“More than ever, we need to come together”: Celebrating Black History Month
Happy Black History Month from us at Second Step! There’s been plenty going on here this month, culminating in a celebration event on Wednesday 21 October where we came together for food, music and talks, organised by our Race Equity Group.
There was so much to learn from and enjoy; visitors from Bristol organisations Refugee Women of Bristol and Borderlands spoke to us about their work with refugees and asylum seekers, books and poems were shared, art was made and there was even an amazing drumming workshop.
As well as a celebration, this event was also a chance to reflect on what has been a challenging year in many ways. We held a quiet space for Professor Jason Arday and colleagues we’ve lost this year. We acknowledged the rise in far-right rhetoric and tensions in the UK.
The event highlighted the work done by the Race Equity Group and Second Step’s ongoing commitment to becoming an anti-racist organisation.
Jada Johnson Dutfield, Business Development Coordinator and Race Equity Strategy Group Chair, reflected on the event:
“This year’s theme for Black History Month was Honouring Our Communities. It seemed only right to invite people working in our communities to our Black History Month event.
“More than ever, we need to come together, as Norman Stephenson, also known as Rubba, chatted to us about during his African drumming session, which had colleagues attempting to follow the beat, his rhythm and dance moves amidst the laughter.
“We’ve shared food, books, crafting, music and our own histories this month. I, for one, think that’s what brings people closer, breaks down walls and helps with change. I have loved the sharing this month and hope it continues beyond it.”
Sonia Singh, Team Administrator and Race Equity Group Events Lead, said:
“This in-person event created an amazing space for us to connect, learn, and celebrate together. Organising the event and seeing it come to life was a real achievement. Thank you to everyone who was involved. Without your support, commitment, and willingness to help one another, events like this would not happen.
“It was really lovely to welcome our local community organisations, Borderlands and Refugee Women of Bristol, who shared some of the incredible work they do within our communities, and offered advise on how we can get in contact to make referrals.
“The African drumming sessions, led by Norman Stephenson (Rabba), were a fantastic way to engage with one another. The music brought people together, created a sense of connection, and made us all smile and laugh.
“It was great to see so many members of staff join throughout the event, it gave us the opportunity to come together, reconnect, and reflect on some of the difficult times we have experienced recently, while celebrating the strength of our community.”
Left to Right: Sonia, Asia, Jada and Chiedza from our Race Equity Group
Find out more about how we’re working to become an anti-racist organisation on our Celebrating Diversity page.