Black History Month

I congratulate my hon. Friend on leading this important debate in Government time. The Black Cultural Archives, which I am hugely proud to say is based in my constituency on Windrush Square, is the only national organisation dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of black history in the United Kingdom. It does not currently have recognition as a national organisation. Will the Minister work with me and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to ensure that the Black Cultural Archives has that status and recognition, as well as sustainable funding, given the vital role it plays?

I commend the Minister for leading the debate, and I think it is only fair also to commend the hon. Member for Brent East (Dawn Butler) for initiating it. Does the Minister agree that the celebration of culture and heritage, as well as their accomplishments, is something that benefits everyone in our community? The strength of this great United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has its foundations on our ability to be British and yet to be so much more.

First, I congratulate my hon. Friend on her speech. She is doing a fantastic job and she looks amazing. I am not getting into the jollof rice argument, because I am Jamaican. She mentioned one of the founders of Black History Month, who was a constituent of mine. Does she agree that it is no coincidence that in 1987, when Black History Month was first launched by the GLC, this place also made history with the election of the first three black MPs: the Mother of the House, my right hon. Friend the Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington (Ms Abbott), Lord Boateng, and the late and very great Bernie Grant?

Congratulates the Minister on a positive opening speech. Acknowledges joint working between Government Front Benchers and Back Benchers for bringing this debate to the Chamber. Emphasises the importance of recognising the achievements and contributions of black Britons in various fields, such as sport, entertainment, culture, and politics. Highlights the election of three black MPs in 1987 and celebrates Baroness Valerie Amos as a trailblazer. Mentions Alford Gardner's contribution to establishing the first Caribbean cricket club in the UK. Discusses the representation of black people in the NHS and their significant role during World War II, including their fight against racism. Supports efforts to tackle racist abuse online and improve racial disparities.

Pays tribute to her brother, Bobby Reid-De Cordova, a premier league footballer, for his incredible work on and off the pitch in his communities.

Mentions Alex Scott as a trailblazer for the women’s game in football.

Commemorates black warriors who fought in World War II and recommends reading 'The Eighth Passenger' by Miles Tripp to learn about their contributions.

Agrees that there needs to be more recognition of the long history of black populations in his constituency, dating back to the 1920s.

Emphasised the need for resetting narratives regarding Africa's wealth and resources, challenged the notion that reparations are solely monetary in nature, highlighted the historical context of slavery compensation paid to slave owners, and encouraged a broader discussion on reparations including non-monetary forms such as returning artefacts and correcting educational history.

Jogee intervened to reassure Margaret and Godfrey that they are loved on Labour Benches as well.

Maynard thanked Babarinde for his fantastic speech and highlighted the significance of Black History Month in remembering contributions like those made by Windrush immigrants. He also acknowledged the Windrush compensation scheme.

Sarah Owen acknowledged the contributions of her colleagues and celebrated the achievements of trailblazers like her hon. Friend, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office. She emphasised that Black History Month is a time to learn about injustices in black history and highlighted disparities in various areas such as work, pay, education, and health. Owen also discussed the Windrush scandal, pointing out its impact on individuals who were denied access to healthcare and benefits despite being British citizens from the Caribbean. She urged for assurances that lessons have been learned and called for compensation to victims of the Windrush scandal who are still waiting. Furthermore, she highlighted ongoing inequalities in maternity care, where black women face higher risks compared to white women, along with workplace discrimination against black women during menopause and gender-race intersectionality issues. Owen also addressed under-representation of black individuals in popular sports like swimming, diving, cycling, and the music industry due to racial biases and low pay.

Emphasises the importance of positive narratives about race and representation in UK politics. Critiques the media's portrayal of black culture, highlighting the need for role models to challenge negative stereotypes. Stresses his pride in British identity and military service.

Introduces Liam Conlon, setting up for a maiden speech but does not provide her own detailed contribution on the topic of debate.

