Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson has hailed the importance of Black History Month in a message to her party members.

She told Lib Dems that the annual event was an opportunity to “focus our national attention on the history and legacy of black British communities”. 

Swinson said: “Each year it is an opportunity to acknowledge the central role that black people have played in transforming the social, political and economic landscape of our country.

EMPOWER

“Let us empower the next generation of activists and trailblazers and do all we can to ensure that their achievements will never be absent from the history books.

“The contributions of black Britons are rich and varied, yet for too long we have ignored the legacy of black pioneers and accepted a narrative that confines the history of black people to that of slaves and colonial subjects. This is not good enough.”

Speaking about the contributions of black women she said: “The contributions of black women are massively diminished. Yet, despite having to contend with both racial and gender oppression black women continue to drive social, political and cultural change.

CELEBRATE

“This year let us celebrate th Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson hails Black History Month women of the past, such as Olive Morris, a feminist who dedicated her life to equality and activism. The women of the present, like Olivette Otele, who in 2018 became the UK’s first black female history professor. And let us empower the next generation of activists and trailblazers and do all we can to ensure that their achievements will never be absent from the history books.

“The Liberal Democrats will never be silent or indifferent in the face of discrimination. It is our goal to fight for a country where every person, regardless of their background, is able to live freely and fulfil their potential without fear of hate or prejudice.”