Black History’s for Life Not Just October

It was just a couple of years ago that we saw news headlines such as Councils condemned for 'shameful' rebranding of Black History Month and Black History Month was being replaced with Diversity Month by some local authorities. But events of this year, triggered by the brutal murder of George Floyd, put paid to that for some of those organisations, and Black History Month was put back on their agenda.

Changing Black History Month to Diversity Month is a bit like those who argue all lives matter to those who advocate black lives matter. And just like with the response to that argument, yes, diversity of all ethnicities is important, as is the recognition of the contribution they have made to this country. But there is still a need for Black History Month because of the way black people have been treated historically. And because of the lack of information that is widely shared, not just about the atrocities, but also the rich heritage of people of African descent (that goes beyond the period of Transatlantic enslavement of Africans).

Black history should be integrated throughout the year

We should not need to have a month specifically for black history because it should be integrated throughout the year. The reason why we still need it has been particularly evident this year because of the knock-on effect of systemic racism we have seen play out. And have seen played out time and time again.

Some organisations choose to put a sticking plaster over it by way of putting all their staff through unconscious bias training, blacking out their logos on their social media platforms, and providing activities for their employees.

Sticking plasters do not fix the problem. A growing body of research shows that unconscious bias training does not work. I am sure the officer who killed George Floyd will have received diversity and inclusion, and unconscious bias training due to the nature of the job. Yet still in that moment when faced with that situation, racial bias kicked in.

We need to see further change that breaks down systemic racism

Diversity and inclusion have grown into a billion-pound industry in and of itself. A far cry from the days when the organisation I worked in appointed the first diversity officer for the region, about 16 years ago. I was the diversity champion for my area and remember being baffled as to why it had to be a separate function to the core business. I thought it should be integral to everything.

At the time I thought that this fad would be over in a few years because it would become business as usual and fully embedded into the culture of organisations. How wrong was I.

Whilst we have seen some improvements, it is not enough. Particularly when it comes to race. Something is systemically wrong if a whole industry can be formed to address an issue and the industry grows year on year, yet the issue is not resolved.

The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Mark 13:21

For the solution, perhaps at a basic level, we need to turn to the words of wisdom provided by scripture, namely, to love your neighbour as yourself (neighbour being our fellow humans). If everyone were to follow these wise words, there would be no unfair partiality.

But unfortunately, the errant nature of some people gives rise to certain individuals (whether consciously or unconsciously) believing that they are better than others, and exerting their privilege and power over others.

What has changed?

As we come to the end of Black History Month 2020, I reflect on what (if anything) has changed with regards to systemic racism. What is different now to what it was this time last year?

We have seen a greater awareness across the world that systemic racism is real. We have seen racist systems and structures challenged, some changes made, and some major institutions apologise for the part that they have played. We have seen an increase in white allies who recognise their privilege and want to do their part to bring about change.

This increased awareness can only be a good thing and it is for us all to make sure that it continues and becomes the new normal. We cannot go back to the way it used to be and must continue moving forward.

Stop using the term BAME

Although a drop in the ocean, one thing that you can do is sign and share the petition for the UK Government to stop using the term BAME to describe Black, Asian, Minority Ethnics here. Using the term BAME as an umbrella term to describe people whose ethnicity does not originate from the UK masks the true picture of inequality when it comes to race.

This video alone, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock, speaks volumes as to why this term should not be used.

The Government’s communication guidelines for writing about ethnicity itself states that the term shouldn’t be used and explains why. Yet government departments continue to use it. Help get the petition to 100,000 signatures so that the issue can be debated in parliament.

So, as we move into November, do not put black history (and what it entails) away for another year, only to dust it off again next October. Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s keep challenging systemic racism. Let’s keep educating each other. And let’s love our ‘neighbours’ as ourselves.