Bournemouth Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council’s Race and Cultural Diversity Staff Network group hosted their second annual Black History Month event in Bournemouth University’s Bournemouth Gateway Building. The event highlighted the crucial role that Black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities.

Key speakers included Bernadette MacDonald, Chair of the Equality Council Commission; Toni Jones, Senior Practitioner, Adult Social Care; Dr. Isioma Nwokolo, Consultant Psychiatrist; and DEED’s Louise Boston-Mammah.

This community event gathered people of all ages and backgrounds. Audience members included the Charter Mayor of Poole, Councillor Jo Clements and Bournemouth, Councillor Anne Filer.

Layne Hamerston, BU’s Community Partnerships Manager, said: “We’re delighted to continue to work together and utilise our facilities to bring together communities. This event has helped raise awareness for the ongoing work within Dorset to support our diverse community and highlight its successes. We look forward to being a part of the future evolution of this event.”

BCP’s Community and Recreation Officer, Wilbert Smith, organiser of the event, introduced the keynote speakers. Bernadette MacDonald spoke of her work supporting those from disadvantaged and ethnic minority communities as a volunteer community member for The Crown Prosecution Service and local police.

Toni Jones spoke of women who have made a difference including activists such as Olive Morris, a member of the British Black Panther Movement who supported the UK’s first network of Black women’s groups. Toni also spoke about Claudia Jones's influence as a journalist, through her advocacy for Black individuals, women, and workers.

Louise Boston-Mammah introduced her research project, ‘Where We Can Call Home’, Citizens Advice Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole in partnership with DEED are working with the new communities of BCP to tell the stories of people who are re-shaping their local communities, industries and services.

Dr. Isioma Nwokolo concluded the event, with an interactive presentation in which the audience was invited to share their experience going into “survival mode” e.g., a difficult period. An audience member gave an example of how their community group had struggled during COVID-19 to stay connected and took to activities via video call such as cooking to help maintain a sense of community during a period of isolation. From other’s experiences, we learnt that there is strength and support in coming together as a community.