Rob Neil, Director at Krystal Alliance and Paul Downer, Government Digital Service, started their respective life journeys on opposite sides of the Harrow Road in North West London. Rob in Harlesden next door to Stonebridge NW10 and Paul at the heart of carnival in Ladbroke Grove. They met in the workplace, as teenage civil servants, 40 years ago, when there was no social media, no smart phones and no Black History Month, not yet anyway.
Rob & Paul’s colourful friendship has endured for four decades and their loving allyship has forged networks across all aspects of equality, diversity and inclusion [EDI]. Indeed, Rob and Paul have now extended their EDI contribution to offer a fortnightly podcast called ‘Unfinished Business’ featuring music, art and community activism, as part of who they are and what they believe in.
This blog, in the form of a short Q&A, is a personal exploration of Black History Month by Rob and Paul sharing; why they think Black History Month exists, who it’s for and what we should be doing during and even beyond the month October!
Why does Black History Month exist?
Rob Neil (RN): It’s a celebration of lesser known facts. It is an opportunity to highlight the contribution of people from the African diaspora and a platform to openly wrestle with the exciting challenges we face and, at the same time, embrace an increasingly diverse Britain which has a legacy of Black presence.
Paul Downer (PD): There is a need to celebrate, to remember, to focus on the successes as well as the challenges faced by those who created and built the country that I love. The Windrush Generation, Notting Hill Carnival and undoubtedly what comes with all of that; music, literature, arts, food, film, sporting achievements and community.
We will always have unfinished business if Black History Month is regarded as a one-month-only event.
What place do White people have in Black History Month?
PD: We stand alongside, we walk in support of, we acknowledge that we stand on the shoulders of giants. We come from a long tradition of struggle that includes people of all races, genders and those of a different sexual orientation, all focused on achieving justice. As a White person, I do not see my role as leading the struggle for racial justice, but rather in standing, sitting, indeed marching alongside those who have first-hand experience of racial injustice.
RN: As colleagues in the workplace and friends beyond the workplace, all supporters of Black History Month can help to ensure that a true and meaningful exchange of culture takes place. We are all capable of being the change we wish to see and by working together we can all be a part of that.
We will always have unfinished business if White people decide not to participate in Black History Month because they think it’s only for Black people.
What do you think about this year’s theme “Saluting Our Sisters” ?
PD: It’s so appropriate that this year’s theme is “Saluting Our Sisters”. As we look across the world we see a concerted attack on the rights of women which we know disproportionately affect black women. Whether it’s the push back against reproductive rights in America or voting rights in numerous countries its time for us to recognise & honour those women that did so much in the past for our communities.
RN: Well, it’s about time and I can’t believe it’s taken this long. Having taken receipt of the fabulous posters on offer this year as part of the BHM Resource Pack, the list of diverse women and their invaluable contributions across all aspects of our lives, is beyond inspirational. Whether as pioneering voices in politics and journalism, or as leaders in business and commerce. From artists to writers, from doctors to scientists, from human right campaigners to sporting sheroes, the list is endless and this year’s theme is a wonderful opportunity to expose more of that gorgeously edifying list.
Finally, what’s next for Black History Month?
PD: Lest I am charged with Whitesplaining, I am bound to say that this question is best answered by any of my Black friends. What I will say is that we need to be aware of the positive role that we can play as White people. We can own our privilege, talk about the uncomfortable and be brave. Over the course of the last few years there has been a backlash against the idea of BHM , as if the very concept is somehow “un-british” & unpatriotic. This for me is a false narrative, we will only grow & build as a nation if we recognise and celebrate all of our citizens and the contribution they made.
RN: More exciting and colourful revelations, a greater and deeper exchange of cultures and a richer exchange of what makes us so diverse. I think we are already starting to move beyond a single month and we are beginning to see more activities in our schools. I look forward to building even more of these colourful connections as we combine to shine a light on all of our history.
Visit www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk for more history, current info and access to this year’s Resource Pack, including the fantastic BHM 2023 Magazine.