October is Black History Month, and this year we are being encouraged to find out more about the exceptional achievements of black women, to which I can think of many, especially those in the field of physical activity and sport, acting as outstanding role models for black girls and women in future generations. The likes of; Nicola Adams OBE, the first British Boxer to become Olympic Champion; Denise Lewis, the first European to win an Olympic Heptathlon; Tessa Sanderson CBE, the first Black British women to win an Olympic Gold Medal, Dame Kelly Holmes who was the first woman to win two gold medals at one Olympic games, and Dina Asher-Smith the fastest British woman recorded in history.
Active Essex is honoured to work with some incredible and empowering black women who are making a difference in Essex, striving to support and bring together diverse communities through the power of sport and physical activity. Helen Verrier from Ghana Union in Harlow encompasses this completely and is a fantastic advocate and role model who ensures there is a platform for others to make a difference. Sport England’s Tackling Inequalities Fund and Together Fund allowed us to create relationships with individuals and organisations from a range of ethnic diverse communities to further develop opportunities for people to be active.
It’s great to see collectively, the 42 Active Partnerships across the country standing together to proactively tackle the racial inequalities that prevent or discourage people from leading active lives. I recently presented at a meeting with the Chief Executives of National Governing Bodies of Sport, as well as Active Partnership Directors. We discussed our role in being anti-racist organisations and our commitment to change, as well as the power of being role models for inclusive behaviour. This also offered a great platform to talk about the Race Equality Code and Active Essex’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion journey, sharing our ideas and good practice.
Last weekend, I was also privileged to be invited to the Sporting Equals Awards ceremony in London, where we celebrated achievements of race equity in sports and acknowledged the contributions made by ethnically diverse communities. I have no doubt that events like these will inspire the next generation, and continue to build upon this positive momentum.
Black History Month is just a month, but it’s my ambition to make racial diversity, equality, and inclusion a topic which is discussed and acted upon all year-round. Let’s celebrate this month the iconic black women that have contributed so much, but beyond this month, let’s together focus on change through our words and our actions.
For more information about Black History Month, click here: www.blackhistorymonth
