THE region's rich multi-racial background is being celebrated with a series of events during National Black History month.

For the first time, the region is joining the rest of the UK by paying tribute to its black history throughout this month.

Schools and community venues will be brought to life with the sights and sounds of African, Oriental and Asian music, dance and drama.

Through the arts, organisers hope people will learn more about black history and the contribution all cultures have made to the area.

Tony Lindsay, acting director of Darlington and Durham Racial Equality Council, said: "The North-East does not always spring to people's minds when thinking about black history, but we have a diverse cultural background which should be remembered.

"Members of the black community themselves do not know enough about their history, and local people should realise how long black people have been here.

"Hopefully, this month of activity will not only teach people about black history but make people more open-minded towards racial differences."

Black History Month began a decade ago as a way of developing black and Asian teenagers' cultural identities so their lands of origin helped shape their characters.

Established as Negro History Week in the US in 1926, the event evolved into a month of activities looking at past and present experiences and aspirations.

In County Durham, the festival is to include the Elements Touring Scheme, a partnership between Mac Productions and Durham City Arts, which is supported by local councils.

Its play about 100 years of black women, Stamping, Shouting and Singing Home, will visit Belmont Comprehensive School, Deerness Valley School, Dipton Community Centre, Crook's Elite Hall, and Wheatley Hill Community Centre this week. For performance details, contact each venue.

Art in education agency The Forge's Small World Big Dream, a multi-culural arts festival in its second year, is being extended across County Durham and Sunderland.

Ten professional artists from around the world will hold 117 workshops in 63 schools involving students in everything from Congo music to Chinese dragon-making.

Live in Libraries is a Durham County Council initiative which sees a Moroccan trio hold concerts in Murton, Newton Hall, Crook and Barnard Castle libraries next week.

Tickets, priced £2 to £4, are available from the venues.

Published: 07/10/2003