This year the theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’.

As always, Black History Month is a welcome reminder to celebrate our differences, as well as what unites us.

It is a sad fact that our society does not treat people equally or fairly. Discrimination happens based on many characteristics which make up who we are, including the way we might look, sound, behave or express ourselves, and this is not something we should just accept – it is something that collectively and individually, we should challenge and can change.

There is great work happening to address inequity, but there is more work to be done.

“Black History Month should be empowering for Black people and a chance for everyone to learn, celebrate and reflect.” @everydayracism_ on instagram

black background with white chunky text saying, Black History Month should be empowering for Black people and a chance for everyone to learn, celebrate and reflect.

In Leeds

The Third Sector is made up of a rich and diverse tapestry of organisations and people, from all different backgrounds, with all kinds of heritage – reflecting the broad range of cultures and ethnic groups which make up the beautiful Leeds population. However, we know the VCSE sector overall is made up of predominantly white women.

It is unclear what proportion of the 6000+ people employed as the third sector workforce identify as black or brown – or not white. More work needs to be done to collect and collate this data. While many organisations do collect and report on this data, it is not done consistently or presented cohesively.

Forum Central has highlighted this as a data gap in the State of the Sector report and supports coordination of two groups well placed to explore this topic – the Inclusion working group, and the Workforce HR network. If you are interested in exploring how this gap might be closed please get in touch [email protected].

Synergi Leeds

The Synergi-Leeds partnership provides a forum in which to inspire and engage system and community leaders from across statutory and third sector services to address all forms of racism, further develop work within acute mental health settings and develop a community grants programme.

Remembering What’s Forgotten is the year long co-produced programme dedicated to preserving history and embracing legacy. It came about to amplify the unheard community-based and lived experience narratives challenging mental health inequality and the racial injustice facing black and minority ethnic communities in Leeds. and to address the overrepresentation of black and South Asian men detained under the Mental Health Act in Leeds.

Synergi Leeds Skills Library – supporting one another by sharing skills and mentorship to grow the capacity, skills, and experience of culturally diverse organisations.

FRESH – Forum for Race Equality in Social and Healthcare

FRESH, supported by Leeds Involving People, has long been a vital space for the communities of Leeds to come together and discuss any issues, ideas, or concerns related to social care. The aim of FRESH is to be a safe space for the community and Leeds City Council to come together, ensuring that the voices of all are heard and considered in shaping services.

The previous Chair, Annette Morris, who sadly passed away this year, was instrumental in guiding these meetings. Her commitment has left a lasting positive impact on the group and the community and her dedication and leadership is gratefully acknowledged.

FRESH events take place once every two months at the Community Wellbeing Hub, Reginald Terrace, LS7. The next FRESH meeting is on Wednesday 27 November.

This feeds into the Better Lives Board (Adults and Health) and various networks in the community. View the latest FRESH Impact Report to understand more about the role of FRESH.

Culturally Diverse Hub

The Culturally Diverse Hub, coordinated by VAL is a network committed to tackling racial inequalities in Leeds. Activity is shaped by the input of its members – individuals from, and organisations led by culturally diverse communities, and our allies. This year it is marking Black History Month by launching a series of podcasts: Beyond the Monolith – Black Histories, Diverse Narratives. The podcasts feature conversations with Paulette and Annette Morris, Lara Rose, Nicole Peterson, Sharon Melo, Rumani Tharraleos and Alysia Carty. A launch event took place on Wednesday 23 October 2024, at the Community Wellbeing Hub from 18:00-20:30. Email Abigail Olaleye to find out more.

photo showing the back of a person wearing a denim jacket embellished with the words it's a beautiful day to be black.

Local Creative Events

Find more local events on Leeds Inspired – The Black History Month Collection.

West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (WYICB)

Dame Donna Kinnair Review

Alongside our NHS partners in 2021, Forum Central became part of the Root out Racism movement and continues to live and champion those anti-racism values today.

The Root out Racism movement was established following a report which was commissioned in October 2020 by the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership: ‘Tackling health inequalities for Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and colleagues.’ Professor Dame Donna Kinnair was invited to Chair the review, which resulted in the formulation of 16 recommendations organised across 4 key themes.

In October 2024 Dame Donna Kinnair has been invited back to lead an evaluation of the review. As well as the four original themes, Dame Donna Kinnair is eager that the impact on children and young people is considered, as well as the impact of the riots during summer 2024.

