This Black History Month(external link), Calderdale Council is celebrating the valuable contributions of Black people to society.
This year’s national theme is ‘saluting our sisters’, recognising the exceptional achievements of Black women in shaping history, inspiring change and building communities.
Calderdale libraries have created special displays of books by Black writers, which visitors to the libraries in Elland, Halifax, Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden can see and borrow from.
Brighouse, Central and Todmorden Libraries have hosted the ‘Light Up Our Lives’(external link) display, which showcased a partnership project by verd de gris arts and local charity Light Up Black African Heritage & Culture. Through their pop-up exhibition and booklet, they’re aiming to inspire and empower members of the Black African community in Calderdale to talk about and share their cultural heritage, to highlight its importance and increase wider understanding across communities.
All the library displays support Black History Month’s aim to celebrate and enable people to learn more about the incredible history, heritage and culture of Black communities.
Calderdale Council has recently become the first employer in Yorkshire and the Humber to adopt UNISON’s national Anti-Racism Charter.
This reaffirms the Council’s priority to reduce inequalities and its commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and challenging and ending racism in all its forms in the workplace.
As part of the Charter, the Council is implementing a race equality policy and a programme of anti-racism initiatives and actions over the next year.
‘Let’s Talk about Race’ sessions throughout Black History Month will enable Council staff to learn more about the Charter, explore the concept of modern racism and discuss positive changes to enable equality, diversity and inclusion.
Cllr Jenny Lynn, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, said:
“Calderdale has a rich and diverse heritage that makes it the wonderful place it is today.
“Join us in celebrating the valuable role of Black people in shaping our communities, and the talented and enterprising Black women who have inspired us and blazed a trail.
“By learning more about different cultures, we can keep Calderdale’s proud tradition of diversity alive, helping to reduce inequalities by uniting as a borough.”
Information about Calderdale Council’s library service can be found at https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/libraries
Having a kind environment where everyone can realise their potential, whether their voice has been heard or unheard in the past, is a key part of the Vision 2024 for Calderdale. The year 2024 marks Calderdale’s 50th birthday and there is less than a year to go. Where do we want to be by 2024? Get involved on Twitter with #VisionCdale2024 and find out more at www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision