Black History Month began on October 1. It is an annual observance originating in the United States. Its creation was to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans in the United States and has since been recognised all over the world, more recently in the United Kingdom.
Each year, the month has a different theme. This year it is "Time for Change: Action Not Words" in a bid to help people come together to limit racism and discrimination and ensure realtime changes are made, to stop people from being passive bystanders and get things done.
All across the country, cities and towns will be celebrating Black History Month with special talks, focus groups and demonstrations. Every year, Leeds celebrates the month with lectures, historical walks and other events.
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Often, these events are put on by universities, local black groups and various charities. It's important to give these groups the credit they deserve, not just during this month but all year round.
We have put together a list of 10 groups in Leeds doing amazing work for the black community.
Black Owned Economy
Black Owned Economy is a network and community of over 150,000 black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, primarily based in the UK. The community offer and share advice and support to those who are starting out with a business.
This includes collaboration opportunities, training, live events, workshops and access to information and guidance. They travel all over the country and have events in Leeds throughout Black History Month to educate and inspire through professional speakers.
Leeds Black Elders Association
Established in 1991, the Leeds Black Elders Association (LBEA) was created to provide specialised help and provision for Black elders. This means ensuring their needs are met and addressing many of the issues affecting all elders in the community.
Leeds Black Elders Association is a Neighbourhood Network Scheme that is commissioned by Leeds City Council to deliver appropriate services that meets the needs of the elderly who are living in parts of Leeds.
LBEA also has a city-wide remit which enables us to work with African-Caribbean's in the wider district of Leeds. LBEA offer health and wellbeing hubs, home security assessments, meals on wheels and housing support.
Heritage Corner Leeds
Heritage Corner is a creative approach to exposing hidden stories and helps engage people in understanding African history and heritage as well as their connections to the county. They offer an award-winning Leeds Black History Walk which takes people on a stroll with expert commentary bringing to life real historical figures.
They work across all age groups and sectors, especially with young people and their work is empowering and informative.
Jamaica Society Leeds
The Jamaica Society in Leeds is one of the country's most revered Jamaican community organisations. It was founded by six first generations Jamaicans in 1977.
They fly the flag of the country they love and share that love for Leeds. The group champions the preservation and heritage of Jamaican culture and operates from their own Jamaica House right in the heart of Leeds' African Caribbean community.
They advocate for their communities, host charity events, collaborate with other organisations, care and support for the sick and vulnerable and provide a platform for news and updates from Jamaica's Government agencies and corporate sector.
Culturally Diverse Hub
The Culturally Diverse Hub exists to tackle racial inequalities across Leeds. They work to ensure the voice of culturally diverse communities are heard by decision-makers in the city.
Membership is open to anyone from a culturally diverse community or with an interest in the issues in Leeds – both individuals and organisations.
Every year the Hub’s Arts and Culture sub group promote and celebrate Black History Month by organising events during the month (and at other times) to promote the contribution that Black African Caribbean communities make in Leeds and further afield.
Barca Leeds
Barca is a community-based charity, that delivers transformational projects for adults, young people and families. They work with organisations to reduce social isolation and help people develop their initiatives.
They fully support Black Lives Matter and stand by it as a vision of a fair society. They recognise and ensure education is in place so that their staff have the tools to tackle racism in every form.
The University of Leeds African-Caribbean Society
The University of Leeds African-Caribbean society is all about celebration and education of African and Caribbean culture. The society aims to showcase the beauty of African and Caribbean culture at the university and within the wider community in Leeds.
They bring together talented individuals who are given a platform to confidently express themselves and inspire others. They host a range of social and academic events every year to further strengthen the group's sense of community.
Leeds Black Feminist Society
Leeds Black Feminist Society is a supportive space to embrace the beauty and brilliance of black women and non-binary people. The group hosts a number of events every year, including academic talks, dramatic adaptations and they signpost people to get the help they need.
The Black Health Initiative
The Black Health Initiative (BHI) aims to help people with their health, make positive lifestyle choices and helps people educate themselves on living a better standard of physical and emotional health. They offer their services to Leeds and the surrounding areas. They also exist to reduce elderly social isolation, working with age groups of 55 plus to give them movement as well as social and educational trips.
Mind
Evidence shows that Black men are far more likely than others to be diagnosed with severe mental health problems and are also far more likely to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act. However, up until 11 years old, Black boys don't have poorer mental health than others of their age.
There are multiple reasons for this including stigma, cultural barriers, and systemic discrimination, all of which are more directly experienced by Black boys and young Black men as they get older.
Mind works with young Black men and specifically focuses on prevention. They work across the country, including in London and Leeds and they aim to increase the understanding of mental health problems and reduce the stigma surrounding them.
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