poster link and poster facts
www.pcs.org.uk/sites/default/files/site_assets/equality/2017/8942-BHM-poster-A4.pdf
PCS Celebrates 30 years of Black History Month – BB/60/17
Celebrating 30 years of Black History Month, 2017
October 2017 is the 30 anniversary of Black History Month in the UK and PCS is proud to celebrate this.
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month [BHM] each October gives PCS members a chance to reflect on the experience and struggles of black people in Britain and around the world, and to celebrate and encourage individual and collective activism to challenge discrimination.
Why PCS supports Black History Month
Black History Month is essential in promoting learning, providing information and contributing to community cohesion. It is an opportunity to focus on the achievements of black people and to reflect on the path to race equality.
Inequality remains; Black workers with degrees are 2.5 times more likely to be unemployed than white graduates; 34% of Black, or Minority ethnic people [BME] witnessed or experienced racial abuse in the months after the Brexit vote.
Research undertaken by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) on ethnicity and poverty showed that black and ethnic minority employees tend to have slightly higher educational qualifications than their white counterparts, but that disproportionately more BME workers are overqualified for their jobs.
There have been some societal changes. 11 June 1987 saw the historic election of four black MPs to Parliament: Diane Abbott, Paul Boateng, Bernie Grant and Keith Vaz. Forward 30 years later to 8 June 2017 and the General Election – and the House of Commons now has 41 MPs from non-white backgrounds.
All members have a crucial part to play in spreading the message of trade unionism and campaigning collectively for equality, freedom and justice.
“Dig deeper, Look closer, Think bigger; 30 years of UK Black History Month”
How can you get involved?:
- Organise an event in your branch or workplace
- Use the BHM poster, photo opportunity cards and 10 Key Facts as part of your event; send your event pictures to equality@pcs.org.uk
- Check for events in your PCS region/nation: http://www.pcs.org.uk/about-pcs/pcs-where-i-live /
- In your local area/ get involved / www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk
Materials:
The following materials are available for use:
- Poster 8942-09/17 – A3 & A4 “Celebrating 30 years of Black History Month UK”
- Factsheet 8942-0817 – “Black History Month: 10 key facts”
- Photo opp cards 8944-09/17 – “BHM 2017 30 Years of black history month” available in Red, Gold, Green
- Photo opp cards 8428-0916 – “Say No to Racism / Challenging stereotypes / Equality Freedom & Justice”
Please bring this briefing to the attention of members in your branch. Alternative formats are available.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Equality Department on 020 7801 2683. Alternatively you can email at equality@pcs.org.uk.
Mark Serwotka
General Secretary
PCS uses the term Black in the political context to apply to people from African and Asian Diasporas, including people of dual heritage. We reflect this in our materials and events for BHM
PCS Fylde 