Black History Month: Letter to Editor
This month marks Black History Month, and at City Hall, we are focussing on the theme of the vast contribution that black women have made to our capital as part of the Mayor’s #BehindEveryGreatCity campaign.
Throughout history, black women have faced the double oppression of gender and racial bias. Sadly, many are still routinely subject to this burning injustice today. Further still, the presence and influence of black women in our society is all too often either overlooked or forced out of our historical narratives. Where would we be without the heavy lifting carried out by the Women and daughters of the Windrush Generation, on London Transport, in every area of the Health Services, in the sweat shops of fifties and sixties East London, and in the cleaning and hospitality sectors?
In London, and across the UK, we have also seen the disgraceful treatment of the Windrush Generation under the Government’s ‘hostile environment’ policy. This goes against our core values as Londoners, who have built this city upon the contributions of people from around the world.
This is why proudly celebrating Black History Month each year in October is so vitally important. It is essential that we recognise the achievements of black communities in London, and help to pave the way for those that are woefully underrepresented in public life to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Yours,
Jennette Arnold OBE AM
London Assembly Member for North East (Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest)