London members mark Black History Month

UNISON Black members in London gathered in Conway Hall today to mark the legacy of Black people, and their continuing contribution to the UK.
The event was organised by the union’s Greater London regional Black members’ committee as part of Black History Month.
Itfeatured music, speakers and dance as more than 100 members and children celebrated, commemorated and had fun learning about the contribution of Black people under the theme ‘Our Legacy’.
Speakers included general secretary Dave Prentis, who said Black history month is “a time for action as well as reflection, a time to learn from the past – and to work together to shape a new future.
“This month exists not only to celebrate achievements, but to ask why Black people are written out of our history.”
Because “racism is not history,” said Mr Prentis. “It is still with us today.”
And tackling it “is one of our most urgent tasks – we cannot let it slide off our agenda. UNISON must make sure that, despite this government’s best efforts, we are still strong and organised in our workplaces – ready to speak up against racism, ready to challenge it, ready to fight for a better workplace and a better society.”
And that, Mr Prentis told the audience, “is why we are fighting the government’s Trade Union Bill
“It attacks our ability to fight for our members, to campaign and make our voices heard, to take industrial action...

Source: UNISON Health care news - October 28, 2015 Category: UK Health Authors: tonyb Tags: Article News black Black history month 2015 black members dave prentis Greater London legacy Margaret Greer trade union bill 2015 Source Type: news