Celebrating Black History Month: Standing firm in power and pride

Black History Month takes place in October every year. This year the PCS national Black members’ committee (NBMC) has chosen “Standing firm in power and pride” as the theme.

Power is about collective strength. Black trade unionists, campaigners, and community leaders have shown throughout history that progress is achieved when we stand together to challenge discrimination and demand justice.

Pride reflects identity, culture, and achievement. It is about celebrating Black contributions that have shaped Britain, honouring creativity and excellence, and carrying forward the struggles and successes of those who came before us.

This year marks key anniversaries:

• 60 years since the Race Relations Act.
• 80 years since the Fifth Pan-African Congress, where leaders such as W. E. B. Du Bois and Amy Ashwood Garvey called for an end to colonialism and oppression.

Black History Month is not only about remembrance – it is about shaping the future. For trade unionists, this means strengthening representation, tackling racism wherever it exists, and ensuring Black voices are heard across our movement. In today’s climate, with the rise of the far right, it is vital that we remain organised and united.

Take part

The committee will host five online events throughout October which are open to all Black members, particularly those new to PCS or wishing to become more active, as well as to allies.

• 1 October – 12-1pm - Meet your chair and vice-chair of the NBMC, as well as the Black national executive committee members
• 8 October – 12-1:30pm - Tackling misogynoir and sexual harassment of Black women
• 15 October – 12-1pm - Applying for jobs using civil service success profiles
• 22 October – 12-1pm - Pathway to activism
• 30 October – 6-7:30om - Facebook Live event on tackling the far right.

Register online to attend the weekly sessions.

Email [email protected] to let us know how you’re celebrating Black History Month.