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BCCJ Black History Month – coming up
Written by BCCJ
September 14, 2021
Community and Business, Diversity & Inclusion, Featured Article, UK-Japan Relations
BCCJ to mark Black History Month in October 2021
October marks Black History Month (BHM) in the UK. The event was officially recognised by the US government in 1976, and first celebrated in the UK in 1987.
People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.
Black figures from the UK
BHM is intended to recognise the contribution and achievements of those with African or Caribbean heritage. It’s also an opportunity for people to learn more about the effects of racism and how to challenge negative stereotypes.
Over time Black History Month in the UK has highlighted key moments in black British history and key black figures from the UK, such as:
- Walter Tull, the first black officer to command white troops in the British Army and one of English football’s first black players
- Malorie Blackman, a bestselling author and the first black Children’s Laureate
- Olive Morris, a social activist who co-founded groups such as the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent and the Brixton Black Women’s Group
- Dr Shirley Thompson, the first woman in Europe to conduct and compose a symphony within the last 40 years
- Lewis Hamilton, one of the most high profile competitors in Formula One and the only black driver
Black History Month is also celebrated in the community in places such as museums, care homes and workplaces. A broad range of topics is covered, from Britain’s colonial past to migration and music.
Black History Month at the BCCJ
This year, for the first time, the BCCJ will mark Black History Month.
Led by members of the BCCJ’s DEI (Diversity Equality Inclusion) taskforce, the chamber will deliver a campaign that celebrates black Brits currently doing business in Japan (and / or have a UK-Japan connection), and showcases learnings from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) networks across BCCJ member organisations.
Does your company have a BIPOC network and / or specific leader or employee that we could highlight in the BCCJ’s first ever Black History Month? Let us know. [email protected]
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Further reading
Black History Month: What is it and why does it matter? HERE
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