Impressive line-up of speakers to talk at Black History Month conference

Wiltshire Council is working with local partners to host a free online conference with an impressive line-up of speakers to mark Black History Month 2021.

The conference takes place on 11th October from 1pm-5pm and the speakers include historian and writer David Olusoga OBE; broadcaster and campaigner June Sarpong OBE; author and brother of Stephen Lawrence, the Rt Hon Stuart Lawrence; and former professional footballer Anton Ferdinand.

The theme of this year's Black History Month is 'Proud to be'. Black History Month is an annual global event observed in the UK in October to celebrate the culture, history and achievements of African and Caribbean communities. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and positive contributions from black and other ethnic minority communities and address inequalities that sadly still exist in society today.

The event is free for anyone to attend, but they must register on the Eventbrite Black History Month page here.

The event has been made possible thanks to a number of partners working with Wiltshire Council and providing funding.

Terence Herbert, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council, said, "Black History Month is such an important event on the calendar, and this conference will be an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of this country and our county, and to learn more about some really vital issues. I'd urge everyone to sign-up to attend.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, commented, "We'd like to thank our partners for supporting this conference and helping us put together a really interesting agenda that will cover so much.

"Black History Month is a chance to reflect upon, discuss, and celebrate the accomplishments of black Britons and we're looking forward to people hearing from the range of inspirational speakers".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said, "I am proud to support Black History Month and this partnership between the Civil Service, Wiltshire Council and local public services.

"For generations people of African and Caribbean descent have been shaping this nation, making an extraordinary contribution to all facets of our national, communal, and cultural life.

"Black History Month is as much about making history as it is about telling it. And so we also celebrate people like Darren Henry MP, whose family came from the Caribbean before he served 20 years in the RAF, as a Councillor in Wiltshire, was elected MP this Parliament and appointed Trade Envoy to the region.

"As a country, we stand resolute against racism and all forms of discrimination and prejudice wherever we encounter it - whether that be on the pitch, online or elsewhere".

More information about Black History Month can be found on the Black History Month website.