October 1, 2023

Black History Month celebrates the continued achievements and contributions of Black people to the UK, our local communities and around the world. Black History Month also focuses on a continued call to action to tackle racism, reclaim Black history, and ensure Black excellence is represented and celebrated all year round and not just in October.

The theme for Black History Month 2023 is ‘Saluting our Sisters’  – highlighting the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. This year’s celebration will showcase pioneering black women who have made remarkable contributions to literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more.

Tackling, and eradicating racism in our communities across the UK is the responsibility of White people primarily, and by working with Black people change through action (not words) becomes inevitable. By taking action we create safer communities, free from the harms of racism, prejudice and inequality.

Together we create places and spaces where Black people feel they truly belong and where Black excellence thrives unburdened by the pain and damage of racism and discrimination, and the contributions of Black people are celebrated, valued and are recognised as vital to UK life in all ways.

Across Cumbria in the Voluntary and Community Sector we have many notable Black people making a difference to people’s lives every day through their tireless work to address racism, prejudice, and inequality through campaigning, developing and delivering services, programmes to educate young people and adults, delivering Hate Crime support and advocacy.

 

Anti-racist Cumbria

One of these oganisations is Anti-racist Cumbria, formed in 2020 and led by the indomitable, inspiratory, Janett Walker and her team. Anti-racist Cumbria’s mission is “Tackling and ending racism through action and education to create a forward-thinking and actively anti-racist Cumbria; free from prejudice and systemic inequalities”.

Anti-racist Cumbria’s aim is to make Cumbria the UK’s first actively anti-racist county.

Find out how they intend to help make that happen here

 

Take Action, Find Out More…

In what ways can you take action? It’s a good question and there is no right answer.

A Black History Month writer suggests that “Being an ally means moving beyond short-term or performative gestures and taking real, long-term action. In the workplace, in places of education and learning, and in the public sphere, this means having policies in place that achieve real outcomes. As an individual, it means actually practising what you preach”.

The University of Bath have some top tips to help you become an anti-racist ally

Anti-racist Cumbria have compiled a resources round-up, compiled from asking their members to share their recommendations for things to read, listen to, watch, or experience to deepen understanding of racism and how to tackle it. Check out the resource round-up here

The Anti Racist Cumbria Summit takes place on 2 November at Theatre By The Lake, Keswick. It’s an inspiring space for connections, taking action, healing, continuing your education and moving the conversation and anti-racism forward.