Today marks the end of Black History Month 2019.
The London Assembly has today celebrated Black History Month by agreeing a motion noting the contributions people from black and minority ethnic communities make to London.
The Assembly also condemned the disgraceful harassment that these communities still experience.
Jennette Arnold OBE AM, who proposed the motion said:
“London’s success as a world-leading city has been built upon the contributions of immigrant communities from across the globe.
“It is only right that during every October, we commemorate the achievements and history of black people in the UK.
“During these uncertain and divisive times, it is especially important that the capital and all of its diverse communities come together to celebrate Black History Month.
“With the despicable rise in racially motivated hate crime and the ongoing burning injustice of the Windrush scandal, as Londoners we must continue to stand firm against any attempts to divide us”.
The full text of the motion is:
“This Assembly notes that October marks Black History Month, the annual commemoration of the contributions, history and achievements of black people in the UK.
From the first black Briton prose writer, Ignatius Sancho, published in 1766, to Lilian Bader, the very first black women to join the British Armed Forces, and the many women and men who emigrated from the Caribbean to the UK to help address labour shortages after World War II.
This Assembly recognises the story of black Britain is the story of Britain itself. London has a long-cherished relationship of being a destination for new arrivals in Britain, making it the special place it is today.
Yet there has been a substantial increase in racist and religious hate crimes targeting those of black and minority ethnic heritage.
The Assembly celebrates the contributions that people from black and minority ethnic communities make and condemns the disgraceful harassment that still occurs in London.”
Notes to editors
1. Watch the full webcast.
2. The motion was agreed unanimously.
3. Jennette Arnold OBE AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
4. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Lisa Lam on 020 7084 2713. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.