September 30, 2022

Hello October! 

Autumn certainly feels as though it’s on its way with the changing of the leaves, the crisp morning air and the darker nights drawing in. October for many of us heralds the time of year for gathering, hunkering down and cosying up; the prelude to winter where we reflect on what we can ‘let go of’, where our journey thus far has taken us as we enter the darker months to conserve our energy – physically and emotionally, and act mindfully, resourcefully and with intention.

October also marks two important dates in our calendars: Black History Month and Hate Crime Awareness Week.

 

Hate Crime Awareness Week (8– 16 October)

If your organisation is interested in highlighting the impact of Hate Crime, the National Hate Crime Awareness website has lots of simple yet meaningful ideas for groups and organisations to raise awareness, challenge hate and take action.

For organisations interested in accessing Hate Crime Awareness training based in Barrow-in-Furness, fab local organisation Furness Multi-Cultural Community Forum offer training to groups, organisations and businesses – please email them for more information – info@furnessmulticultural.org.uk

 

Black History Month

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 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 2022 is “Time for Change: Action Not Words” – a rallying call to action for allies to support tangible and sustainable change through taking action,  and an invitation to strengthen your allyship and to “reset your mindset and support us with actions, not words”.

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.

I’d like to take the opportunity to shine a spotlight on 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”.

‘Phew, no mean feat’ you may say, and I agree, however, with strategically planned action, collective determination, and allyship the route to tackling racism is accessible for those ready to take those next steps and create lasting change.

 

Take Action, Find Out More…

In what ways can I 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. In the wake of 2020’s Black Lives Matter protests, many organisations and individuals committed to tackling racism”.

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

Anti-racist Cumbria have compiled a reading list to help you kick start your ant-racist journey and allyship

Perhaps consider taking your first step by attending Anti-racist Cumbria’s Summit on Thursday 10^th November at the Brewery Arts, Kendal – this year’s Keynote speaker is Nova Reid author of ‘The Good Ally’- a perfect opportunity to learn more!

To read a review of ‘The Good Ally’ click here

To book tickets to attend the Summit, click here

Members of Cumbria CVS’ cross county team are looking forward to attending Anti-racist Cumbria’s Summit in November to improve our anti-racist practice and share learning and insights with our wider team, projects and members. We hope to see you there. Pop by our stall and say hello!

 

Wishing you all a wonderful October filled with pumpkins, hot chocolate, fluffy socks, and activism!

 

Nat Weallans-Turner
BBO My Future Project Manager
Cumbria CVS