To celebrate their seventh annual charity gala, Reach Out Autism is bringing an African soiree to Salford this Saturday.
The charity is aiming to raise awareness and promote acceptance of autism across Black ethnic minority groups in the UK.
Yanela Ntlauzana, the founder of Reach Out Autism, said: “The event brings the community together to learn, connect, and celebrate differences, while raising funds for autism support centres that provide vital services and resources for autistic individuals and their families.”
As a mother of two autistic children, Yanela noticed widespread stigma and miseducation surrounding autism in the African community, which led her to establish the charity in 2016.
Yanela continued: “We will provide a safe and supportive space where people can share their personal journeys without fear of judgment.
“Through these powerful journeys, the community gains a deeper understanding of autism and the importance of acceptance and inclusion.”
The event will take place at The Lighthouse Church, Eccles, between 5pm and 11pm on Saturday 14 March.
The soiree will include authentic African food, music, networking, and performances where individuals on the autism spectrum will showcase their talent.
Guests are encouraged to attend dressed in their own cultural or traditional dress to illustrate the beauty in individuality and the value of acceptance.
Yanela said: “We are celebrating uniqueness and celebrating autism.
“We are all different, we all have different cultures, we all come from different backgrounds, but we all accept one another.”
According to the Black Child SEND Report, some Black communities continue to fear that special educational needs diagnoses will have a negative impact on their place in their community.
Black children are also more likely to be diagnosed with autism than their White peers, yet less likely to receive adequate support for their needs.
“The whole evening is not only a fundraiser,” Yanela added: “but it’s celebrating diversity and showing that being different and neurodivergent doesn’t mean that you’re odd or awkward or strange.”
More information on the event can be found on the charity’s Facebook page, and remaining tickets can be purchased here.
