Highlights:
- Black History Month falls in October in the United Kingdom
- BE@R, Black Employees @RingCentral UK hosted a conversation on genealogy, family history and making your own family tree on Wednesday 10/27
Proud To Be
The theme of Black History Month 2021 in the UK is ‘Proud To Be’—inviting Black and Brown people of all ages throughout the UK to share what they are proud to be, e.g. “Proud To Be Black,” “Proud To Be Brown,” “Proud To Be Black & LGBTQ+,” or simply “Proud To Be Me.” Anyone can get involved via Black History Month UK’s magazine, website and social media, sharing what they are Proud To Be via letter, email or social media, including video and audio clips.
Equality In Genealogy
Edward Odom, Solutions Engineer II, Enterprise
It can be difficult to tell the world what you’re “Proud To Be” if you’re not entirely sure. People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. But getting in touch with one’s own history can be more difficult. Exploring the lives of Black ancestors is a tricky and complex task. Paper trails run dry, race is rarely recorded in family documents and the slave trade led to a loss of identity and culture, changing family trees forever. Being able to create a family tree and understand who your ancestors are, where they come from, and fundamentally who you are, is something that everyone deserves to be able to do.
Stepping up
Solenne Thomas, Solutions Engineer Enterprise
From armed forces records to slave registers to census information, more and more records are being made available online specifically with the intention of helping POC trace their family history. BE@R UK recognizes the privilege of having the opportunity to retrace a family tree with comparatively readily available documentation, and wants to help you bring your family’s history to life. Being able to create a family tree, allowing you to understand who your ancestors are, where they come from, and fundamentally who you are, is something that everyone deserves to be able to do.
#HelloToEquality
Originally published Oct 27, 2021, updated Dec 30, 2022
