BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Celebrating Black excellence in public service!
“From powerful speeches to inspiring networking, this landmark event at the U.S. Embassy brought together trailblazers and future leaders, honouring Black heritage and paving the way for future generations. Read on to learn how these remarkable individuals are changing the narrative and shaping the future!”
BWSMContributor
Celebrating Black Excellence in Public Service: A Landmark Black History Month Event
The Met Police Black History Month Planning Committee, recently hosted a powerful event titled Black Personnel in Public Service at the U.S. Embassy in London.
This celebration brought together professionals, students, and community members to honour the achievements and ongoing contributions of Black heritage individuals across the UK’s public service sectors, creating a space for reflection, connection, and inspiration.
Hosted by Acting Police Sergeant Nnaemeka Onyema (Above) and Tracy Washington, the event highlighted the invaluable roles that Black professionals play in the public sector—including Lord Michael Hastings, Festus Akinbusoye (Former Police & Crime Commissioner), and Jacqueline McKenzie (Lawyer and Partner at Leigh Day Solicitors).
Jacqueline McKenzie
Attendees included prominent figures such as Member of Parliament Dawn Butler, T/DAC Alison Heydari (Metropolitan Police), Ann Weekes (NHS), Lorna Lala and Grace Chukwu (Thurrock Council/Basildon Council).
Stephen Bourne
MP Dawn Butler
Stephen Bourne (Author of Black poppies), Chanel Hendricks-Lynch, Group Commander Shaun Coltress and DAC Pamela Oparaocha (London Fire Brigade), WO2 Shane Edwards and WO2 Dante Houghton(Army), PC Bona Mapianda (Metropolitan Police), PC Zhane St Hilaire (Metropolitan Police), David Lupaka and Bianca Haynes (HMP Wandsworth), Caroline Rushingwa (Warwick University), PC Simon Odong (Metropolitan Police), Kevin Bennett (Author of ‘Who Helps the Helpline when the helpline. needs help’).
Kevin Bennett
The event paid tribute to the legacy of Black representation and aimed to inspire a new generation to step forward in service to their communities, carrying this legacy forward.
The distinguished speakers, each a notable Black professional, shared insights into their career journeys, the challenges they have faced, and the pride they feel in serving.
One powerful address, centred on the theme Changing the Narrative, resonated deeply with the audience. Emphasising the resilience required for Black public service workers to thrive within systems that have not always been inclusive, the speaker’s words served as both a rallying cry and a tribute to the strength found in the community, acknowledging the work still ahead and the shared commitment to creating spaces of equity, respect, and opportunity.
T/DAC DR ALISON HEYDARI
T/DAC Dr Alison Heydari, the highest-ranking Black female officer in the country and a trailblazer in UK policing, shared invaluable insights into the National Police Race Action Plan. As Director of this crucial initiative, she outlined its vision and goals, which aim to address racial disparities and build trust between the police and Black communities. Her words carried the weight of her own journey as a pioneering Black woman in law enforcement, and her commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable policing culture was clear.
In messages directed at younger attendees, the speakers underscored the importance of carrying forward this legacy, highlighting that each individual in the room has a role in shaping future narratives and breaking down barriers. The speeches emphasised how representation in public service not only challenges perceptions but also rewrites stories in ways that inspire confidence and pride in the next generation.
The Events Impact
The event’s impact extended beyond the speeches, with networking sessions that allowed young people from schools, colleges, and mentoring organisations to connect with public service representatives. Uniformed attendees, including officers from the Met Police and other services, added a sense of pride and formality, visually representing a collective dedication to public service.
Performances
FLOetic Lara’s spoken word performances infused the event with profound artistry and emotional depth. Her words resonated with themes of resilience, identity, and empowerment, beautifully complementing the evening’s overarching message. With each performance, she captivated the audience, creating a reflective space that celebrated both the strength and beauty of Black heritage. Her presence and artistry left a lasting impression, adding layers of meaning and connection that amplified the gathering’s spirit.
Photography sessions commemorated these moments, capturing the unity and inspiration present throughout the day.
Centre – Selina Boyd (Founder of Cocoa Magazine)
The Met Police Black History Month Planning Committee expresses heartfelt thanks to all the speakers, attendees, volunteers and supporters such as Chief Superintendent Anna Bearman. The committee hopes that the stories shared and connections forged will inspire continued support, engagement, and representation within public service roles.
This gathering set the stage for ongoing conversations about diversity and the importance of Black excellence in public service. As the committee looks forward to future events, they hope to expand this network, encouraging more individuals of Black heritage to pursue fulfilling careers in public service and continue this essential legacy.
This Black History Month event was a testament to the progress achieved and the collective dedication to forging a future where every generation is seen, valued, and celebrated for their contributions to public service.
