-225x300.jpg 225w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_7666-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_7666-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_7666-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_7666-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 260px) 100vw, 260px" /></p>
874</div>
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878</div>
879</div>
880</div>
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882</article>
883</div>
884</div>
885</div>
886</div>
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888				</div>
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890		</div>
891	</section>
892
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894<article id="post-2845" class="post-2845 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-all-shades-of-brown tag-black-culture tag-black-history tag-caribbean tag-events tag-leicester tag-opal22 tag-windrush">
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899			<a class="post-thumbnail" href="https://opal22.co.uk/all-shades-of-brown-creative-conference-for-black-and-brown-creatives/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">
900				<img width="2560" height="1707" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/All-Shades-of-Brown-Opal-22©Lensi-Photography-0770-scaled.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="All Shades Of Brown was the first of its kind and will not be the last!" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/All-Shades-of-Brown-Opal-22©Lensi-Photography-0770-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/All-Shades-of-Brown-Opal-22©Lensi-Photography-0770-300x200.jpg 300w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/All-Shades-of-Brown-Opal-22©Lensi-Photography-0770-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/All-Shades-of-Brown-Opal-22©Lensi-Photography-0770-768x512.jpg 768w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/All-Shades-of-Brown-Opal-22©Lensi-Photography-0770-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/All-Shades-of-Brown-Opal-22©Lensi-Photography-0770-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100v
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914		<div class="container">
915			<div class="row">
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917					<header class="entry-header">
918						<a href="https://opal22.co.uk/category/all-shades-of-brown/" rel="category tag">All Shades of Brown</a>													<div class="entry-meta">
919								<div class="entry-author">
920									<p> Opal22 </p>
921								</div><!-- .entry-meta -->
922								<div class="entry-date">
923									<p> 2 March 2025 </p>
924								</div>
925							</div>
926											</header><!-- .entry-header -->
927					<div class="entry-content">
928						<p data-start="118" data-end="494"><strong> All Shades of Brown the Creative Conference</strong></p>
929<p data-start="118" data-end="494">On a vibrant day in February, Leicester became a kaleidoscope of colour, culture, and creativity as we hosted <strong data-start="228" data-end="251">All Shades of Brown, </strong>an extraordinary and first of its kind creative conference celebrating the rich tapestry of Black and Brown artists in the East Midlands. But the event was so much more than just a conference, it was a powerful reminder of the often overlooked contributions Global Ethnic Majority creatives make, and of the wealth of artistry the Midlands can offer!</p>
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938<div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark">
939<p data-start="639" data-end="876">Held at <strong data-start="647" data-end="666">DMU’s The Venue</strong>, the day brought together visual artists, designers, filmmakers, performers, and cultural workers for a full programme of learning, connection, and celebration. The atmosphere? Electric. The energy? Unmatched.</p>
940<p data-start="878" data-end="1308">From the moment the doors opened, the building pulsed with creativity. Panels and keynotes hosted by cultural leaders like <strong data-start="1001" data-end="1017">Pogus Caesar</strong>, <strong data-start="1019" data-end="1036">Gaylene Gould</strong>, and <strong data-start="1042" data-end="1059">Saziso Phiri</strong> shared stories of perseverance, artistic integrity, and building careers in spaces not made for us. Topics ranged from funding and sustainability to accessibility and mentorship, giving attendees both inspiration and practical tools to thrive.</p>
941<p data-start="1310" data-end="1580">In the workshops, knowledge flowed freely. From <strong>Jeanefer Jean-Charles</strong> MBE’s pitch masterclass to <strong>Kino Bino’</strong>s guide to navigating the animation industry, every session was about empowerment. How to create, how to sustain, and crucially, how not to go broke while doing it.</p>
942<p data-start="1582" data-end="2000">And it wasn’t just talk. <strong data-start="1607" data-end="1628">Live performances</strong> ran throughout the day, including <em data-start="1663" data-end="1681">Black Victorians</em>, a powerful blend of dance and historical storytelling; <em data-start="1745" data-end="1765">Create Not Destroy</em>, an evolving live art piece; and <em data-start="1799" data-end="1814">Apittame Arts</em> with Imani Wenham’s striking poetry. When talking about Carnival, <strong data-start="1888" data-end="1912">Donna Briscoe-Greene</strong> reminded us that culture and business are not mutually exclusive, they’re intertwined.</p>
