The event organised by the UK’s leading Black inclusion movement will not only celebrate Black people but also be a reminder of the importance of “embedding a fair and just society for all”, confirmed Black Leaders CEO & Founder, Paul Sesay. The week-long event aims to create tangible change. It will also set a course “for a better, more inclusive future during a time when our society has never been more divisive”, he added.
Black Leaders launched the national movement to help drive Black inclusion and challenge inequalities within the UK’s communities and working environment. The event has been created in response to horrific events, such as George Floyd’s shocking death earlier this year. Sesay said he hopes Black Inclusion Week will help to address the inequalities and systemic barriers faced by Black people across all aspects of society.
FAIR & JUST SOCIETY FOR ALL
“Right now, Black inclusion in the UK is the subject of many discussions in society, organisations and around family dining tables in a way that it never has been. People across all walks of life are awakening to the inequities that have existed and persisted around them for so long and are asking many questions. These questions are often accompanied by confusion, discomfort and fear,” pointed out Sesay. “In this awakening, there is also solidarity, compassion, understanding, collaboration and hope. There have also been countless examples of collaborations and hope with many seeking to understand how they can make a difference, working as individuals and organisations to do this. While this garners hope for an equitable future, this solidarity must continue for years to come for us to achieve a truly just society”.
The ground-breaking event will implement a host of toolkits to enable all to take part and continue on this journey. “There is a desire to understand, learn and change in so many ways. We can facilitate this through Black Inclusion Week, thus encouraging learning, reflection and actions towards inclusion to be taken,” according to Aggie Mutuma, Black Leaders’ Steering Group Lead. “To really unearth and address all the issues, we need prolonged focus and to deliver the changes that will make a difference.”
KEY GOALS
Black Inclusion Week aims to:
1. Make us stronger as one community
To support understanding, care and support for each other as we rebuild our strength.
2. Empower all and facilitate action
Increase education and raise awareness through tools and resources to enable individuals and organisations to make tangible progress towards Black inclusion
3. Be a celebration of Black people in the UK
Amplify the voices of Black people across the UK. Celebrate the achievements and impact that we have had and continue to have in Britain.
4. Create a commitment towards change
Encourage everyone to join by pledging #OnePromise that will eradicate racism and foster Black inclusion.
5. Connect through collaboration
Partner and collaborate with individuals, organisations, communities and allies who are ready for and committed to change.