Young Black member of the year – ‘I’m just trying to fight injustice’

Funmi Ayeni (pictured above) was “overwhelmed” when she found out that she’d won the first Young Black Members’ Award. “I didn’t expect to win it, but it was an amazing feeling when I did.” This prestigious award was introduced by the national Black members’ committee in 2019, UNISON’s year of young members, and was presented at this weekend’s Black members’ conference in Bournemouth. It’s aim is to recognise the achievements of young activists and to encourage others to get involved in the union. Twenty-six-year old Funmi is a support worker for young people with mental health challenges and believes she won the award for going ‘above and beyond’ her work. Speaking at the Black members’ conference in Bournemouth, she said: “I’m just trying to fight the injustice that we face. “I love working with young people – they are my passion. But the thing is, they face discrimination. They’re scared to apply for jobs because they’re not sure they’ll be able to get them. And in most cases, they can’t afford to move out of their parents’ homes because of the pay gap. “I first came to conference in 2017 and I’ve only got a year left as a young member. I want to get as many young people on board as possible before then. “UNISON provides all these opportunities – like training, childcare, resources – and many people aren’t aware of them. I would love to be a mentor if I can.” As well as being a UNISON activist, Funmi say...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article News 2020 Black Members Conference young members Source Type: news