Let’s Celebrate Black History Month 2024
This article will take approximately 2 minutes to read
Published 3 Oct 2024 in Raising Awareness
Izzy Quaynor from the Inclusion Allies Network is taking over today’s story to mark the start of Black History Month. Izzy explains the theme of this year’s BHM, introduces an insightful slideshow and has set a quiz to test your knowledge (with a prize up for grabs).
Hi everyone! The Inclusion Allies Network would like to invite you to celebrate Black History Month with us. It’s a great opportunity to recognise and appreciate the rich diversity of our Society and the communities where we trade.
First up, let’s look at this year’s theme.
BHM 2024 theme: Reclaiming Narratives
This year’s Black History Month theme is Reclaiming Narratives, focusing on recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture.
This theme is part of a movement to correct historical inaccuracies, showcase untold success stories and explore the full complexity of Black heritage.
It’s about taking control of Black stories and honouring Black heroes while challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and globally.
Use #ReclaimingNarratives on social media to find out more.
Take 5 to read about Black History Month
Black History Month gives us the chance to celebrate and show our appreciation for Black culture, especially within our organisation.
But it’s also an important opportunity to reflect on the inclusive and respectful environment we have here at Your Co-op – something we that’s woven into our values and reinforced by our policies.
It’s always a good idea to make sure you’re fully informed, so we’ve created this short slideshow featuring topical facts, case studies and inspiring stories. Please do take a look.
How much do you know about Black history?
Take this short quiz (5 questions) to find out how clued up you are on Black history.
Simply by completing the quiz you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a Black History Month inspired gift – good luck!
(Hint: the slideshow above may help.)
Race at Work Charter
We are delighted to be a Business in the Community (BITC), Race at Work Charter signatory. The Race at Work Charter is committed to empowering employers to accelerate change for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic employees in the workplace.
Signing up to the Charter means taking practical steps to ensure the Society is tackling barriers that ethnic minority people face in recruitment and progression and that the Society is representative of its communities, customers and members. There are seven key areas which comprise the Race at Work Charter principles, these are;
- Appoint an Executive sponsor for Race
- Capture Ethnicity data and publicise progress
- Commit at board level to zero tolerance of harassment and bullying
- Supporting equality in the workplace is the responsibility of all leaders and managers
- Take action that supports ethnic minority career progression
- Support race inclusion allies in the workplace
- Include Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically-led enterprise owners in supply chain
You can find out more about Black History Month here. Izzy will be back later this month to share stories from colleagues talking about what Black History Month means to them and to announce the winners of the prize draw.