Exploring what Black History Month means to me

For Black History Month, Alice Kunjappy-Clifton shares her thoughts on this year's theme, Reclaiming Narratives. 

Wokingham Borough Council will be exploring the theme at a webinar, which it is hosting on Monday 28 October and featuring members of the borough’s Equality Forum and guest speakers. This will be a chance for everybody in the community to learn more about the theme and join in the discussion.

Follow this link to join in the discussion.

About Alice

Alice is the Lead Officer for Healthwatch in Reading and Wokingham, as well as being CEO of Community United; an independent, not-for-profit organisation focusing on making a positive difference in the lives of the cultural, ethnic and scattered communities, large and small, who live and work in our area.  

Alice is also the Chair of Wokingham's Equality Forum. In this role, Alice works with the council to help us to engage with our diverse communities and understand the issues they face, as well as helping the Equality Forum to set its objectives and to continue to grow as a voice for our communities. 

This is Alice's story…

A Journey of belonging and hope 

As we celebrate Black History Month, I reflect on the profound journey of belonging as a person of colour. This month is more than just a time for reflection; it's a call to action to reclaim our narratives and to recognise the rich tapestry of stories that shape our identities. 

Growing up, I often felt caught between worlds. At times, I experienced the warmth of community and belonging, yet there were moments when I felt invisible, overshadowed by dominant narratives that didn't include my story. It's easy to feel isolated in such spaces, but it's precisely during these moments that the importance of reclaiming our narratives becomes clear. 

Reclaiming our stories means acknowledging the history, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped us. It's about lifting voices that have been silenced or overlooked and embracing the beauty in our diversity. I'm inspired by those who came before us this Black History Month—who fought for recognition and paved the way for future generations. Their resilience fuels my hope. 

I invite everyone, especially those of us who identify as people of colour, to take a step forward in this journey. Let's share our stories, celebrate our heritage, and create spaces where we truly belong. By embracing our narratives, we affirm our identities and inspire others to do the same. 

In reclaiming our stories, we find hope. We can foster connections that transcend boundaries, building a community rooted in understanding and respect. Together, we can create a future where everyone feels they belong and their story matters. 

This month, let's honour the past, celebrate the present and look forward to a future where all our narratives shine brightly.