Luton is marking Black History Month with a month-long programme of events and a new campaign celebrating the people, stories and achievements of the town’s Black African Caribbean communities.
Events will take place across Luton throughout October under this year’s national theme, ‘Honouring Our Communities’.
The programme will focus on the everyday acts of leadership, care, service, creativity and courage which have helped shape communities across the town.
Residents will be encouraged to come together to celebrate Black culture and heritage and learn more about the people and stories that have contributed to Luton’s history and present-day identity.
A new community-led campaign called ‘Black Luton: Our Past, Our Present, Our Future’ is also being supported by Luton Council and Mary Seacole Housing Association.
It will explore three themes – Luton Past, Luton Present and Luton Future – highlighting people who have helped shape the town, those making a difference today and emerging Black talent who could inspire the next generation.
The campaign will also seek to shine a light on people whose contributions may not always be widely recognised.
Councillor Maria Lovell MBE said Black History Month was an opportunity to recognise generations of contribution to the town.
“‘Honouring Our Communities’ means recognising the sacrifice, service, contributions, and cultural pride of generations who have kept our heritage alive.
“This Black History Month, we celebrate their legacy and continue to work together in Luton to honour our Black Unsung Heroes, ensuring they are respected, acknowledged and celebrated.”
More than 100 people have already been recognised through Luton’s annual Unsung Black Heroes event.
The council is now inviting nominations for this year’s awards, with categories recognising young adults aged 18 to 25 and adults, alongside a Role of Honour Award for two older members of the community who have demonstrated many years of dedication and service to Luton’s Black communities.
Nominees could include community or faith leaders, youth workers, volunteers, healthcare professionals or simply neighbours who have gone above and beyond to support others.
Councillor Lovell said the town had also made progress since a cross-party Black Lives Matter motion was passed five years ago.
“Five years on from our landmark cross-party Black Lives Matter motion, in response to the priorities raised by local people we are seeing real, measurable progress improving diversity and representation in our workforce, achievement in our schools, and opportunity and participation across our communities, and we remain committed to going further.
“Black History Month is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to building a fairer, more inclusive society where every community feels valued, heard and empowered to thrive.”
Matthew Bushnell, chief executive of Mary Seacole Housing Association, said: “I encourage everyone to get involved throughout Black History Month – attend an event, share a story or simply take the opportunity to learn more about the people who have contributed so much to Luton, and continue to do so.
“Through Black Luton, we want to shine a light on the people and stories that have helped shape our town, those making a difference today and the next generation of Black talent and leaders.”
The October programme will include events across the town, with residents able to find out about activities through the Luton Black History Month events programme.
The council is also using the month to raise awareness of the Windrush Compensation Scheme and support available to members of the Windrush generation.
Free advice is available through the Windrush Compensation Scheme Advice Line on 0800 678 1925, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
The council says Black History Month is intended not only to celebrate the past but to recognise the contribution being made by Luton’s Black communities today and the potential of future generations.
Be the first to comment