YOUNG & BLACK PARTNER
We recognise that being seen and heard is required to achieve justice, create empathy and change. True system change will only come when we are able to discuss the role race plays in all parts of our society. But this isn’t about one race talking to itself. We believe that true social cohesion starts with real understanding and that journey starts with active listening. We are continuously inspired by organisations such as ThinkForward and their partners who continue to ensure racial inequalities in the UK are being addressed, and young people are being given the opportunity to be in control of their own narrative.
#YOUNGANDBLACK
In May 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic the world witnessed the tragic murder of George Floyd. His murder resurged conversations about racism across the world. We were inundated with heartfelt cries and appeals from young Black people right across Britain who feel they don’t have the opportunity or even the right to share their thoughts and experiences on racism in the UK and beyond. UK Youth alongside The Diana Award, My Life My Say and activist Jermain Jackman, launched the #YoungandBlack campaign in June 2020 to create safe spaces to share, listen and learn from the lived experiences of those who have grown up Black in Britain.
Whilst running this campaign, we have witnessed how important it is for young people to have spaces to learn and ask questions about race and the impact it has on others and wider society. We challenge everyone to continue towards being antiracist as being non-racist is just not enough. Ndidi Okezie CEO, UK Youth
Throughout the campaign UK Youth shared 70 stories of people’s lived experiences growing up black in Britain. We hosted a webinar series exploring achievements, intersections and black identity in the UK. To promote long-standing change within the youth sector we developed a resource to support youth organisations to create safe spaces for young people to discuss racial inequality. YoungandBlack resource: bit.ly/YABResource YoungandBlack playlist: bit.ly/YABVids 11
