Realising the Dream

On Sunday 25th January 2009, members of Burngreave and Sheffield's black community gathered at SADACCA – with a sense of happiness and pride, the crowd celebrated the historic achievement of President Barack Obama.

Glasses were raised and speeches were given. Ishaq Haywood spoke of the history of American and British Black experience, the difficulties and racism people had faced when they came to this country and the segregation they had faced in America. He emphasised that it was amazing for all black people to witness a black president in their lifetimes, but it was not just for black people: Obama’s success brings people together and is something we can all celebrate.

SADACCA Chair, Des Smith, received a portrait of Barack Obama from Mr Allen, who had visited America in December 2008.

The event also celebrated the achievement of Dorrett Buckley-Greaves, honoured with an MBE.

The celebration concluded with an uplifting poem from the children of SADACCA study support, who told those gathered that “Children will be the leaders of tomorrow.”