- Conference
- 2025 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 6 August 2024
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conference celebrates the success of the Year of Black Workers in 2023 and reaffirms its commitment to “establishing legacy to generate change”.
In the spirit of the theme Conference acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Black women throughout history and their enduring legacy in various fields, including but not limited to politics, activism, science, arts, and culture.
Black women have played pivotal roles in advancing social justice, civil rights, and equality globally, often facing intersectional challenges of racism, sexism, ableism, and homophobia. Black women have made significant contributions to literature, music, visual arts, and other cultural expressions, enriching the global cultural landscape. Black women have been leaders in advocating for environmental justice, healthcare access, education equality, and economic empowerment in their communities and beyond. Black women have demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience in the face of adversity, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams and effect positive change.
Despite these successes, Conference recognises that Black women still face discrimination on multiple levels. It is a fact that strong Black women continue to face unfair treatment in the workplace and public life. This is evidenced by the racist rhetoric of the Tory Party when Diane Abbott spoke out about racism in politics after being denied a chance to take part in commons debate about a Tory donor’s criticism of her. Conference is also clear that Black women with intersectional identities are not only impacted in the workplace and public life, but also in their private lives when it comes to domestic abuse and healthcare.
Conference abhors the ongoing injustice faced by Black migrant workers. The hostile environment created during the years of Conservative rule has resulted in reduced employment rights, remuneration, social security, trade union rights, employment taxes, and access to legal proceedings and remediation, and an increase in racism and discrimination. Black agency workers, who are disproportionally women, are being discriminated against on the grounds of skin colour, and being mocked when English is not their first language.
Conference applauds the legacy of Black women, but recognises there is still work to do to achieve the change needed to address the ongoing negative impacts on Black women.
Conference therefore calls upon the national Black members’ committee to work with the national women’s committee to:
1)Acknowledge and celebrate the enduring legacy of Black women, and commit to amplifying their voices, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all;
2)Encourage the study and promotion of Black women’s history and achievements in educational curricula and public discourse;
3)Work with Labour Link and the NEC to affirm its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by actively supporting initiatives that uplift and empower Black women in all aspects of life.
