About this Event
STILL I RISE: Black History Unlocked
A Black History Month Special
Friday 30 October 2026 | 9:30am–3:00pm | Truro
Join us for a special Still I Rise day exploring Black history, heritage, identity and belonging through stories, conversation and creativity. Designed for young people aged 10–18, the day brings together Black history and a hands-on clay workshop, with opportunities for parents and carers to take part too.
Whether you're joining Still I Rise for the first time or have been part of previous sessions, everyone is welcome.
10am–12pm | Black History Unlocked
Discover stories, achievements and contributions that are often overlooked in the way Black history is taught.
Through an engaging session led by Maggie, young people will explore Black history, including the remarkable story of Joseph Emidy, a formerly enslaved musician who made his home in Cornwall.
The session will encourage curiosity, conversation and a broader understanding of Black history, beyond slavery and towards the many people, cultures and contributions that have shaped our world.
For parents and carers
During the morning, Caroline and Emma will offer a separate, supportive space for parents and carers to explore how we talk to children about Black history, identity and belonging, including how to support them when difficult questions or experiences arise.
1pm–3pm | Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Future
Clay Coat of Arms Workshop with Catherine Lucktaylor
In this creative workshop, young people and their parents or carers will have the opportunity to make their own cultural coat of arms in clay.
Drawing inspiration from heritage, ancestry and the things we carry forward from those who came before us, participants will create an emblem representing the past and a talisman for the future.
Led by British-Ghanaian ceramic artist Catherine Lucktaylor, the workshop offers a relaxed and supportive space to reflect, create and, if you wish, share the meaning behind your work.
No experience with clay is needed, and all materials will be provided.
Who can attend?
Still I Rise is designed primarily for young people aged 10–18 and for their parents and carers.
Younger siblings are also welcome to accompany their families, provided they remain under the direct supervision of their parent or carer at all times.
The activities are designed for older children and teenagers, so we ask parents and carers to ensure that younger children do not disrupt the sessions or distract other participants.
We will explain how the day will work and the expectations for everyone at the beginning of the programme.
Meet the Facilitator
Caroline Gayle-Dunne
Caroline has lived in Cornwall for over 30 years. A counselling psychotherapist and advocate, she has spent much of her career supporting women and challenging inequalities, drawing on both her professional and lived experiences as a Black woman in Cornwall.
Maggie McWilliams
Born and raised in Cornwall, Maggie has worked in education for over 20 years and is currently a Teacher of History at Truro High School for Girls. She has developed museum outreach programmes for young people and holds a Master's degree in Black Humanities.
Catherine Lucktaylor
Catherine is a British-Ghanaian ceramic artist based near Penzance, whose work brings together her African ancestry and the Cornish landscape. With a degree in Ceramics and decades of experience, her creative practice explores heritage, identity, ancestry and belonging. Her work has taken her to West Africa and Brazil, where she explored sacred art and reconnected with her Ghanaian heritage.
Event details
Date: Friday 30 October 2026
Time: Arrival from 9:30 for a 10 am prompt start.
Location: Central Truro (venue details to be confirmed after booking)
Cost: Free to attend
Age group: 10–18 years, with parents and carers welcome
Programme
- 10am–12pm: Black History Unlocked with Maggie Mc Williams
- 12pm–1pm: Lunch break
- 1pm–3pm: Clay Coat of Arms Workshop with Catherine Lucktaylor
Places are limited. Please register in advance.
We look forward to welcoming you to a day of learning, creativity and connection.
Event venue & nearby stays
Truro, United Kingdom
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