Celebrating Black History Month: Championing Inspirational Figures Together

Black History Month is a time to reflect, celebrate, and honour the vital contributions that people of African and Caribbean descent have made to shape our society. Many of these remarkable achievements remain unrecognised, and this initiative allows us to shine a light on both celebrated and unsung heroes.?

As part of our Black History Month celebrations this October, Standing Together launched an inspiring initiative where each of us from the team had the opportunity to champion a figure of African or Caribbean heritage who has left a profound impact.?

We invited all team members to create short, creative presentations or videos that champion someone who has inspired them personally. This project not only highlights well-known figures but also celebrates those individuals whose contributions have often gone unnoticed. By collectively honouring these stories, we hope to uplift the narratives and achievements of people from African and Caribbean backgrounds who have profoundly influenced British society. Our team championed individuals from all walks of life for Black History Month, highlighting figures across sports, culture, academia, literature, music, civil rights, politics, and beyond—from renowned scholars and authors to rap stars, activists, and community leaders. This diversity reflects the wide-ranging perspectives within our team, each bringing unique insights and a shared commitment to celebrating the rich tapestry of Black history and achievement.?

Throughout the month, we have been sharing, discussing and getting inspired by the champions selected by our team, with a special focus on inspirational leaders who have been pioneers in advocating for women’s and girls' rights. Their unwavering dedication continues to inspire our mission at Standing Together.??

Melanie Brown - Love Should Not Hurt?

Melanie Brown, widely known as Mel B of the Spice Girls, has courageously transformed her personal experience of domestic abuse into a powerful platform for awareness and change. Once a silent sufferer, Mel B now uses her voice to shed light on an issue that affects millions yet often remains unspoken.?

As a patron for Women’s Aid, she has become an outspoken advocate, pushing for a justice system that prioritises understanding and prevention. Her work emphasises not only punitive measures but also training for police officers to recognise and respond to the complexities of abusive relationships.?

Mel B’s journey from global pop icon to survivor and activist highlights a powerful truth: domestic abuse can impact anyone, regardless of fame or status. Her story not only underscores the painful realities many face but also inspires hope for others in similar situations. Through her work with partners like Women’s Aid, Mel B’s dedication shines as a beacon, showing the importance of support, resilience, and systemic change. In sharing her journey, she reminds us all that love should never hurt and that together, we can work toward a world free from domestic violence.?

Selma Taha - Championing Women’s Rights Together

Selma Taha is a dedicated advocate for women’s and girls’ rights in the UK, with over a decade of experience in the violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector. She has held pivotal roles managing advocacy and support services for leading organisations such as the Nnia Project, Advance Charity, and Victim Support, where her innovative and collaborative approach has significantly enhanced the quality of services available to vulnerable women and young girls.?

Of Sudanese heritage and fluent in Arabic, Selma moved to the UK as a child and brings personal insight into the challenges faced by Black and minoritised women. Her work is driven by her commitment to gender equality, human rights, and non-discrimination, consistently centering the experiences of women and girls impacted by violence and abuse.?

Selma is a graduate in Social Anthropology and Development from the School of Oriental and African Studies and holds a Master’s in Woman and Child Abuse, awarded with Distinction, from London Metropolitan University. In addition to her professional achievements, she co-founded an anti-racism group working group at the height of reflections on the relevance of Black Lives Matter to the VAWG sector, reflecting her commitment to addressing issues at the intersection of race, gender, and social justice. She is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black women and creating impactful change in communities across the UK.?

Baroness Doreen Lawrence - A Voice for Justice?

Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE , born in 1952 in Southern Jamaica, has become a formidable advocate for human rights, particularly within the Black community in the UK. After moving to South-East London at the age of nine, Doreen initially pursued a conventional life, enjoying a career in banking and raising a family. However, her world was irrevocably changed by the tragic murder of her son, Stephen Lawrence, in 1993—a senseless act that exposed deep-rooted racial prejudice and police misconduct.?

In the face of unimaginable grief, Doreen channelled her pain into relentless activism, demanding justice and reform. Her courageous efforts culminated in the landmark 1999 Macpherson Report, which declared the Metropolitan Police “institutionally racist.” This groundbreaking revelation transformed public discourse around race and policing in the UK.?

Doreen's commitment to justice has earned her numerous accolades, including an OBE in 2003 and recognition as the 'Most Influential Woman in the UK' by the BBC in 2014. As a race relations advisor to the Labour Party and founder of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, she empowers disadvantaged youth to realise their potential. Doreen Lawrence’s unwavering dedication to equality continues to inspire and effect change in society.?

Diane Abbott: A Trailblazer for Human Rights?

Born in London in 1953 to Jamaican heritage, Diane Abbott has emerged as a pioneering force in the fight for human rights and anti-racism. Her journey began with a solid academic foundation, studying History at a prestigious university, before stepping into the political arena in 1987 as the first Black woman elected to the UK House of Commons.??

Diane’s campaign was marked by an unwavering commitment to authenticity, challenging prevailing prejudices while emphasising her identity. This bold stance resonated deeply with her community, setting a powerful precedent for future leaders. Throughout her career, she has confronted both racism and sexism, navigating a traditionally white, male-dominated environment with courage and resilience.?

Diane has consistently championed women's rights, notably advocating for abortion rights in the UK, even when it meant diverging from party lines. Her efforts reflect a profound understanding of the intersectionality of race and gender, inspiring a new generation of women leaders to advocate for justice and equality.?

Today, Diane Abbott's legacy serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, encouraging women everywhere to raise their voices and challenge systemic injustices, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.?

Lara Oyedele: Champion for Change

Lara Oyedele ??? ?? le is a powerful advocate for human rights and social justice, leveraging her own experiences to empower others. As a teenager, Lara faced homelessness, an experience that shaped her understanding of the critical role stable housing plays in transforming lives. After overcoming significant challenges, she pursued a career in housing, eventually becoming the President of the Chartered Institute of Housing, marking a historic moment as the first Black woman to hold this position.?

With a commitment to increasing diversity in leadership, Lara has dedicated her efforts to ensuring that marginalised voices are heard and represented. Through her role with Black on Board, she actively works to create pathways for Black and brown individuals to secure boardroom positions in UK organisations. Lara’s philosophy is rooted in resilience; she believes that every setback is an opportunity for renewal and growth.?

Beyond her advocacy, she also leads a property development company focused on affordable housing and serves as a non-executive director for Housing21. Lara's work is a testament to her belief that empowered individuals can effect meaningful change, inspiring future generations of women leaders to break barriers and advocate for equity and justice.?