943<p data-start="2002" data-end="2417">The <strong data-start="2006" data-end="2026">exhibition space</strong> showcased stunning works from Midlands-based artists, each one a reflection of heritage, imagination, and voice. Meanwhile, the <strong data-start="2155" data-end="2170">marketplace</strong> buzzed with creatives selling art, sharing ideas, and making real connections. The sense of empowerment was strong, whether chatting at stalls, diving into 1-1 surgeries with Art Reach and Arts Council England, or meeting future collaborators.</p>
944<p data-start="2419" data-end="2630"><strong data-start="2419" data-end="2442">All Shades of Brown</strong> was a seed planted in fertile ground, rooted in solidarity, watered by collaboration, and growing into a future where all creatives, of all shades, can thrive.</p>
945<p data-start="2632" data-end="2738">To everyone who showed up, shared, supported, and inspired: thank you. You made this moment unforgettable.</p>
946<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="All Shades of Brown | Opal22’s First Annual Creative Arts Conference" width="1200" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3gCPLlvxH_Q?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;
946 web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
947<p>Check out the All Shades of Brown overview video !</p>
948</div>
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961	</section>
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988						<a href="https://opal22.co.uk/category/culture-comics/" rel="category tag">Culture Comics</a>													<div class="entry-meta">
989								<div class="entry-author">
990									<p> Opal22 </p>
991								</div><!-- .entry-meta -->
992								<div class="entry-date">
993									<p> 18 December 2024 </p>
994								</div>
995							</div>
996											</header><!-- .entry-header -->
997					<div class="entry-content">
998						<p><b>Step by Step Guidance</b></p>
999<p><b>Step 1. </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Download the guidance pack and templates from our website</span></p>
1000<p><b>Step 2. </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research into your topic and think of ideas on how to answer your question</span></p>
1001<p><b>Step. 3 </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Create your comic within the guideline rules</span></p>
1002<p><b>Step 4. </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Submit your entry either digitally or physically</span></p>
1003<p>&nbsp;</p>
1004<p><b>Who Can Participate?</b></p>
1005<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Who can participate?</span></span></p>
1006<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Any young person aged 12-18 residing in the UK</span></p>
1007<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Can I submit for the category outside my age range?</span></span></p>
1008<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> It is recommended that each submission answers the question that matches their age at the competition deadline. However, you may choose to answer the other prompt if you prefer.
1008 </span></p>
1009<p>&nbsp;</p>
1010<p><b>Competition Details</b></p>
1011<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q.<span style="text-decoration: underline;">What format should my submission be in?</span></span></p>
1012<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Submissions can be up to two A4 pages and can be digital (PDF, JPEG, PNG) or physical copies</span></p>
1013<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q. What tools or mediums can I use for my entry?</span></span></p>
1014<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Any medium is allowed, including traditional drawing tools (pencil, ink, paint) or digital illustration software.<br />
1015You are not allowed to use any AI!</span></p>
1016<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q. How do I submit my entry?</span></span></p>
1017<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can submit in one of the following ways: </span></p>
1018<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Digital</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Submissions</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Upload your files through the Portal linked either on the Opal22 website or school pack provided.</span></p>
1019<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical Submissions: Mail your submissions to </span></p>
1020<p><strong>Opal22 Arts and Edutainment,<br />
1021Studio 9, Phoenix Studios,<br />
1022253-255 Belgrave Gate,<br />
1023Leicester, LE1 3HU</strong></p>
1024<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ensure adequate time so your submission arrives before 2nd March 2025.</span></p>
1025<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q. How do I know my submission has been received?</span></span></p>
1026<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Participants submitting digitally should receive a confirmation email. For physical submissions, consider using tracked delivery for confirmation.</span></p>
1027<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q. What rights do I retain over my work?</span></span></p>
1028<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Participants will retain copyright to their submissions but grant Opal22 permission to publish and exhibit the work and use their work within promotional materials.</span></p>
1029<p>&nbsp;</p>
1030<p><b>Judges and Prizes</b></p>
