A celebration of some of the wonderful African and Scottish art and culture that can be found around West Lothian has been hailed a success.
The African Scottish Expo 2022 took place in Bathgate recently and attracted shoppers and visitors from around the county.
Organisers said the main aim of the event was to help build stronger communities by integrating and celebrating the African and Scottish cultures.
The day was hosted by the West Lothian African Women’s Network.
Eunice Simpson from the organisation said: “It was an open event where both African and Scottish crafts, arts, food and dance and entertainment were on display.
“It was hugely a successful event with a good turnout where the community had the opportunity to interact, connect and celebrate together.”
Established in May last year, the West Lothian African Women’s Network is an African-women led organisation based locally.
Eunice said the group is a “community-focused” organisation dedicated to advancing equal participation and representation of women in appointed and elected positions to affect policy and decision-making in their communities.
She added: “This we aim to pursue in order to promote equality, inclusion and diversity by engaging and speaking to power with a unified voice.”
A number of communty leaders were invited along to the event. Among them were Councillors Kirsteen
Sullivan and Tony Pearson, Ann Pike, board chair, Carers of West Lothian, Alison Wright, CEO, Carers of West Lothian, Alan McCloskey, CEO, The Gateway, Abel Aboh, board chair, West Lothian Race Forum, Pamela Rocci of West Lothian Council and many more.
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