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Newport council BAME staff network support Black History Month

Posted on Friday 23rd October 2020

Newport City Council’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff network group are supporting this year’s Black History Month celebrations, and the move to a 365 day focus on the significant contributions of Black communities and individuals to the history and culture of Wales.

The council has a programme of activities planned to celebrate Black History Wales 365, and will also work with the BAME staff network group on a number of workplace-based initiatives.

The network has identified three key priorities that they will support the council with over the next twelve months:

•             improve the training that the council delivers around equality and bias

•             review the council’s policies in relation to discrimination and harassment in the workplace

•             create a more representative workforce that reflects the communities of Newport.

The Chair of Newport’s BAME Staff Network said “we fully support this year’s move to Black History Wales 365. It is a special opportunity not only to recognise achievements across every aspect of our lives but also to celebrate identity and who we are.

“The history we are taught has such an important part to play in shaping people’s perception about Black communities and can reinforce persisting negative stereotypes and promote racism. It is important that the history we learn is truthful and reflects the experience of all those that went before us, so we leave an accurate account to those who will come after us.

“The Black Lives Matter Movement, the COVID-19 pandemic and the never-ending global incidences of racial inequality and injustice highlight the daily and painful sufferings of Black communities and other different minority communities.

“Black History 365 marks an opportunity for all of us to start working together, ensuring the national historical narrative is inclusive and representative, in order to build a better Newport and a better world.”

Cllr Jane Mudd, leader of the council, said “Our staff, and our staff networks, play an important role in helping our organisation develop. The council is fully behind the Black History Wales 365 campaign and we are grateful to our BAME staff network group for the work they will be supporting us with over the next twelve months."

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