Congratulates the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on securing the debate. Mentions notable locals in his constituency such as Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham and Michelle De Leon, CEO and founder of World Afro Day. Acknowledges former MPs Colonel Bob Stewart and Ellie Reeves for their service. Emphasises the Labour Party's strong connections to his constituency with mentions of former general secretaries Tom Sawyer and David Evans. Highlights the diverse communities in Beckenham and Penge and the shared values among them, including solidarity and care. Discusses personal experience as a disabled individual supported by the NHS and expresses gratitude towards NHS staff. Advocates for improving conditions for disabled people and ensuring better representation.

Gratified to speak on the contributions of Brighton's black history, including the Brighton & Hove Black History group and Afrori Books. Emphasised local artists such as AFLO., Fox Fisher, Jordan Stephens, Harley Alexander-Sule, QM Records, Carolynn Bain, Althea Wolfe, and John Mayford. Highlighted racial disparities in stop and search practices by police. Raised concerns about the unresolved murder of Jay Abatan.

Celebrated Black History Month's theme of reclaiming narratives, acknowledging contributions to UK society, including Windrush generation and local trailblazers. Emphasised the importance of highlighting overlooked figures like Mary Seacole. Called for continued progress in equality and representation.

I discuss the contributions of black inventors such as Lewis Latimer who invented the carbon filament in light bulbs, Morgan Garrett who created the gas mask and traffic lights system, and Walter Tull, one of England’s first black professional football players and a British Army officer during World War I. I also highlight the West African Division's commitment to the British empire and its soldiers’ sacrifices in World War II. Additionally, I acknowledge the contributions of black excellence in arts, culture, and creative industries through figures like Steve McQueen, Courtney Pine, Malorie Blackman, and Randall McNeil.

My hon. Friend’s result was declared 20 minutes after mine, and we became Southend’s first black MPs, contributing to reframing narratives in British history.

I am honoured to be the Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter, a constituency rich in history and diversity. I commit to representing diverse communities and ensuring their voices are heard, contributions celebrated, and challenges addressed. My constituency has vibrant cultures including Pakistani, Polish, and Romanian residents who enrich our community. It includes major towns like Burton upon Trent with a significant brewing industry and Uttoxeter known for agriculture, manufacturing, and JCB headquarters. I will advocate for the local economy and support communities through volunteering and organisations such as BAC O’Connor Centre and SARAC. Before entering politics, I worked for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and as a Unison trade union rep.

The debate is needed to reclaim the narrative of black history, celebrating changemakers. The speaker emphasises the importance of unity against division, sharing personal family history that illustrates diverse heritage within a single lineage. He highlights significant contributions by people of colour in various sectors including the military and civil services during wartime and post-war reconstruction. The MP also notes ongoing issues with racism and discrimination, advocating for better representation and opportunities for all ethnic minorities in both government and business spheres. Representation is crucial; however, current statistics reveal a stark disparity in leadership roles occupied by black individuals compared to their proportion of the general population.

It is an honour to deliver my maiden speech in this debate. Jenny Riddell-Carpenter acknowledges the dedication and hard work of local Labour party volunteers who helped her win the seat, expressing gratitude towards Dame Thérèse Coffey for her service to Suffolk Coastal. She also pays tribute to Lord Deben as a dedicated constituency MP and environmental champion. She commits to protecting the environment in Suffolk Coastal. The area is known for its historical significance with sites like Sutton Hoo and cultural figures such as George Orwell and Benjamin Britten. Despite economic growth from Felixstowe port and Adastral Park, there are significant challenges including special educational needs crises, rural poverty, cost of living struggles, and a high incidence of dementia.

The Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme emphasised the importance of acknowledging the contributions made by black Britons to British history and society. He highlighted personal stories, including those from his own family who migrated during World War II and contributed significantly to rebuilding efforts post-war. He celebrated the economic impact of black businesses in the UK, contributing over £25 billion annually. Jogee also addressed issues related to representation, mentioning that he is the first black MP for Staffordshire and acknowledged other MPs who have broken racial barriers. He stressed the importance of reflecting on Britain's colonial past, improving trade relationships with Commonwealth countries, and ensuring equal treatment in work, health, and education.

