Black History Month: Saluting Our Sisters

October is Black History Month in the UK. This year’s theme is Saluting Our Sisters. I am pleased with this year’s theme because black women have always been at the forefront of social justice movements; fighting against oppression and paving the way for change. However, despite their countless contributions to society; Black women’s achievements have too often been overlooked or forgotten. I was fortunate to host a chapter meeting for the The Links, Incorporated London UK Chapter this past weekend. It was an opportunity for us to reflect on the many contributions that black women made in our community and the world. For example; a black woman, Tarana Burke, created the #MeToo movement to assist survivors of sexual violence especially women of colour. Intersectionality, which is used to describe how race, class, gender, and other individual characteristics “intersect” with one another and overlap was created by Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989. Not to mention some of the inventions that shaped our society such as the fold out bed; ironing board; and home video security system were all invented by black women. Lastly, we cannot forgot the countless contributions made by black women whose leadership resulted in significant changes that benefited the wider society. For example; black women led the underground railroad; were unsung heroes of the suffrage movement; organised freedom riders; and rebuilt Great Britain after the second world war to name a few. So thank you Sisters for paving the way and continuing to be the change agents you are. You desire the spotlight.