The ingenious way a Caribbean family uses meals and games to promote Black history and culture in UK

Caribbean couple Justina and Max Lambert were clear about what their passion was. What they weren’t sure about was the medium to use to promote it. They couldn’t hold this burning passion for promoting black excellence so they decided bringing people around for delicious meals could provide the avenue to achieve their objective.

Max’s Caribbean Kitchen, therefore, became the public sphere for rallying people and having conversations about Black history and culture, according to Kent Live. The couple did not stop at providing space and meals but invented a sensory gift box and board games to promote Black culture.

The board game mainly dwells on themes that sparked conversations around Black culture, diversity and inclusion. Even those who are not Blacks appreciate issues surrounding racial discrimination and social injustice through the games.

Justina said through these games they have been able to sell their message about Black history and diversity in Dartford. She said they made the board game lively and engaging to remove existing prejudice people have about Black culture. She explained that the focus of the board game is to promote inclusion, hence, it has been simplified for all to enjoy.

She said it is not surprising that people who do not share in Black culture are willing to understand their cause. She explained that there are people who have no idea of what the Black community has suffered to be where they are.

“The gift box is jam-packed with African and Caribbean-style foods. Some of the things you will see in the pack are plantain chips. It’s a fruit which is popular among the African and Caribbean areas and can be cooked in many different ways. We also have chin chin, another African snack which is popular in the party scenes, Jamaican ginger cakes and Supermalt. We also immerse you in shea butter and incense sticks,” said Justin.

The couple, who have five children, developed the sensory gift box and board games during the lockdown in 2020 when they were forced to shut their restaurant. They were inspired to launch the gift box and board game while playing quizzes and games online with friends and family during the lockdown.

Besides this venture, the couple are also involved In community leadership and run the Dartford African Caribbean Community which is a support group for Black and mixed-race people trying to navigate their way through life in Dartford, they said.

Justina would now like to do more diversity training, and she wants to start from school by educating children. “We’re not born racist. We’re not born with prejudice. It’s taught behaviour. And a lot of that taught behaviour does come from the playground, and that’s because of what happens at their home,” she told Kent Live. “So for me, if we can get in there early to at least try to show them understanding of what’s right and what’s wrong. Maybe they can use that as they go forward.”