1031<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q. Who will judge the entries?</span></span></p>
1032<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Initial judging will come from a panel of experts from across the creative, media, and educational industries. Final judgement will by Comics Laureate, Bobby Joseph</span></p>
1033<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q. When will the winners and prizes be announced?</span></span></p>
1034<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The top 50 winners will be announced by the 31st March. The workshop with Bobby Joseph shall take place in April and the Graphic Novel release and exhibition will take place in the summer of 2025. The official timeline will be announced after winners are selected.</span></p>
1035<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q. Do I have to attend the workshop if I win?</span></span></p>
1036<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Attendance is not mandatory, but winners are encouraged to participate to gain valuable experience. There will be an online stream for those who cannot physically attend. </span></p>
1037<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q.Will the graphic novel be available for purchase?</span></span></p>
1038<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Yes, the graphic novel will be available for purchase for a limited time and will include all 50 top entries from the competition. </span></p>
1039<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
1040<p><b>Eligibility and Participation</b></p>
1041<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q. Can I collaborate with others on my entry?</span></span></p>
1042<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> All entries must be submitted by individuals. If you are struggling with your design, we encourage you to reach out to </span><a href="mailto:[email protected]"><span style="font-weight: 400;">[email protected]</span></a></p>
1043<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q. Can I submit multiple entries?</span></span></p>
1044<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Each participant is allowed one entry to ensure fairness in the competition</span></p>
1045<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q. Do I need parental or guardian permission to participate?</span></span></p>
1046<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Yes, participants under 16 require parental or guardian consent, as specified in the detailed guidelines</span></p>
1047<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q. What if I don&#8217;t identify as Black? Can I still participate?</span></span></p>
1048<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Yes! The competition is open to all young people regardless of ethnicity. The themes encourage exploration of cultural and societal issues from diverse perspectives</span></p>
1049<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q. Who do I contact if I have any more questions about the competition?</span></span></p>
1050<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> If you have any questions about the competition, the exhibition or about the Graphic Novel release you can reach out to </span><a href="mailto:[email protected]"><span style="font-weight: 400;">[email protected]</span></a></p>
1051<p>&nbsp;</p>
1052					</div><!-- .entry-content -->
1053				</div>
1054			</div>
1055		</div>
1056	</section>
1057
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1078	<section class="artical-content pt-100 pb-100">
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1082					<header class="entry-header">
1083						<a href="https://opal22.co.uk/category/news-updates/" rel="category tag">News updates</a>													<div class="entry-meta">
1084								<div class="entry-author">
1085									<p> Opal22 </p>
1086								</div><!-- .entry-meta -->
1087								<div class="entry-date">
1088									<p> 13 December 2024 </p>
1089								</div>
1090							</div>
1091											</header><!-- .entry-header -->
1092					<div class="entry-content">
1093						
1094<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What if your creative journey could connect you to the minds shaping the future of art and culture? What if one day could redefine your path, offering mentorship, resources, and a network of trailblazers? <em>All Shades of Brown: For Creatives</em> is more than an event—it’s a movement for change.</p>
1095
1096
1097
1098<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This groundbreaking forum for Global Majority creatives (Black, Asian, and ethnic minority individuals) promises a dynamic day of connection, inspiration, and practical support. Whether you’re an emerging artist, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the creative industries, this is your chance to learn, grow, and thrive.</p>
1099
1100
1101
1102<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What’s Happening?</h3>
1103
1104
1105
1106<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Keynote Speakers</strong></h4>
1107
1108
1109
1110<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Renowned artists <strong>Pogus Caesar </strong>and<strong> Gaylene Gould</strong> bring their decades-long international success stories to the stage. Through an interactive talk, they’ll share the secrets of building meaningful networks, growing a creative practice, and sustaining long-term careers in the arts.</p>
1111
1112
1113
1114<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Accessibility Panel Discussion</strong></h4>
