BLACK History Month was celebrated in Hampshire at a two-day event.

Hampshire Constabulary organised the event at its Southern Support and Training HQ in Netley last weekend, to bring together black ethnic culture and policing.

Exhibitions, guest speakers and activities highlighted how Hampshire Constabulary continues to work hard to protect and reflect all the communities it serves.

There were also history displays, musical performances, cultural cuisine, tours of the police control room and information on careers in policing.

Chief constable Andy Marsh, who opened the event, said: “Every section of the community has to believe that we are fair. The force needs to recruit and retain more black minority ethnic officers and staff in all parts of the organisation so we are of the community.

“Black History Month is a great opportunity to celebrate, and also remind us how much more we have to do.”

Hampshire Constabulary’s Portsmouth District commander, chief inspector Alison Heydari, whose parents were from Guyana in South America, added: “I was pleased to see the personal interaction between police and people from diverse communities. It’s important to be able to hear views and perceptions on how policing should happen to build relationships.”

Jayanti Shah, the Black History Month co-ordinator, said: “There is progress here in terms of issues being taken seriously but we are only just at the start. We have a lot more to do.”

The weekend also provided a platform to raise awareness of wider community safety and health issues affecting all communities.

This included sickle cell anaemia – a serious inherited blood disorder which the NHS says in the UK is most commonly seen in African and Caribbean people.

Patrick Ojeer, Sickle Cell Society trustee, said: “There is too much ignorance about sickle cell anaemia, and we wanted to allay fears and give a better understanding. Black History Month is an opportunity to recognise and address certain issues, know the history of our cultures, and make society better.”