It is a privilege to speak in the debate and recognise the contribution of the black community. Sarah highlights specific achievements, such as West Bromwich Albion's 'Three Degrees', three pioneering black players during the 1970s who overcame significant racism to play top-flight football in Britain. She also shares the story of Hyacinth Jarrett, a Jamaican immigrant who became a trailblazer in hairdressing and trained others in caring for black hair, eventually contributing her expertise to educational modules at Birmingham College and the University of London.

I thank my hon. Friends for making today's debate happen and recognise the importance of reclaiming narratives in Black History Month. Natasha shares her personal story through her grandparents, Ruby and Egbert Napolean Irons, who came from Jamaica to rebuild Britain after World War II, symbolising hard work and sacrifice. She emphasises that Croydon now has its first black MP and expresses gratitude towards the predecessors who have made her presence possible in Parliament.

Congratulates friends who made maiden speeches, highlights importance of Black History Month. Mentions the story of Peter McLagan, Scotland’s first black MP, and advocates for his portrait to be displayed in Parliament's pioneers' gallery. Discusses Eunice Simpson, a community leader who founded West Lothian African Women’s Network. Emphasises on breaking down barriers and boosting opportunities for equality.

Thanks Kirsteen Sullivan for her speech, references the origins of Black History Month in 1987 by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo and Ansel Wong to address identity crises faced by black British children. Supports changing narrative around black history as everyone's history.

Intervenes to emphasise the importance of community organisations in changing narratives and highlighting the contributions of black people, citing examples like People Dem Collective and Margate Black Pride. Stresses the need for black history to be part of the modern curriculum.

Reminds hon. Member that interventions should be short, suggesting they will have a chance to speak formally later.

Intervenes to express agreement on the strength of diversity in communities such as Burnley and its contribution to culture, community and economic growth.

Ms. Gardner congratulates Members on their maiden speeches and emphasises the importance of acknowledging black British history despite past injustices. She highlights individuals such as Doug Brown from Stoke-on-Trent South, who contributed to various fields including healthcare and local governance. She also mentions the work of Paul and Jonathan Smith from PPE4 Community CIC in Meir, which empowers young people from low-income backgrounds. Ms. Gardner stresses that celebrating black British history is a year-round responsibility for everyone in Britain.

Mr. Jogee supports the idea of honouring Doug Brown, whose son lives in his constituency. He offers full support to Ms. Gardner's campaign for a statue dedicated to this historical figure.

Ms. Blake encourages the celebration of Olaudah Equiano, who made significant contributions to democracy in London and Westminster. She invites Ms. Gardner to celebrate this historic figure as part of reclaiming narratives during Black History Month.

Responded to the debate on behalf of His Majesty’s official Opposition, expressing gratitude for heartfelt contributions from Members across the House. Emphasised the optimism for the future and the celebration of black contributions within constituencies. Acknowledged the Windrush Unit's updates and paid tribute to various individuals such as Dawn Butler, Josh Babarinde, Sarah Owen, Helen Tomlinson, Ben Obese-Jecty, Liam Conlon, Siân Berry, Paulette Hamilton, Mr Alaba, Jacob Collier, David Burton-Sampson, Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, and others for their impactful speeches. Highlighted the importance of role models, mentors, economic prosperity, school councils, tackling online racism, dementia support, historical figures like Peter McLagan, and the need to address long-standing issues while striving for progress in racial disparity.

Asked Mims Davies about her mother's origins within Newcastle-under-Lyme after she shared a personal story about being a foundling from there.

We have celebrated Black History Month since the 1980s, moving from the fringes to the mainstream across our schools, colleges and workplaces. Our understanding of history is evolving as new scholarship reveals new stories, narratives and truths that enhance our understanding of the experience of the black community in the UK. We have heard from colleagues across the House highlighting important issues such as intersectionality, Windrush scandal compensation, and the need for dual discrimination protections under the Equality Act 2010. Labour’s manifesto commits to strengthening these protections. The Home Secretary updated the House on progress made towards fulfilling our manifesto commitments to the Windrush generation, including £1.5 million in grant funding for advocacy and support organisations, a new single caseworker process to streamline application processes, and the appointment of a Windrush commissioner to oversee compensation schemes and implement review recommendations.