1115
1116
1117
1118<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Join <strong>Christopher Samuels</strong> and <strong>n:u (formerly melissandre varin</strong>) as they dive into the crucial topics of accessibility and inclusivity in the arts. Discover how queer and disability politics shape the creative world and impact the capacity of artists to thrive.</p>
1119
1120
1121
1122<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mentorship Sessions</strong></h4>
1123
1124
1125
1126<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ready to navigate your career with confidence? <strong>Raksha Patel</strong> (published artist, writer, and curator, and Senior Lecturer at Camberwell College of Arts) and <strong>Saziso Phiri</strong> (curator, producer, and creative consultant) will guide you through networking techniques and career strategies in the competitive creative market.</p>
1127
1128
1129
1130<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Funding Support</strong></h4>
1131
1132
1133
1134<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Need funding but unsure where to start? Representatives from Arts Council England and Freelands Foundation will provide a crash course on securing financial backing for your creative projects. Learn what works—and what doesn’t.</p>
1135
1136
1137
1138<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Workshops and Breakout Sessions</strong></h4>
1139
1140
1141
1142<ul class="wp-block-list">
1143<li><strong>Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE:</strong> A workshop on performance art, where Jeanefer will showcase her work and guide participants through her creative process.</li>
1144
1145
1146
1147<li><strong>Pasha Kincaid:</strong> Dive into the world of youth-focused creative workshops and see her artwork on display.</li>
1148
1149
1150
1151<li><strong>Create Not Destroy:</strong> Witness an interactive art piece come to life during the event.</li>
1152
1153
1154
1155<li>1-1 surgeries by <strong>Art Reach</strong> to help aid creatives with their creative businesses </li>
1156</ul>
1157
1158
1159
1160<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Stalls and Exhibitions</strong></h4>
1161
1162
1163
1164<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Stroll through a vibrant marketplace featuring talented creatives and organisations. Connect, collaborate, and purchase unique pieces of art while exploring an exhibition showcasing the work of local, emerging, and established artists. Special performances will further highlight the Midlands’ artistic vibrancy.</p>
1165
1166
1167
1168<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why You Should Attend</h3>
1169
1170
1171
1172<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Did you know that less than 12% of the UK’s creative industry is represented by Black, Asian, and ethnic minority professionals, with only 4.8% in senior roles? <em>All Shades of Brown</em> is here to change that. We’re equipping creatives with the tools, mentorship, and connections to break through barriers and cultivate lasting success.</p>
1173
1174
1175
1176<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Whether you’re seeking to expand your network, gain expert advice, or share experiences with like-minded individuals, this event is your launchpad to a brighter creative future.</p>
1177
1178
1179
1180<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What’s Included:</h3>
1181
1182
1183
1184<ul class="wp-block-list">
1185<li>Access to all panels, workshops, showcases, exhibitions, and networking sessions.</li>
1186
1187
1188
1189<li>An opportunity to showcase your own work (limited slots available).</li>
1190
1191
1192
1193<li>Refreshments throughout the day.</li>
1194</ul>
1195
1196
1197
1198<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Event Details:</h3>
1199
1200
1201
1202<ul class="wp-block-list">
1203<li><strong>Admission:</strong> £20</li>
1204
1205
1206
1207<li><strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, 27 February 2025</li>
1208
1209
1210
1211<li><strong>Time:</strong> 10 am – 5 pm</li>
1212
1213
1214
1215<li><strong>Location:</strong> The Venue @ DMU, Leicester</li>
1216</ul>
1217
1218
1219
1220<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Showcase Your Work</h3>
1221
1222
1223
1224<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’re a creative or represent a creative organisation and want to showcase your work at <em>All Shades of Brown</em>, submit your work and a personal bio to <a>[email protected]</a> with the subject line &#8220;All Shades of Brown: Exhibition Submission.&#8221;
1224 Spaces are limited, so act fast.</p>
1225
1226
1227
1228<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Be Part of the Change</h3>
1229
1230
1231
1232<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>All Shades of Brown</em> isn’t just an event—it’s a call to action. With keynote speakers, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, this forum creates an inclusive space where creativity thrives and connections flourish. Let’s Connect, Create, and Cultivate a more inclusive creative industry.</p>
1233
1234
1235
1236<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/all-shades-of-brown-for-creatives-tickets-1026907627357?utm-campaign=social&amp;utm-content=attendeeshare&amp;utm-medium=discovery&amp;utm-term=listing&amp;utm-source=cp&amp;aff=ebdsshcopyurl">Book your ticket</a> now and join the movement. The future of the arts needs your voice.</strong></p>
