DOING IT FOR OURSELVES

By Rishan, Youth Influencer

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the incredible achievements, resilience and contributions of black individuals throughout history. This year’s theme of Saluting Our Sisters highlights the crucial role black women have played in shaping that history, inspiring change and building communities.

Black women have always been at the forefront of remarkable moments in history, advocating for civil rights, gender equality and social justice. Think of Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Nina Simone, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and so many more. Their contributions have shaped societies and inspired change. This Black History Month, we celebrate their amazing achievements. 

Let us also recognise the strength and resilience of those black women who are refugees. Let us remember the mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters and aunties who have faced the trials of displacement and fled war and persecution to seek safety and hope for a better life in the UK for themselves and their families. Their stories and journeys  are proof that their strength knows no bounds. 

As a refugee who found refuge in the UK, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Black History Month. It is a time not only to honor the accomplishments of black women throughout history, but also to acknowledge the strength and resilience of our sisters who have been - or who are - in a similar situation to me. In doing so, we pave the way for a more inclusive, empathetic and equitable society, where the voices and stories of all our sisters are heard and appreciated.