Havering BAME members join police and Mayor to celebrate the start of Black History Month.

This year’s Black History Month theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ highlighting a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of the history, achievements and contributions of Black people in the UK. It officially started yesterday in Havering (Tuesday 1 October) at a flag ceremony at Havering Town Hall, Romford.

The ceremony was led by the Mayor of Havering, Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan, and attended by Havering Police officers Acting Chief Inspector Julian Bertie and Mohammed a member of Romford Town Centre Team, as well as Deputy Lieutenant, Martin P Griffiths CBE, Chief Executive of Havering Council, Andrew Blake-Herbert, ward councillors and representatives from the Council’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff forum.

At the ceremony, a minute silence was observed to reflect on past and present racism encountered by BAME people across Britain.

This year’s Black History Month theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ highlighting a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture.

Christie from the Trade Union Unison-gave a very moving speech where she called for black people to now ‘reclaim their narrative’. She said: “As a black community it is time we take control of our stories. For too long black stories have been told through lenses that misrepresent us. It is also time to correct the notion of ethnic minority as we are indeed a global majority. I want to encourage everyone from the black community to take ownership of their stories than define our contributions and identity.”

Acting Chief Inspector Bertie who was at the ceremony yesterday told the Havering Daily:

“It was both a pleasure and an honour to witness the raising of the flag to recognise the start of Black History Month.

To hear the journeys of two members of the team, their story, challenges and achievements, truly reflect how far Black and ethnic minority people have come within society.

I have repeatedly said that time to recognise the tribulations, challenges and achievements faced by Black people should not be limited to just one month. But to have that time dedicated to recognising the contribution made to society, allows a specific time to reflect and celebrate.

I’m looking forward to witnessing and sharing those experiences learnt throughout this coming month with colleagues within the Police Service.”

Havering Council’s BAME staff forum will be leading the internal celebrations via a programme of educational and interactive activities.

These will be inclusive sessions available to colleagues of all cultural backgrounds to come celebrate, learn and reflect on experiences shared by BAME peers.

Black History Month is also being celebrated across Havering Libraries with themed events and book displays throughout October.

The Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan, said:

“It’s an honour to mark Black History Month and for the borough to again join the national celebrations throughout October.

“Our Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities have and continue to contribute so much to Havering.

“Thank you to the Council’s BAME Staff Forum for their continued efforts in showcasing a great variety of events and activities for another year.”

Havering Mayor Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan raises the flag to start the celebrations of Black History Month.

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