October is Black History Month; a time to reflect on history, making sure that communities all over the world learn from it and understand the context behind those who did a lot for the Black communities. It is only somewhat recently recognised in the UK, first starting in the United States.
However, every year across the country there are events held to commemorate such a vital part of world history. This year has a strong focus on making sure children and younger generations are educated on the UK links to the slave trade.
LeedsLive spoke to members of the Black community in Leeds to hear their thoughts on the good, the bad and what needs to be done to better those communities.
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We went out onto the streets of Leeds first to speak with everyday members of the community, asking them what life is like in 2022 as a Black person. We quickly learned that there is a fear among these communities, a fear of racial prejudice, unfair treatment and intolerance.
Speaking to three people in Leeds, this is what they had to say, they are not pictured as they felt unsafe having their faces out there due to what they have experienced.
James, 22, said: "It's hard, life is really hard, imagine waking up every day and feeling less worthy than others? It cannot be understood unless it is experienced.
"Leeds has a high number of Black people, there are pockets of these communities all over the city, but I and others feel afraid of those in higher power, we have seen the news from the US and here about police and their prejudice, I have not experienced that but I know people who have.
"I get called names, I get looks that make me feel like I am a danger and that's just not true."
Another person, who wished to remain anonymous said: "There is not enough done about it, I think Leeds is generally pretty forward-thinking, it's nothing like it was way back in the past but it still exists, we still feel like we are second class and we shouldn't.
"We celebrate our history, others should be aware of it, maybe that might make them feel less concerned, but they shouldn't be concerned in the first place."
Michael, 42, said: "I have had an alright time here, I was born here, my parents came overseas and they struggled but thanks to them I have done okay.
"I shouldn't have to feel lucky to lead the same life as a white man but I do, that's the problem."
Founding member of The World Reimagined, a ground-breaking national art education project to transform how people understand the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Michelle Gayle was part of the team creating hundreds of sculptures across the country for Black History Month.
Michelle who is also an actor and top-selling singer, alongside her team, put 10 of these globe sculptures in Leeds in a bid to educate communities on the real history of the slave trade. She said people are not taught enough and more difficult conversations need to be had.
Michelle said: “I co-founded the World Reimagined and we co-founded it because we had a very difficult conversation, a conversation I had never had with a white man.
“We are not taught about the UK involvement with slave trade, there was so much missing from the truth of British history and I knew that Black people I had spoken to felt that too.
“We thought, what if, everyone around the country had this difficult conversation, what if everyone acknowledged that and that is how the world reimagined was born, the blank canvas of globes that could be decorated in a way that could educate, they have impactful, they hurt and they have sparked conversations up and down the country.
"We definitely want to highlight the good work these people are doing in Leeds, increase their reach and help make them sustainable.
“We reached out to the community through schools and community groups, children are the future, they are educating their parents.”
“They learn a very comprehensive history, showing what Africa was like before slavery, we started these difficult conversations with councils like in Leeds and we want them to stay committed to making racial justice a reality.
“You just need to look at the police stats and the schooling stats that the outcomes for Black people and Black children are very different to their white counterparts.
“Many myths were created to let people say ‘it’s okay, many of those beliefs remain without the knowledge that these myths were created to allow it to happen.”
There are countless community groups and charities across the city that do vital work with Black communities. They help people with housing, food, education, and jobs and help get their voices heard, something Black communities in Leeds feel is missing.
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