12 Oct 2022
By Cynthia Otote, Communications Officer
Black History Month is an important time to celebrate and understand the impact of Black history and heritage, as well as an opportunity to reflect on what more needs to be done to empower and support people from Black and minoritised backgrounds.
As we celebrate Black History Month this year, we acknowledge both the voices, contributions and efforts of black figures, changemakers and organisations from the past as well as those working hard to create change within society today.
In line with this year's theme, “Time for Change: Action Not Words,” we want to spotlight services run by and for Black women and girls and encourage you to take action to support them.
Here are three actions you can take right now:
Support Hibiscus Initiative’s Campaign: A Safer World for Migrant Women
Hibiscus Initiatives enables marginalised migrant women trapped in the immigration and criminal justice systems to rebuild their lives. Their vision is to build a fair and just society where inequalities are eliminated from the criminal justice and immigration systems.
Drawing on its 35-year history, Hibiscus has an unrivalled record of accomplishment delivering high-impact support and advocacy services to migrant women.
To celebrate their 35-year anniversary, they recently laughed a new campaign – A Safer World for Migrant Women. This campaign aims to help raise awareness for migrant women at the intersection of the criminal justice and immigration systems.
Book an Anti-Racism Workshop with Kids of Colour
Kids of Colour is a project for young people of colour aged 24 and under to explore ‘race’, identity and culture. They create spaces to challenge the racism that affects young people and their communities, building collective resistance and solidarity. They work across the communities of Greater Manchester and are led by a small, part-time team.
As part of their work, they offer introductory level anti-racist workshops for those working with young people. These workshops aim to develop people’s understanding of ‘race’ and racism so they can better support young people of colour through society, challenge the racism that exists within institutions and create inclusive spaces within their practice.
Pre-order Girlhood Unfiltered, the new collection by Milk Honey Bees
Milk Honey Bees (MHB) is an expressive safe space that allows Black young women and girls to flourish and take ownership of H.E.R (Healing, Empowerment and Resilience) through 1:1 sessions and creative group projects.
MHB aims to provide young women and girls who are often deemed as hard to engage a safe space to express themselves creatively, as well as the chance to feel supported, access opportunities and gain skills to navigate society.
Next month they will be publishing their very own essay collection, Girlhood Unfiltered, an anthology of essays, letters, and creative work reflecting on the experience of Black girlhood.
Thank you so much for your support of these vital organisations during Black History Month.