Black community group helps people connect

A woman who founded a community group for black people in Kent says she wants to show there is "loads going on" across the county.

Jo Oluwo created Black Core Kent in Ashford in 2024 after moving from London and wanting to help other people who had done the same connect with each other.

The group recently held a screening of a film about soul group The Real Thing as part of events celebrating Black British music and culture.

Oluwo said the community interest company events were helping people who had previously felt isolated feel seen and supported.

"I think people are craving community, and I am trying to show the black community that there's loads going on," she told BBC Radio Kent.

"Kent has loads of interesting people but they kind of disperse.

"We want to build a safe community - when I use the word 'safe' I don't mean that we are in fear, but its about being in a space where you know that you are welcome."

Oluwo said she started the group in Ashford but had since expanded activities into Folkestone, Hythe and other parts of south-east Kent.

The screening was one of a number of events organised by Black Core Kent during Black History Month in October.

The film told the story of soul group The Real Thing, who are best known for their hit You to Me Are Everything.

Oluwo said she wanted to host events that celebrated black culture while bringing together people from all backgrounds.

She said education played an important role in improving understanding between communities.

"I think education is the key," she said.

"If you are teaching children in schools it exposes them to a wider variety of cultures."

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