How we’re supporting

To be part of the national celebrations and events to honour Black Britons in every area of endeavour throughout our history, we will be showcasing the achievements of young Black people that we have engaged with.

Luisa

1. What does Black History Month mean to you?

To me personally it’s another month because I will always be proud that I am a young Black woman navigating through today’s society, and I always show support to other Black creatives, business owners or any Black person regardless of what month it is. I do however enjoy the Black History Month sales and advertising from Black owned businesses as I get to discover more goods and services that are being sold or offered by members of the Black community.

2. What does it mean for you to identify as a young Black person?

It means that I accept my heritage and accept that my experience in this world is not the same as non-Black people. Unfortunately, it tends to be more negative experiences, but I am beyond proud of my family heritage, DNA and culture that I would never change anything about my identity if the option was offered to me.

3. How can young Black people come together to make a change for the better?

Today’s society tends to focus and stress on the future and the unknown too much; we need to remember to be grateful for today. Remember to say I love you to those you care about, spend a few minutes talking to your siblings and friends. We are nothing without community, so make sure to appreciate those around you today, and don’t wait for something extreme like loss or tragedy to bring us together. More community fun days, events and overall meetings need to happen especially within the Black community.

4. Why do you think Black people often experience racism and discrimination?

Ignorance and fear. Some people are threatened solely by our existence that our excellence literally frightens them, to the point where they spread this idea around that black people are scary, aggressive and “uppity” when we are just minding our business and being ourselves unapologetically.

5. What is your achievement as a young Black person?

Bouyon Baby sells personalised handmade Afro-Caribbean bags and accessories for carnival, festivals or for everyday use. I started this business in 2019 and have since sewn and sold hundreds of bags. Follow me @BouyonBaby on Instagram & TikTok.

Casaan

1. What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month to me is a month that highlights the great ideas, idols, and achievements that black people and Black culture has created and achieved. The month reminds me that people that look like me and have similar backgrounds as me can create and do anything they put their mind to. It motivates me to turn my dreams into my reality.

2. What does it mean for you to identify as a young Black person?

Being a young Black man means to me that I am: a confident, creative, spiritual person that also has a target on my back due society not wanting to understand my race. I am proud to be black and proud that we have a month to highlight our achievements through easy and tough times.

3. How can young Black people come together to make a change for the better?

Young Black people can do this by understanding that we are better off together and remembering that no one understands us better than we do. With this being said we should reach out to the younger people and help them with their struggles and dreams as well as people a similar age to us.

4. Why do you think Black people often experience racism and discrimination?

I think because society paints a false picture for Black people., as well as people not wanting to understand Black people. They would rather believe other people’s opinions than have their own.

5. What is your achievement as a young Black person?

My achievements are creating my own clothing brand. This is an achievement to me because I have a passion for clothes. Also, the fact that I have been successful with my releases so far is an achievement. @barelylivingclo - www.instagram.com/barelylivingclo/

Another achievement to me is being a role model for my 5 younger siblings. This is an achievement to me because I feel that I am making a good impact in their lives as well as helping them and supporting them with anything and everything. They mean the world to me and I mean the world to them. @casaan.st - www.instagram.com/casaan.st/

Zarah

1. What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month for me is a time to reflect and appreciate the history that generations before experienced in order for us to be here. It is a time to celebrate the achievements we have accomplished both old and new as black people. Black History Month reminds me how much we are capable of as Black people but also what work still needs to be done in society.

2. What does it mean for you to identify as a young Black person?

I am very proud to identify as a young Black person. As a young Black ‘female’ specifically it means for me that I am a creator, I am powerful, but also soft and caring. Being a young Black female gives me strength and comfort. Identifying as a young Black female also means understanding the negative image assigned to me without choice and learning how to deal with those affects.

3. How can young Black people come together to make a change for the better?

I feel young people can create more open spaces to talk about things that we go through being labelled as ‘young Black people’ experiences we have had and emotions they have caused. By understanding where we are at, we can then start to support each other better by finding ways to improve the weak points in our experiences.

4. Why do you think Black people often experience racism and discrimination?

I think there is a huge lack of understanding and knowledge in society in regards to Black people. People and society as a whole don’t like ‘difference’ and have a lack of willingness to actually learn fully about Black people and Black culture. For society it benefits them to not highly recognise the achievements of Black people and remove the stereotypes. I think a larger willingness to learn about other races would help to minimise our experiences with racism and discrimination.

5. What is your achievement as a young Black person?

My achievement as a young Black person is owning my own podcast - @thepanicroompod - www.instagram.com/thepanicroompod/.

I kept seeing the generation above me talking about their experiences growing up in my area and their perspective on my generation. I felt we deserved to have a voice for our own on social issues, our experiences and our lives. I aim to create more spaces through the podcast where Black people in their 20s feel seen and represented. (@always_zeee - www.instagram.com/always_zeee/)

Where to get support during Black History Month

Racism experienced by Black young people can mean feeling unsafe, unwelcome and that the odds are stacked against you. If you're finding things tough, we want you to know you're not alone. We will be using our channels to amplify the voices and stories of Black young people during #BlackHistoryMonth.

Helplines and online communities:
Mind's helplines provide information and support by phone and email.
Side by Side is a supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Racism and mental health:
Check out this Mind webpage that provides really helpful information and tips about the impact of racism and where you can seek help. Here you can also find a list of organisations providing mental health support.