It’s October which means it’s UK Black History Month, where we recognise and celebrate the legacy and contribution of Britain’s black communities.
Brighton and Hove is a diverse city with a rich multicultural heritage, so I’m really proud that our councillors and staff are wearing our “black history” badges – and you can get your hands on one too.
To tell you a little more about the badges, they feature five people who all have a historical connection to our city and the surrounding region.
Sarah Forbes Bonnetta was a Yoruba woman who became Queen Victoria’s god-daughter and got married in Brighton.
Thomas Highflyer was a young African boy rescued from a slave ship, who is buried in Brighton.
Mary Seacole was a heroic nurse in the Crimean War who often visited this city.
Walter Tull was a professional footballer who became the first black British military officer before being killed in action in WW1.
The final badge showcases the West Indian Regiment of soldiers trained at Seaford who fought in the Somme.
If you pop down to the Jubilee Library, you can pick up a badge and, while you’re there, you can take a look at the “Black Tunes Matter” exhibition.
In fact, once you’ve taken in the photos and been inspired by the quotes at the Jubilee Library display, why don’t you get yourself over to Brighton Museum and Art Gallery to see the Windrush Presence exhibition?
I’m planning to drop into both in the coming weeks and from what I’ve been told they are well worth the visit.
There are lots of events and activities happening across the city to mark Black History Month. I want to thank our very own BME Workers’ Forum and also the Communities, Equality and Third Sector team at the council for all their work on this, as well as the Brighton and Hove Black History Project who we’ve been working with to deliver these Black History Month celebrations.
I’d urge everyone to get yourselves along to the various events across the city and show your support. Find out more here and here.
Councillor Nancy Platts is the Labour leader of Brighton and Hove City Council.