Reconvened panel sessions are scheduled for October and November 2024. The resulting actions will be aligned to the new Equity, Diversity and Social Justice Strategy workplan.

Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice Strategy Development

West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board is working towards an inclusive and fairer West Yorkshire. They are currently creating a new Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice [EDI] plan for health and care services across West Yorkshire. The ambition is to help make sure everyone who lives and works here is able to get help and support and live their lives to the full.

This plan aims to makes a difference for people who use health and care services, and the people working in health and care services.

You can feed in by contacting the West Yorkshire Comms and Involvement Team on 01924 317659 or email [email protected].

Complete the questionnaire, open until 3 November 2024. Go to the relevant link below to submit on behalf of yourself, someone you care for, your organisation or group:

West Yorkshire Networks

The Strategic Race Equality Network provides strategic race leadership on behalf of the West Yorkshire Health & Care Partnership – it is currently going through a transition period but if you’d like to connect in, contact wy.ren@nhs.net.

Join the West Yorkshire Allyship Network – Allyship Network Poster Advert

A new network is being established to bring Allys together. It is aimed at colleagues from all sectors and organisations across the area who want to collectively stand up, speak out and take action.

Are you passionate about justice and equality? Do you want to be part of a movement that creates real, lasting change? Email [email protected] to be involved.

This is a network for those committed to challenging inequality, advocating for equity and fostering an inclusive, anti-racist and trauma-informed approach across our region.

Why join?

  • Be a force for change.
  • Grow as an ally.
  • Foster safe spaces.
  • Take meaningful action.
  • Build solidarity.

What’s on offer:

  • Development opportunities and shared practice.
  • Supportive network.
  • Safe spaces for dialogue.
  • Advocacy and leadership.

Join the West yorkshire health and acre partnership Allyship Network if you are passionate about justice and equality and being part of a movement to create lasting change.

 

National

Windrush Day Grants

This Government Scheme provides funding to communities looking to commemorate, celebrate and educate about the Windrush generation and their contribution. The fund is being administered by Near Neighbours, and will support events and activities in the lead-up to Windrush Day 2025 (22 June) and through to September.

Grants are open to community groups, charities, and local venues. Amounts between £5,000 and £50,000. Applications for funding close at 11:59pm on 25 November 2024. Find out more about Windrush Day grants on Doing Good Leeds.

The Ubele Initiative

Founded in 2014, the Ubele Initiative is an African diaspora led, infrastructure plus organisation, empowering Black and Minoritised communities in the UK, to act as catalysts for social and economic change.

Read The Black and Minoritised Communities Enterprise Development Programme (B&MC EDP) Report : 2021-2024

The Pheonix Way

Led by the Ubele Initiative, The Pheonix Way is a grant making initiative aimed at Black and racially minoritised groups. It was established as a national collaborative partnership as a response to structural inequalities in relation to influencing and accessing grant funding in the UK. Its principal aims are to:

  • Transform the relationships between funders and Black and racially minoritised organisations
  • Tackle systemic race inequalities
  • Develop shared leadership, which actively invests in these communities and empowers them to make decisions about funding processes, priorities and allocations

“The Phoenix Way seeks to ensure that no community is left behind.”

Find out more about The Pheonix Way on the Global Fund for Children website.

Race Equality Matters (REM) 

This website is a handy resource for employers. The REM Black History Month blog post: Reclaiming Narratives shares some personal and powerful examples which bring the theme home.

They also some simple and practical tools to get organisations thinking and talking about race:

  • REM 5 Day Challenge : 5 activities which take 5 minutes, over 5 days, The activities help employees reflect and, more importantly, take action to drive Race Equality. On the last day, everyone will be ready to make a Big Promise.
  • #ItsNotMicro: Empower your team to recognise and address microaggressions in the workplace. “80% say microaggressions happen in their organisation but only 3% say racial microaggressions are regularly called out by colleagues.”

 

Forum Central Members

Lastly, we’ve compiled a selection of Forum Central Member organisations which are Black-led or mainly work with culturally diverse communities.

(in no particular order)

Black Health Initiative
Hamara
Shantona Women’s Centre
Calm & Centred CIC
Feel Good Factor
Touchstone
Afrikindness
Leeds Swahili Cultural Community
Asha Neighbourhood Project
Vandan Group
Give a Gift
DAMASQ Ltd
Meshebah Community Interest Company
Geraldine Connor Foundation/Creatives
Hamwattan Centre
Leeds Involving People
Health for All
ABA – Association of Blind Asians