We are celebrating Black History Month (1-31 October), the annual celebration of the history, achievements and contributions of Black people in the UK.
The month is a way to teach and remind us of the important contribution of Black people in our history, that is often neglected. It’s an important time to boost recognition and challenge negative stereotypes, and to recognise and celebrate how Black people helped shape our history.
Why are we celebrating Black History Month?
As part of our equality, diversity and inclusion commitments, we want to make sure our customers and colleagues feel valued and embrace each other’s differences.
By recognising important campaigns, such as Black History Month, this gives us a valuable opportunity to celebrate our diversity and have conversations to help us learn and make positive change together.
During these vital campaigns, we will be sharing the stories and experiences of colleagues and customers with underrepresented protected characteristics, to raise awareness, educate ourselves, and help ensure diversity and inclusion is embedded in the way we think.
How are we celebrating Black History Month?
At LiveWest we are celebrating Black History Month by sharing stories and experiences of our Black colleagues and customers and recognising how Black people have helped shape our history.
The theme of this year’s Black History Month is ‘Saluting our Sisters'. This theme highlights the crucial role that Black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. We look forward to celebrating these women with our customers and colleagues.
You may have noticed we have changed our logo across our social media channels, to shine a light on Black History Month and to celebrate Black cultures and how they have shaped our history.
From now until 31 October, our logo represents colours from African and Caribbean cultures, celebrating the important contributions that people of African and Caribbean descent have made.
Listening to our colleagues to help us change
Our Race Equality Ethnicity Network (REEN) is a colleague group helping us deliver our ambition to be a more inclusive organisation, inspiring positive change. They help us bridge the gap of racial inequality for colleagues and customers, and help us embrace and understand racial equality and fairness.
The group supports in challenging our organisation, making conversations around racism normal, sharing stories and experience to help our colleagues learn, influencing positive change and providing a voice.
We look forward to sharing more with you throughout Black History Month.