MEMBERS of Bradford's black community gathered in Centenary Square this afternoon to raise the flag ahead of Black History Month which starts on Monday, October 1.

The flag raising ceremony was performed by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Zafar Ali, and the pledge was read by Louisa Jean-Pierre.

It had been organised through the Black Health Forum and the Dominica Association based in Worthington Street, Bradford.

The Black Health Forum was set up in 2000 is a community development and engagement organisation.

The Dominica Association was set up in 1979.

Mrs Jean-Pierre, who has lived in Bradford for 47 years, said the event was also in tribute to the Windrush generation.

Cllr Ali said: "It gave me great pleasure to be invited to raise the flag to acknowledge the forthcoming Black History Month and to acknowledge the black community of Bradford whose hard work over the years has helped lift the economy of the district.

"They have helped to build up Bradford and I am pleased to help them celebrate."

Councillor Bev Mullaney (Labour, Thornton and Allerton) had been invited along through her work with the Women's Equality forum.

She added: "It was a privilege to have been invited to take part in the ceremony and to have had such a warm welcome and I thank Bradford Council for adding the event to the civic calendar."

On Friday and Saturday, October 26 and 27, there will be a 'Black Community Arts Exhibition' at the Delius Centre, opposite Bradford college, in Great Horton Road.

The event will showcase the artwork of a number of members of the black community with a chance to meet and chat to the artists.

Work includes paintings and sculptures in a variety of mediums.

The opening times are Friday, 4pm to 8pm and Saturday, 12pm to 4pm. It has been organised through the Marshfield, Osdal and Bankfoot Enterprise (MOBE).

Following on from the month-long celebrations, there will be a ball and awards ceremony held in City Hall on Friday, November 2. Tickets cost £15. There will also be celebrations to mark Dominica Independence Day on Saturday, November 3, when a party will be held at the Worthington Street offices.