L&Q celebrates Black History Month with ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ event
On October 30, L&Q proudly celebrated Black History Month with an uplifting event centred around the theme, Reclaiming Narratives.
Colleagues gathered at our West Ham Lane and Sale Point offices to honour the rich tapestry of Black history and culture in the UK.
Organised by our cultural diversity network, Kaleidoscope, the event aimed to challenge the narratives that have historically marginalised Black achievements, shifting the focus from stories of struggle to tales of triumph and empowerment.
A highlight of the event was a talk by Beverley Campbell. The retired teacher and curator shared an inspiring story of her own, as well as Sybil Phoenix’, a pioneering community worker and the first Black woman to be awarded at MBE in the UK.
In 1965, Sybil moved to London from Guyana, where she encountered significant racism. Undeterred, she dedicated her life to community work, providing shelter and support for abandoned children in the borough of Lewisham. Over the years, Sybil fostered more than 100 girls and young women, positively impacting countless lives.
In 1979, she founded the Marsha Phoenix Memorial Trust, which continues to provide support and shelter for homeless young women in South London. Her unwavering commitment led to the establishment of Moonshot Youth Centre in New Cross. Funded through Sybil’s fundraising efforts, it was the UK’s first purpose-built youth centre for Black children.
Beverley also showcased her project, 60 Untold Stories of Black Britain. Launched in 2015, the south London photographic exhibition celebrated the lives of the ‘first black middle-class’ – the children of the 1950s and ‘60s who passed through the British educational systems into vocational professions.
Black and white portraits captured by two photographers in their 60s and two in their 20s, audio interviews, and an accompanying documentary, charted decades of struggles, resolutions and achievements, challenging the viewer to ask the question: “who are our black heroes?”
Beverley said:
“Every Black History Month, we often look to figures across the waters – Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela. I wanted to show that we have heroes; we have history makers who are Black British.”
Public speaker, Ashantua Gordon, spoke about the power of a positive mindset in achieving aspirations and reaching potential. Colleagues in our North West office also heard from mental health practitioner, Angeli Sweeney, about black history in Manchester and the contributions from local people throughout the ages.
Angelia also spoke about the safe spaces held by Kaleidoscope during Black Inclusion Week. Following the recent racist and Islamophobic attacks across the UK, our staff networks came together to take a stand against the pain and fear affecting our communities, and to offer a space for healing, discussion and unity.
The event featured a Caribbean buffet, offering attendees a traditional taste of the vibrant cultures being celebrated, whilst providing a space for meaningful conversations about Black History and identity.
Kaleidoscope welcomes anyone interested in supporting and amplifying the voices of Black and ethnic communities. Whether they identify with these backgrounds or wish to stand as an ally, all are welcome to participate in this important work.
Elaine Lewis, Vice Chair of Kaleidoscope and Resident Diversity & Inclusion Specialist said:
“Reclaiming Narratives is a not just a theme; it’s a powerful call to action. It urges us to honour, educate and empower others by reclaiming the stories that define Black history.
As Black History Month comes to a close, it is clear that this celebration is not just a one-time event. We must carry the lessons learned into everyday life as part of our ongoing commitment to diversity.
Fiona Fletcher-Smith, CEO at L&Q said:
“As an organisation with a long history dating back to 1963, we understand the importance of recognising the past to drive meaningful change in the future.
From the incredible achievements and contributions of Black historical figures to the many untold stories and barriers to progress, I am inspired by the efforts of those who have shaped our history, and proud to see this work championed by our cultural diversity network, Kaleidoscope.”