Black History Month 2023
October is Black History Month. The national celebration aims to promote and celebrate Black contributions to British society and foster an understanding of Black history.
This year’s theme is ‘Saluting our Sisters’ and the #WEMATTER movement.
Black people have always been at the forefront of social justice movements, fighting against oppression and paving the way for change. However, despite their countless contributions to society, the achievements of black women, in particular, have too often been overlooked or forgotten. That is why, this year, we will be celebrating the exceptional achievements of black women.
The theme of ‘Saluting our Sisters’ highlights the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. This year’s celebration will showcase pioneering black women who have made remarkable contributions to literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more.
We will be looking at our own local history and paying tribute to Gwenllian Hinds-Payne. Gwen was born in Barry in 1917 and was elected as Wales’ first Black female Councillor in 1972. Gwen also served as a consort to her brother, Darwin Hinds, when he was elected as Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan in 1975. Darwin was Wales’ first Black and first Muslim Councillor when he was first elected in 1958.
The Hinds family were one of the political pioneers for the Caribbean community in South Wales, which is why it is important that we pay tribute to Gwen and her legacy. Later this month we will be sharing a profile on Gwen with you all.
Diverse are meeting Junior Diverse
This month, Diverse will also hold their first official meeting with Holton Road Primary School’s very own Junior Diverse Group. This meeting will be held at 1.30pm on Tuesday October 24 at Holton Road School.
This meeting will be a fantastic opportunity for pupils to share their experiences and ideas with the Council, so please come along to meet the students.
Come and View the Windrush 75 Towers in the Civic Offices
Yesterday, members of the Windrush elder community were invited to the Civic Offices for the unveiling of the Windrush 75 Towers, which pay tribute to the 16,000 Black Caribbean men and women that served in World War II.
The Towers, which were produced in partnership by the National Windrush Museum and Royal British Legion, will be in the foyer of the Civic Offices for you to view for the next 12 weeks. You can learn more about some of the amazing men and women from Caribbean communities across the UK who served to protect our country.
Poetry Competition Hosted by Black History Month UK
Black History Month are also hosting a National Poetry Competition.
The competition is open to all primary, secondary, sixth form, and university students across the UK, as well as members of the public who want to join in.
You can write and submit a poem about a pioneering black woman who has made an impact in their chosen field, explaining why they are an inspiration to you. Black women have made some amazing contributions to literature, music, science, politics, social care, nursing and medicine, and more.
But the poems don’t have to be about famous Black women, they can also be about the everyday heroes that inspire you, such as your friends or family members, community members, colleagues, or even about your own experiences as a Black woman.
If you would like to get involved with the competition, the entry submission closing date is November 15th.
You can find out more details about the poetry competition on the Black History Month website.
Applications can be sent from this link.