Black History Month 2023

20 October 2023 10:30am–5:00pm

Unison Centre

Supporting Wear Red Day by Show Racism the Red Card

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT

Every October, we mark Black History Month to celebrate and honour the all too often forgotten and undervalued contribution of Black Britons across the UK and throughout history.

“Black History Month reminds us to dig deeper and think bigger”.

This year’s theme in the Year of Black Workers is entitled ‘Beyond the anniversaries – legacies, lessons, and achievements. We will be supporting Show Racism the Red Card by wearing red for Wear Red Day.

The day will be vibrant and challenging, consisting of speakers, music, and spoken word on various topics, acknowledging the past, present, and future. We will reflect on the 75th anniversary of Windrush, the 75th anniversary of the NHS, the 30th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence and the 30th anniversary of UNISON, representing Black self-organisation.

Programme

10:30: Registration and refreshments

11:00: Welcome and introductions

11:10: The importance of Black History Month

11:30: Lighting the ‘Candle of Remembrance’.

Session one

11:40 – 12:25: 75 Years Windrush and the NHS

12:30 – 12.55: Interview with a Trailblazer

12.55 – 1pm: Musical drums

13:00:  Lunch

Session two

14:00 – 15:15: UNISON at 30, the Stephen Lawrence legacy and Black self-organisation

15:15 – 15: 30: Break (explore stalls & network)

Session three

15:30- 16:20: The Anti-Racism Struggle and Politics and UNISON’s Year of Black worker

Session four

16:20 – 16:55: Interactive Quiz and audience participation

16: 55 – 17: 00: Closing of event

17:00 – 18:00: Networking (drinks available from the bar to purchase)

Thanks to:

  • The Black History Working Group
  • Thompson Solicitors

  • UNISON Facilities Team and Catering