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1268						<a href="https://opal22.co.uk/category/news-updates/" rel="category tag">News updates</a>													<div class="entry-meta">
1269								<div class="entry-author">
1270									<p> Opal22 </p>
1271								</div><!-- .entry-meta -->
1272								<div class="entry-date">
1273									<p> 21 November 2024 </p>
1274								</div>
1275							</div>
1276											</header><!-- .entry-header -->
1277					<div class="entry-content">
1278						<p>Opal22 Arts and Edutainment launched this year’s Black History Month celebrations with a sophisticated and empowering black-tie launch night, setting the stage for a month of reflection, connection, and inspiration. The evening opened with a libation ceremony led by poet David ‘Stickman’ Higgins, whose poetry and chose of words laid a foundation of respect and unity throughout the evening.</p>
1279<p><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/yRAmqhSqML8?si=CD4jaEftfW5wTlYm">Professor Hakim Adi</a>,</strong> the UK’s first Black Professor of History and an award-winning historian, delivered a powerful keynote that illuminated the often-overlooked figures of Black British history. He skilfully guided the audience through centuries of remarkable achievements, highlighting the enduring contributions and legacies of those who came before us, and the ongoing struggle for Black rights.</p>
1280<p>Sharing the stage, <a href="https://youtu.be/YUeaYacglvQ?si=zce6_bgN3Xya02bK">Akyaaba Addai-Sebbo,</a> the founder of Black History Month in the UK, reflected on the pivotal moment in his life that sparked his drive to create change in the UK. He shared that Black History Month was primarily designed to give young Black children the opportunity to celebrate their heritage, recognise their worth, and embrace their identity, despite the challenges and misconceptions they may face. With deep sincerity, he issued a heartfelt call to continue striving for empowerment and recognition for all.</p>
1281<p>The celebration of Black artistry and creativity brought the evening to life with performances that left the audience spellbound. The Birmingham-based band KZAM filled the room with their soulful rhythms and vibrant melodies, while poet Ty’rone Haughton’s evocative spoken word performance wove a tapestry of struggle, triumph, and pride, striking a chord with every heart in the room</p>
1282<p>This launch was more than an event; it was a masterpiece of cultural affirmation—a testament to the richness of Black heritage and the boundless possibilities of unity. As the evening drew to a close, attendees carried with them not just inspiration, but a renewed commitment to honoUring history, celebrating identity, and championing progress.</p>
1283<p>To watch a recap of this inspiring event, click <a href="https://youtu.be/f-G8LBSVgZU?si=rv7zsKKlVkEDNiIL">here</a></p>
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1346					<div class="donate-btn">
1347						<a href="https://buy.stripe.com/6oE01j2qnf4eefSfYY">Donate<img src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/heart-logo.svg" alt=""></a>
1348					</div>
1349				</div>
1350				<div class="col-xl-3 offset-xl-1 col-12 contact-section d-flex flex-column">
1351					<h3>Contact us</h3>
1352											<h3>Contact us</h3>
1353<p><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>
1354<p><a href="tel:+4411621234567">0116 21234567</a></p>
1355										<ul class="social-icon-list mt-auto">
1356													<li class="social-icon">
1357								<a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/opal22artsanded/"><i class="fab fa-classic fa-brands fa-instagram"></i></a>
1358							</li>
1359													<li class="social-icon">
1360								<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/opal22artsandedutainment/"><i class="fab fa-classic fa-brands fa-facebook-f"></i></a>
1361							</li>
1362													<li class="social-icon">
1363								<a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/opal22-arts-and-edutainment-ltd/"><i class="fab fa-classic fa-brands fa-linkedin-in"></i></a>
1364							</li>
1365													<li class="social-icon">
1366								<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Opal22ArtsandEdutainment/featured"><i class="fab fa-classic fa-brands fa-youtube"></i></a>
1367							</li>
1368											</ul>
1369					
1370				</div>
1371			</div>
1372		</div>
1373	</div>
1374	<div class="footer_bottom">
1375		<div class="container">
1376			<div class="row">
1377				<div class="col-12">
1378					<div class="footer_bottom-content">
1379													<div class="copyright">
1380								<p>Copyright © 2026 Opal22 Arts And Edutainment</p>
1381							</div>
1382											</div>
1383				</div>
1384			</div>
1385		</div>
1386	</div>
1387</footer>
1388</div><!-- #page -->
1389
1390<script type="speculationrules">
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1393
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1394
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1398
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1399
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1407
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1417
1418<script id="contact-form-7-js" src="https://opal22.co.uk/wp-content/plugins/contact-form-7/includes/js/index.js?ver=6.0.6"></script>
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1418
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1432
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1440
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