How Your Organisation Can Embrace Black History Throughout the Year
- Published
- EqualiTeach
In recent years, Black History Month has gained a renewed significance amid global conversations about racial equality and justice. We have written articles in previous years which have ranged from covering the history of Black legal equality in Britain, to ensuring individuals, schools and organisations get Black History Month right, and making sure Black Histories are celebrated and embedded in the school environment and workplace culture all year round. This year, we want to help organisations to raise awareness, embrace, and celebrate the stories, lives and cultures of Black people. Organisations can embrace Black History Month in meaningful and impactful ways by taking the following steps:
1. Education and Awareness
Workshops and seminars: Organise educational sessions to educate employees about Black history, significant figures, and the contributions of Black people in Britain. You may ask your Black employees if they would like to organise this or have some involvement in the event, but do not assume their involvement as it is not their responsibility.
Guest speakers: Invite historians, activists, and community leaders to speak about Black history, successes and achievements and current issues facing Black people in Britain.
2. Celebration and Recognition
Events and activities: Host events such as film screenings, cultural performances, and art exhibitions that highlight Black cultures and history.
Recognise contributions: Highlight and celebrate the achievements of Black employees and leaders within the organisation and community.
3. Inclusive Practices
Inclusive hiring practices: Review recruitment and promotion policies and processes to remove possible biases and create an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Employee resource groups: Support and promote Black employee resource groups to provide a platform for networking and advocacy and create opportunities for colleagues to raise barriers and suggest ways in which the organisation can strengthen inclusivity; making sure to act upon these when issues are raised.
4. Community Engagement
Partnerships: Partner with local Black-owned businesses, nonprofits, and community organisations to support their work and initiatives. Black2Business UK can be a good place to start.
Volunteering: If you have initiatives that give back to your local communities, encourage employees to volunteer with local organisations that support people from Black communities.
5. Internal Communications
Newsletters and intranet: Use internal communication channels to share stories, articles, and profiles related to Black history and culture, as well as the experiences and achievements of colleagues from diverse ethnicities and backgrounds.
6. Support and Resources:
Training: Provide diversity and inclusion training focused on anti-racism, unconscious bias, and cultural competency.
Clear policies and procedures: Ensure your organisation has clear policies and procedures around preventing and responding to discrimination and harassment. These should also encourage a no-bystanders culture where everyone challenges racism.
Resource libraries: Create and promote a library of books, films, and other resources that educate about Black history. Some of our previous articles on Black History have recommendations for films, documentaries, books and more for you to use.
7. Long Term Commitment
Policy changes: Review, impact assess and update company policies to ensure they support equality, diversity and inclusion.
Ongoing initiatives: Ensure that the commitment to celebrating Black history and supporting Black communities continues beyond just the month of October.
By implementing these strategies, organisations can not only celebrate Black History Month but also contribute to a culture of inclusivity and respect throughout the year.
EqualiTeach provides training and consultancy services for businesses, local authorities, schools and education settings throughout the UK. If you would like support with promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in your school or organisation, please contact us.
- Categories: Culture & Heritage, Inclusion, Race & Ethnicity, Workplace