Events celebrating the contribution and achievements of black people are going online, as councils and the LGA look to improve their own diversity.
Councils across the country are leading efforts to help their communities celebrate Black History Month, by hosting their own programmes of events and activities aimed at commemorating the history, achievements and contributions of black people to their local areas.
Black History Month, which takes place throughout October, is an annual celebration of the outstanding contributions people of African and Caribbean descent have made over many generations.
While the country comes to terms with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, councils are making use of the opportunity to embrace digital platforms to host the events and bring communities together.
For example, Worcester City Council has called for local black communities to share their stories and experiences of living in the city, with content received being hosted and shared on the Community Worcester Facebook page (www.facebook.com/communityworcester). This will then be loaded onto a new ‘Know Your Place – Worcester’ digital platform that is due to launch in December.
In recent years, the LGA has been making efforts to improve the diversity and inclusivity of councils through a range of programmes, including its Be A Councillor campaign, development programmes for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) councillors, and a guide to help councillors cope with intimidation (see p19).
Councils want to see more people from BAME communities stand for election and step up to leadership roles in local government to create a working environment that is attractive and supportive for people from all groups and backgrounds.
As we look to help our communities recover from the coronavirus pandemic, it is more important than ever that we help build community cohesion, tolerance and understanding of each unique local history.
Councils are proud to represent incredibly diverse communities that have helped to shape the places where they live, and to be hosting Black History Month events that help celebrate the influence the black community has had on our local areas.
Stories to shape Black History Month
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames has asked black people who live, work or study in the borough to share their stories and experiences for a digital exhibition to mark Black History Month.
It is also keen to know more about black residents’ experiences with local racism, how well supported they feel, what matters most to them and what barriers they face, so it can improve local services and challenge prejudices and behaviours that impact residents’ lives.
This information will be confidential and will help shape a special ‘Community Conversation’ event at the end of October.
One of those who has shared their story is Euphrasie, who works at Richmond Council and lived in the borough for 13 years. Her parents came from the Democratic Republic of Congo and emigrated to Germany when she was two years old.
“In Germany, I was the only black child at my school. I joined the secondary school’s gymnastics team, after being unbeaten at long-distance running at primary school.
“My coach told me ‘Never give up on your dream of what you want to achieve…you can be a trailblazer and lead the way’.
“This was a great encouragement to me, and I’ve lived by that notion ever since. I challenge myself, aim high and try to smash the ‘invisible’ glass ceiling.”