My name is Sarah and I study Business Computing at Brunel University. I am currently on a placement year. I was born in the UK but my background is Ethiopian and Eritrean.
Black History Month is one of the most important months of the year and it is a time to think and reflect what it means to be Black British. This is a time to reflect on the activist and organiser who fought for racial equality for everyone and we wouldn’t be where we are today without that fight. I have spent the last 17 years learning about how important Black History is but after the Black Lives Matter movement it’s more important that we take the time to educate ourselves and celebrate the Black Culture in the UK.
As I mentioned before, the importance of Black History Month is to reflect on the diverse histories from African and Caribbean descent. It’s important to see the achievement and contribution to the social, political, economic, and cultural development of the UK. The importance of this is to inspire self and community among young Black people; help people from each country confront the problem of racial discrimination through greater understanding, by making the Black past accessible and meaningful to the broader White community.
My views on Black Lives Matter is a way to promote an end to police brutality. I found it so empowering when going out to protest for Black lives to show our lives are as important as anyone else is in the world. No one should never be attacked for the colour of their skin and it’s about time we put an end to it.
There are figures who have inspired me such as Rosa Parks who did not give up her seat for a white person, Barack Obama who was the first black president of the United States of America, and Martin Luther King who fought for segregation to be over and many more. These figures have inspired me to always fight for my rights and promote what I think is right. As one of the most important months of the year, I will be celebrating Black History Month by donating to charities, spreading awareness around the workplace in my placement, and taking the time to re-educate myself and my friends and family.