Black History Month has been celebrated every October in the UK for 28 years and CWC last week hosted an event at their Paddington Green Campus to mark the occasion. Award winning radio broadcaster, journalist and vocalist Jumoke Fashola and the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) were in attendance, as well as Vas Blackwood, who hosted a panel discussion compromised of DJ Yella from NWA, Chris Preddie OBE, DJ Melody Kane and rapper Clencha.

Chris Preddie formed part of a panel discussion entitled 'Straight Outta College' hosted by British actor Vas Blackwood. The 28 year-old from Finsbury Park received an OBE in 2012 in recognition of his 'outstanding contribution to youth work' and was one of the youngest recipients of the OBE in the honours list at just 25 years of age. "When I was growing up there were never events like these to raise awareness of culture or the environment young people find themselves living in," explained Chris. "The reason I'm here is to try and show them that no matter where you come from, you can still make a positive out of a negative."

Following his work with Crimestoppers which began in 2007, Chris founded his own company called Make Dreams a Reality (MDR) which carries out mentoring programs and workshops for schools, colleges, youth clubs and prisons throughout the UK. "I hope young people can look at me and see that I come from a similar background and had similar issues to them, but I managed to turn my life around. I was awarded an OBE, I have my own company and now I go to schools and youth clubs to speak to young people. I love speaking to them directly and helping them to see that they can do anything with hard work and determination."

Jumoke Fashola who gave a talk to the students and performed several songs at the event said, "I think events like this are crucial as it is important to see people from diverse backgrounds who have made their way. Not necessarily the Nicki Minaj's of the world, but just those who make a living doing what they love." Ms Fashola currently presents Inspirit with Jumoke Fashola on BBC London 94.9's weekly faith and ethics programme, as well as Jazz FM's The Ronnie Scott's Radio Show and credits her family for their support in her career. "We live in an age where people constantly say they're not inspired by other people, or don't see people around them who look like them. I have an uncle who is in the RAF and had people around me who encouraged me and they were the people I looked up to and respected the most."

The first event to celebrate Black History Month was held on 1st October 1987, when the Greater London Council (GLC) hosted Dr Maulana Karenga to mark the contribution of Black people throughout history. The event inspired GLC co-ordinator of special projects Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, to put forward the concept of Black History Month, recognising the contributions of African, Asian and Caribbean people in the UK.