Reflecting on Black History Month

Tapiwa

October began with mixed emotions, particularly the anticipation of what Black History Month would bring.

As a Black woman and Co-Chair of the National PCFSW Network, I felt a mix of worry about my expectations and those of others. Why does it have to be just one month? This question often lingers in my mind, adding to the pressure. Questions like ‘what are you doing for Black History Month?’ and ‘what do you think we can do?’ started pouring in. I didn't always have the answers, nor should I. Reflecting on my Black and Asian Leadership Initiative sessions, I thought about the complexities of navigating leadership as a Black woman, managing expectations, and the necessity of having support from the ‘village’.

I've had many enriching conversations with colleagues about creating spaces to share vulnerability and ask those ‘clumsy questions’. During lunch breaks, we've laughed about situations that, in a different context, might have had different outcomes. This is relational social work. Sharing stories about our positive and negative experiences has been deeply emotive.

Looking forward with hope and a plan to collaborate as peers is refreshing. I'm grateful to the allies who have stood up and used their voices to advance anti-racism in spaces where others were unable or unwilling to lend a voice.

As the month comes to an end, the need for continued conversations and actions to advance racial equity remains. We must continue to be intentional in our anti-racist journey, and sometimes that means sitting with discomfort. This is where the concept of Ubuntu comes in—recognising that our humanity is interconnected. We are who we are because of each other, and together, we can create lasting change.

Louise

Black History Month, along with the outward racism we witnessed across the UK, made me truly reflect on my position; am I a good enough ally to Black and Global Majority colleagues? Do I aid the creation of spaces with the privilege I hold for a continued conversation of inclusivity and anti-racism? How does this impact on the families we are working alongside? Am I doing enough?

Within this context, I felt quite vulnerable. I also reflected on my role with my new current co-chairs as a white female. What did I have to offer for Black History Month?

I was so fortunate to have an informal conversation with one of my co-chairs and a colleague I had never met before. Within this conversation, I felt safe to explore race, reflect on dilemmas, learn about my colleague's cultural heritage, and hear about the work ongoing in other parts of the country. This was a truly enriching conversation where I learnt so much and was able to voice some of my vulnerability and I am grateful for the space, warmth and kindness. Having this space ensured any feelings of vulnerability were contained and processed, which avoided any of the defensiveness that we as white people can sometimes display when we feel exposed/vulnerable.

What I have learnt is the need to continue to open up spaces to have continued conversations, and to not remain passive, even if my words are clumsy! It is by being courageous and having open conversations that we can continue to bring about change, in addition to creating spaces of safety for all voices to be heard and understood. True allyship requires action and progress, not perfection, better to have a clumsy conversation which is lead from the heart than to not have one at all and these need to happen as a continuum.

Shungu

To truly support Black social care practitioners, it’s essential to reclaim and redefine the narrative.

For too long, diversity has been framed as a challenge to manage, rather than a powerful asset. By celebrating the resilience, insights, and cultural wealth that Black practitioners bring, we shift this narrative and begin to recognise that diversity strengthens our sector.

It’s time to shine a spotlight on the achievements of Black social care professionals, their innovations, and the often unseen ways they improve outcomes for children and families. Let’s celebrate our unique approaches to advocacy, our ability to foster trust within communities and the guidance we provide to colleagues in creating culturally responsive practices. By doing so, we not only elevate our professionalism but set a standard that values diversity as integral to effective social care.

In conclusion, we reiterate our call to action. Imagine a future where our shared experiences and diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress for children, families and our colleagues. A future where we celebrate our differences and work together to dismantle systemic barriers. By fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and collaboration, we can ensure that everyone can thrive. 

Together, we can create a world where racial equity is not just a goal, but a reality. This collective hope for the future is rooted in our ability to support one another, stand up for what is right, and continue the journey towards a more just and inclusive society.