October 27th 2023.
This October marks Black History Month, which celebrates the achievements, cultures and contributions of Black people in the UK and across the globe. Events and celebrations are taking place to honour this important month, and I am proud to be part of this. As the third Black woman ever to be elected as an MP, and having made history as the first-ever elected female African-Caribbean minister to speak at the Despatch Box, I must help to celebrate the history of Black people in the UK to ensure it isn’t erased.
Every year, I am conflicted when it comes to Black History Month. I normally campaign for it to be abolished, because I believe that our history should not be confined to just 31 days. Our shared history should be celebrated, taught and recognised equally every single day. However, this year has felt different - I wasn’t initially sure why, but when I said this at an event, a young lady replied ‘it is because of the theme – Saluting Our Sisters.’ She is right – Black women are often first at every protest for equality and equity. But Black women do not feature heavily in the history books, and months like this help us examine why. This has been an important month to shine a light on the incredible and often under-recognised achievements of Black Women throughout history.
Unfortunately, speaking about Black History Month as someone with a public profile is often met with a barrage of hate and racial abuse. This level of disrespect, intended or not, which people of colour often face in politics is unacceptable – it demonstrates just how entrenched racism and discrimination is in the system. When I talk with people of colour who are interested in becoming an elected politician, even during this month of celebration of our shared history, I have to warn them about how racially charged the abuse might be.
We must celebrate Blackness every single day of the year. We need to protect and celebrate each other because racism and prejudice is bad for everyone in society – not just Black and Brown people. In 2018, I spoke in Parliament about Sarah Parker Remond, the only known Black woman and suffragette to sign the first petition for women’s suffrage in 1866 in Great Britain. Sadly, she’s been almost erased out of history. As the person who holds the pen, who writes the history, often writes it in his image and that’s problematic. And that’s why we not only correct inaccurate history, but need to be aware of the trailblazers that came before us. People like Diane Abbott, Keith Vaz, Paul Boateng and Bernie Grant, who made history as the first cohort of Black elected representatives in our Parliament.
I would like to see Black history – in all its glory – incorporated into school curriculums so it is taught daily. Patrick Vernon MBE has written a book on 100 Great Black Britons, which shines a light on our many achievements, and is essential reading. We must continue to make progress and stand together with our allies to make the world a better place for everyone.
Black History Month is a time to look around in the present and to examine in the here and now whether we have learnt the lessons of that history. Now that we are seeing progress, people are united and combining. I see Black businesses growing because of the support of the Black community and others. I see Black journalists supported and being recognised. There is now a recognition that the Black community mustn’t ignore each other as we’ve been ignored in workplaces, in schools, in the high streets and supermarkets and in all aspects of life. We must acknowledge each other, we must pick each other up, tap in when one taps out due to the strain of effort or abuse, and we must appreciate what each other brings to the table.
We must celebrate Blackness every single day of the year, and it is so important to take this time to reflect and celebrate our shared history. Let us use this time to examine the past, celebrate the present, and strive for an equitable future for all.
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