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Black History Month

Every year, October 1 marks the start of Black History Month

04 June 2024

0 min read

About Black History Month

It was first celebrated in London in 1987 and aims to shine a spotlight on the achievements, lives and contributions of Black people that are all too often hidden and neglected.

Each year there is a different focus and this year it is 'Reclaiming Narratives', an invitation to every member of the Black community to take part in shaping how their stories are told.

Events are taking place all around the UK. To find out more about what is happening in your area visit blackhistorymonth.org.uk

Download and display our Black History Month poster on your noticeboard.

Rise in racism

Black people are often given the double burden of experiencing racism and discrimination, and then being expected to fix it. As well as celebrating Black history, we must be active allies to our friends, colleagues and neighbours who continue to experience discrimination because of the colour of their skin.

Race hate crimes continue to make up three quarters of all reported hate crimes in the UK. Over the last few years there has been a spike in racist attacks and far-right activity across the UK. In fact, in recent years, police have said the far-right is the fastest-growing terrorist threat in the UK.

The rise of populist leaders has also emboldened racists not just in the UK, but across Europe. Far-right activists have been mobilising in our streets and online, often seeking recruits in communities which have suffered years of neglect and under-funding. But they do not represent working people in Britain.

Racism undermines the solidarity we work so hard to create. We have a duty and responsibility to be actively anti-racist and to call it out wherever we see or hear it. Together we can make a change for the better.

Usdaw Reps have always been at the forefront of the struggle against intolerance, challenge prejudice and standing up for those at the sharp end.
 
Usdaw is marking Black History Month by standing ‘Together Against Hate’ in solidarity with all members who experience racism to say ‘Not in my name, not in my workplace, not in my community’.

Find out more about Usdaw’s programme supporting Black members to become more active and visible in the Union here.

Publications

Together Against Racism

02 May 2022

PDF

Together Against Hate Course (Leaflet 447)

08 August 2024

PDF

Challenge Prejudice

Far-right extremism is on the rise in Britain. Hate speech spreads unchecked online, and acts of far-right terrorism have rocketed. But unions have stronger weapons than the far-right — solidarity, trust, and of course, our union reps and activists. Together we can keep our workplaces hate-free.