Tuntum Celebrates Black History Month
Tuntum Housing Association marked Black History Month by celebrating the people, stories and achievements that have shaped its organisation and the wider Nottingham community.
This year's celebrations included recognising former Chief Executive Richard Renwick MBE, whose leadership helped shape Tuntum over nearly three decades. Richard served as Chief Executive from 1995 to 2023, leading the organisation through a period of growth and development.
His contribution also extended beyond housing. In 1999, Tuntum stepped forward to help safeguard Nottingham Carnival when its future was under threat. Richard played a central role in supporting the event, which has since become a long-standing celebration of Caribbean heritage and community culture.
Tuntum also celebrated the contribution of Delores Vassell, Head of Supported Housing and Outreach Services, who is preparing to retire after 35 years with the organisation.
Delores joined Tuntum in April 1991, when the organisation had just 60 homes and four members of staff. Over the years, she has supported communities across Nottingham and helped develop services for people facing difficult circumstances.
Reflecting on her career, Delores spoke about the Windrush generation and the community organisations that provided advice and support to Black communities. She also recalled supporting families displaced by the volcanic eruption in Montserrat during the 1990s. Seeing those families and their children settled in Nottingham remains one of her proudest experiences.
Delores has also helped keep Black history visible within Tuntum. For many years, she has organised the organisation's Black History Month displays, sharing stories of people whose achievements have shaped communities and society.
The celebrations continued with a staff event led by Segun Fayomi, Tuntum's Student Accommodation Officer. His presentation, From Refuge to Hero: Reclaiming Identity, Unlocking Potential, explored stories of resilience, leadership and achievement. The event also featured artwork by Savannah Chambers of SAVLAMOUR, celebrating culture, identity and self-expression.
Tuntum also welcomed Lenford Vassell, one of its original founders, who joined colleagues for the event.
Through its Black History Month activities, Tuntum celebrated its own history alongside the people who continue to shape its communities. The organisation was established in 1988 by activists from Nottingham's Black community, who wanted to address inequalities in housing and create opportunities for local people.
As a BME-led housing association and BME National member, Tuntum continues to recognise the people, experiences and community organising behind its story.
Explore Tuntum's Black History Month celebrations:
Comments