MP Maria Miller welcomed the launch of Black History Month, which will be celebrated with a series of online events themed, ‘Engage, Educate, Empower’.

These events celebrating black leaders, heroes and businesses, and reflecting on the history and achievements of the black community were organised by: Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Basingstoke African Caribbean Catholic Association, Basingstoke Caribbean Society & Friends, Basingstoke Unites Against Racism, Basingstoke Hindu Society and the Black Success Initiative.

Maria Miller said, ‘Black History Month is such an important opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the black community. I have had the pleasure of working with many of these community groups as part of Basingstoke’s BAME Inquiry in recent months, and so I am delighted that they have been able to make Black History Month celebrations possible virtually this year.’

This summer, Maria Miller launched an Inquiry in to the lived experiences of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people in Basingstoke to understand how Basingstoke can be a fairer, more inclusive place for all. The Inquiry has gathered its evidence and will be publishing its findings in November this year.

Black History Month runs from 1 to 31 October 2020 and offers everyone the chance to learn lessons for the present and the future and to stand united against racism. For more information on Black History Month view https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/