A Taste of Africa
Taste of Africa North East is a Tees Valley-based charity which was established to champion diversity and inclusion while promoting and celebrating Black communities through creativity.
Why was the charity formed?
The charity believes that thriving, diverse communities which are inclusive and well-integrated create positive social value. To foster such communities, the charity operates based on six key values: equality, inclusion, diversity, community, creativity and integrity.
Taste of Africa was founded on determination, resilience, and love for African culture and heritage. Our vision is to develop the African community in the Tees Valley and beyond, striving to create a society free from discrimination and prejudice, while providing a vibrant platform to promote and celebrate Black history, heritage and achievements.
Key Programmes and Activities:
Creative Youth Leadership Programme – Meets every two weeks in Middlesbrough, providing workshops for children aged 11-18, focused on life skills and leadership development.
Black Creatives and Arts Network (BCAN) – A community for Black creatives to connect, collaborate and network with other creative networks
African and Caribbean Carnival – A street-based event celebrating culture through live music, dance, parade, and food.
Black History Youth Awards – A prestigious awards dinner recognising the achievements of young Black people in the region.
Exhibitions – Conquering the Unimaginable – Touring exhibitions that highlight the experiences and contributions of Black communities.
Miss Black History Final – A celebratory event spotlighting the achievements of young Black women.
Taste of Africa Showcase – The grand finale of the festival, bringing together performances, exhibitions and cultural celebrations.
Which area do you cover?
The charity covers the entire North East, with a primary focus on the Tees Valley.
Who are your trustees and patrons?
The trustees are Junior Masandi and Hilaire Agnama, with Folasade Sangowawa as the founder.
The charity is also supported by esteemed patrons, including Estephanie Dunn, regional director of the Royal College of Nursing for the North West, and Mark White CBE.
Their collective leadership and support help drive the charity’s mission forward, ensuring its continued success and growth.
What have been your proudest moments so far?
Our proudest moment was celebrating 20 years of Taste of Africa. Over these two decades, we’ve witnessed the growth of young people who have been part of the charity, overcoming the challenges of being Black in society and going on to achieve success in their lives.
It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the impact that our events have had on community cohesion, bringing people from all races and backgrounds together to learn from one another and experience the richness of Black culture. These milestones highlight the powerful role that Taste of Africa plays in fostering understanding, breaking down barriers, and celebrating diversity in the North East.
What are you currently working on?
Currently, we are focused on several key initiatives aimed at empowering youth, uplifting Black creatives, and expanding our community impact. One of our main projects is the Creative Youth Leadership Programme, where young people meet every two weeks to attend workshops that build essential life skills. As part of this programme, they are actively involved in organising the Black History Youth Awards Dinner and the Behind the Smile exhibit, helping them develop skills in event management, teamwork and leadership.
We are also developing the Black Creatives and Arts Network (BCAN), a vibrant community for Black creatives to network and connect across the Tees Valley and beyond.
In addition, we are working on next year’s exciting events, including the African Caribbean Carnival, which will celebrate its 4th year, thanks to the support of the Arts Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority. We’re also preparing for the 22nd anniversary of the Taste of Africa Showcase and the 12th anniversary of the Black History Youth Awards Dinner.
To further our impact, we are developing strong working relationships with local businesses such as Sytner (Mercedes of Teesside), North Star Housing, Olam Care, Durham University, Teesside University, Guardian Care, and Northumbrian Water, among others. These partnerships are vital in supporting our ongoing work.
What does the future hold?
Taste of Africa North East has always been a beacon of cultural exchange, community cohesion and empowerment. We plan to expand our reach, creating even more platforms for African heritage to be celebrated across the North East.
Our work will continue to focus on education, cultural preservation, and providing opportunities for young people to explore their talents through various art forms, fashion, and entrepreneurship.
With the support of our ever-growing network, we look forward to continuing to make a lasting difference, not just for the African diaspora but for the entire community.
How do you get involved?
Email: info@tasteofafricanortheast.co.uk