October is Black History Month – an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the many contributions made by Black people, both in Britain and across the world, over many generations.
Knowsley Council is committed to promoting inclusivity and equality across the borough and is supporting Black History Month with events and activities for staff and the wider community.
The theme for Black History Month 2024 is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture, sharing untold stories and recognising the often-overlooked contributions and achievements of Black individuals, both here and across the globe.
To mark the month and celebrate Knowsley’s 50th anniversary a short film commemorating the history of Black families in the borough will be showcased on the council’s YouTube channel.
Wear Red Day
The Council will be supporting Show Racism the Red Card’s (SRtRC) annual Wear Red Day on Friday 18 October.
The Greystone footbridge will be lit red in support of the day and Council staff will be invited to wear red to work. People are welcome to further support the initiative with an online donation to the charity.
Enterprise event
The Council encourages and facilitates Black entrepreneurship in Knowsley and is again this year supporting the Black and Minorities Workers Group as it teams up with the Council’s Business Growth team and the Liverpool City Region Business & IP Centre to host a Black Entrepreneurship event.
The inspiring event will feature local Black entrepreneur guest speakers and a marketplace showcasing local Black enterprises in Huyton Library on 29 October.
Further details on how to book to attend this free event will be shared here on Knowsley News in the coming days.
Call out for stories and experiences
As part of the month Knowsley Archives is inviting residents from the borough’s diverse communities to share any documents or photos which they’d be willing to donate, or loan, for the benefit of future generations.
In keeping with this year’s theme ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, the archive would also welcome anyone who would like to have their own memories and experiences recorded to add to Knowsley’s oral history collection.
If you have a story or documentation to share with Knowsley Archives, please email infoheritage@knowsley.gov.uk or call 0151 443 4291/ 4365 and the friendly staff will be happy to help.
Explore Black history with Knowsley libraries
Throughout October, Knowsley Library Service will have themed displays in branch highlighting Black History Month. Titles range from 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 also features special Black History Month collections as well as Diversity and Business collections.
During October, the Council will also highlight the range of opportunities for employees to learn more about equality, diversity and inclusion through its comprehensive learning and development offer.
Cllr Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said:
“I’m proud to support Black History Month, helping to raise awareness of and celebrate the many contributions made by Black people here in Knowsley and across 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 and inclusion in Knowsley all year round and in many ways; from highlighting unique stories and experiences through films and library collections to supporting Black entrepreneurship and being committed to our Declaration of Intent for Race Equality, so that in the future everyone of any ethnicity is respected and able to thrive.”