The aims are to:
- promote knowledge of the Black History, Cultural and heritage.
- Disseminate information of positive of Black contributions to British Society.
- Heighten confidence and awareness of Black people to their cultural heritage
The origins of BHM go back to 1926 when Carter G Woodson, editor for thirty years of the journal of Negro History, established African Caribbean celebrations in America. In UK the BHM has now grown to over 6,000 events.
Other people also wonder why we need a Black History Month, but the reality is that Black History is an often hidden history, and on that has been written out of mainstream British history
Black people have always been at the forefront of the human development, but too often ignored. It is a time to reflect on the achievements and remember the black people who have challenged the norm and struggled to make the world a better place. If we want an inclusive society we need an inclusive history. Awareness of Black histories breaks down barriers and lead to co-operation on all sides and progress for all.
We ensure the next generation of black people living in UK have respect and are valued by society and ourselves. It is important that we promote and develop positive images and structures and challenge racist ideology in mainstream institutions i.e. Public Services, politics, judiciary and including The Armed forces
The duty in The Equality Bill includes powers for Ministers to require public bodies to report on equality issues and anticipate that public bodies with over 150 employees will be required to publish annually details of their ethnic minority employment rate - If you are in an ethnic minority you are 13% less lightly to find work than a white person.
PCS members could be thinking how Black History Month fits in with their union work and with union priorities of fighting job cuts, national pay bargaining and the equality agenda.
PCS is committed in the fight against any form of discrimination and challenge on all fronts and celebrate diversity and multiculturism and reject far right groups.
