Communities from across North Lanarkshire came together in Motherwell for a Black History Month celebration, "Our Stories, Our Communities, Our Future".
The event used music, art and drama to bring people together, and pupils from St Brendan’s, St Thomas’, Glengowan and Muirhouse primary schools, along with pupils from Cardinal Newman High School, joined residents and community groups.
It aims to encourage community cohesion and demonstrate how different communities can work together.
Councillor Ayeshah Khan, the council's Equalities Champion, said: "It's a really important opportunity for us to not just celebrate our diverse communities, but to also acknowledge some of the challenges that still exist, in terms of prejudice and racism.
"It's also important that the work doesn't just stop at Black History Month in October. I'm really pleased to have the schools here today so that work can carry on throughout the year, with pupils and with the wider community."
In one activity artists Erasme Kakonge and Beverly Smith created an original song based on messages from those in attendance.
In another, drama facilitator Carla Hunter invited people to reflect on the question: "What is important to you?"
Provost Kenneth Duffy opened the event saying: “Black History Month is a chance to celebrate the achievements and heritage of Black and ethnic minority communities, while recognising the struggles of those who helped shape our society.
“I’d like to thank our Cultural Committee for organising today’s event. It’s about more than celebrating history. It’s about building a future where everyone feels valued, respected and proud of who they are.”
Discussions asked people what matters to them and what they would like to see at future events. Organisers recorded and captured the ideas, which they hope to use at future events and in communities and in schools.
The event was organised by the North Lanarkshire cultural committee, with support from arts development, which provided the facilitators and artists.
It follows a cross-party motion at a recent full council meeting, which committed the council to making sure Black History Month is properly recognised every year.