Happy Black History Month
October is Black History Month in the UK. The theme for 2024 is “Reclaiming Narratives”. The theme is not just about revisiting history; it’s about taking ownership of the stories that define our culture, our contributions, and our identity. For too long, the history of Black communities has been told through lenses that often misrepresent, oversimplify, or overlook the rich and diverse experiences of those who have lived. As a self identified bibliophile, I truly believe that stories are powerful tools because they can help shape how we understand our past, present, and our future. Last month, I was happy to see Diane Abbott with some of my sorority sisters at SouthBank Centre. Afua Hirsch moderated the session and she shared a few snippets from her recently released memoir, A Woman Like Me. Regardless of where you are on the political spectrum; we have to acknowledge Diane Abbott as a trail blazer. She was the first black woman elected to parliament and is long serving black MP. She is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Hackney North and Stoke Newington and has held this role since 1987. Abbott was recently given the symbolic title, Mother of the House, as the longest continuously serving female MP. I plan on reading her book, A Woman Like Me. Politics is not easy and I steer clear from it but it definitely speaks volume to see someone who has lasted this long and it is clear that she has served her constituents well.
