Black History Month

1 October begins Black History Month and International Day of Older People.

Black History Month is a time for celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black people in the UK and the world. It is also a time to take action against racism and discrimination, reclaim Black history, and ensure it is represented and celebrated all year round.

This year's theme for Black History Month in the UK is Time for Change: Action Not Words. 

The past is in the past, and while we can acknowledge and learn from it, we need more action, not words, to bring about real positive change.

While it's crucial if you see something, to say something, to ensure real change, Black people need support from allies. These people will stand with them, move beyond short-term gestures, and take real long-term action within workplaces, educational spaces, and public realms. When we come together around this shared common goal, we will only achieve a better world for everyone.

This year the theme of IDOP is focused on the resilience and contribution of older women.

While older women continue to meaningfully contribute to their political, civil, economic, social and cultural lives, their contributions and experiences remain invisible and disregarded, limited by gendered disadvantages accumulated throughout their lives. The intersection between discrimination based on age and gender compounds new and existing inequalities, including negative stereotypes that combine ageism and sexism.

The 2022 theme of International Day of Older Persons serves as a hallmark and reminder of the significant role older women play in traversing global challenges and contributing to their solutions with resilience and fortitude.

At Age UK Hammersmith & Fulham, we work with many inspirational Black Older Women, including service users, volunteers, friends, and colleagues across the city. We will be sharing stories throughout October. Let's come together and celebrate these women's considerable contributions to Hammersmith & Fulham daily.

Share your story of an Older Black Woman who inspires you. You can join the conversation today on social media, tag @ageukhf, and use the hashtags to share your story #IDOP22, #SheWillBeHeard, #BlackHistoryMonth, and #BHM.