Celebrating Black History Month
In his latest column for the Black Members' Digest, Mohammed looks ahead to Black History Month, Islamophobia Awareness Month and the Black members’ seminar.
October marks the start of Black History Month (BHM) in the UK. It is a moment to reflect, celebrate and acknowledge the service of those who came before us.
For me, BHM is a time to pause and think of all the sacrifices Black communities have made to this country. Take the NHS, which is cherished by all of us: migrant and Black communities are the backbone of this great institution.
As Reform and others on the far-right attack immigrants, let us remember immigration has enriched this country and our contributions.
I am so proud that the national Black members’ committee is putting on a month of activities and sessions for all members to attend. If you have not registered for the sessions, there is still time to do so online .
We are also looking forward to Islamophobia Awareness Month in November. The committee has organised a special session with guest speakers that include PCS’s national president Martin Cavanagh and British Muslim Network co-chair Imam Qari Asim. The session will be broadcast live on PCS social media pages from 6pm to 7.30pm on 20 November.
November also sees the Black members’ seminar being held in Birmingham. Registration is now closed but it is heartening to see registration being oversubscribed. I look forward to seeing some of you in person.
While we welcome the government's decision to recognise the state of Palestine as a first step in the right direction, it does nothing to pressure Israel to halt the ongoing genocide and dismantle its apartheid regime.
As agreed at the recent TUC conference, meaningful action must start with a complete arms embargo, an end to all military collaboration and economic sanctions, including a ban on all trade with Israel’s illegal settlements.
Israel must be held to account for the thousands they have killed in Gaza and there must no annexing of the West Bank.
On a personal note, these past few days have been difficult for me and my family as we mourn the loss of my elder brother, Mohammed Shafa, who died on 17 September. He was a larger-than-life character, showing love to all those he encountered and a deep commitment to his faith and the values our parents enshrined in us.
But I am here for other members if you need help, support, or just want a chat. Please email me [email protected].