October is Black History Month – an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the many contributions made by Black people in Britain over many generations.
As part of its work to promote equality and understanding across the borough, Knowsley Council is marking the month with events and activities for staff and the wider community.
Celebrating Black women
This year’s theme: ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ is dedicated to honouring the achievements of Black women by highlighting their role in ‘’shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities’’.
Events showcasing the contributions of Black women in literature, music, fashion, sport, business, business, politics, academia, social and health care will be taking place in the UK throughout the month of October. In Knowsley, Black female entrepreneurs will be showcased at a Black Business Week event on 16 October.
Black Business Week event
As part of its role encouraging and facilitating black entrepreneurship in Knowsley the Council’s Black and Minority Workers Group is teaming up with the Invest Knowsley Business Growth Team and the LCR Business & IP Centre to host a Black Women’s Entrepreneurship seminar on Monday 16th October 2023. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The event will feature a marketplace and Knowsley-based Black women entrepreneur guest speakers, followed by a British Library live screen of a round table style panel discussion involving five inspiring women entrepreneurs.
To book to attend this free event on Monday 16 October in Huyton Library, 5pm to 8.30pm, please register through Eventbrite.
Meanwhile, Knowsley Town Council is holding an event on Tuesday 24 October at the Bob Whiley Centre in Knowsley Village.
Learn about black culture and history with insights from the black community in Knowsley. Arrive from 5.45pm for a 6pm start. No booking required, simply turn up.
Supporting Wear Red Day
The Council will be backing Show Racism the Red Card’s (SRtRC) annual Wear Red Day on Friday 20 October.
The Greystone footbridge will be lit red in support of the day and Council staff will be invited to wear red to work.
Those who wish can make an online donation which will be used by the charity to continue to produce educational resources and deliver training events and workshops.
Council staff will also have the option to complete e-learning modules which explore different Equality, Diversity and inclusion issues.
Explore Black history with Knowsley libraries
Knowsley Library Service will have themed displays in branch highlighting Black History Month titles including those telling the story of significant people in Black history to brilliant Black writers of fiction and children’s stories.
The Borrowbox online library, which includes e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines features special Black History Month collections as well as Diversity and Business collections.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said:
“Black History Month is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the many contributions made by Black people in Britain – but it’s important to remember that this isn’t just about one month.
“We are proud to support Black people and promote equality in Knowsley in many ways; from highlighting unique stories and experiences through our library collections to supporting Black entrepreneurship and reflecting on and understanding the impact of Black history so that in the future residents of any ethnicity are respected and able to thrive.”