Each year October is acknowledged as Black History Month. This national celebration aims to promote and celebrate the contributions of those with African and Caribbean heritage to British society and to foster an understanding of Black history in general. The theme for this year is 'Reclaiming Narratives'. This marks a shift towards recognising and correcting narratives of Black history and culture.
You might wonder "How can I get involved? How can I be an ally?"
There are many ways to celebrate Black History Month and develop your knowledge of Black History.
In this article Elma Glasgow has written how you can be an ally. Here are a few examples:
- Support Black Owned Businesses - This helps to promote economic empowerment within the Black community.
- Have Meaningful Conversations - Engage in meaningful and respectful conversations about race, inequality and diversity with friends, family and colleagues.
- Engage in Diversity in the Media - Support films, TV shows, and books that feature diverse casts and storylines.
- Support Black art and culture - Attend exhibitions, concerts and performances that showcase the artistic talents of Black individuals and communities.
- Never stop listening and learning - Be open to listening to the experiences and perspectives of Black individuals. This helps foster empathy and understanding.
You can read more from Elma Glasgow's article here: Ways to be an Ally
Here are some charities that you can donate to, or follow online to see the work they are doing to combat race inequality in the UK:
- https://www.blackmindsmatteruk.com/
- https://actionforraceequality.org.uk/
- https://raceequalityfoundation.org.uk/
To learn more about Black History Month, click here for the official website:
https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/
The RC Team
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