Reflecting on Our Black History Month (BHM) Event 2024

Each October, Black History Month (BHM) is a significant time in the UK to celebrate Black communities’ history, achievements, and contributions. Since its launch in 1987, BHM has become an essential platform to challenge racism, broaden our understanding of history, and honour stories that have long been overlooked in mainstream education. This year’s theme, Reclaiming Narratives, focused on amplifying the voices, contributions, and identities of Black communities, ensuring these stories are told, heard, and valued.

At Thames Valley Police (TVP), we’re dedicated to being an inclusive employer that values diversity within our workforce. We recognise that diversity brings richness in ideas and perspectives, making us stronger and better equipped to serve our communities. Our third annual Black History Month event, held on 9th October, was a collaborative effort with the Open University. The event celebrated not only historical milestones within TVP but also examined the challenges faced by Black communities today, particularly within policing and public service.

The event opened with a presentation by Former Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Brian Langston highlighting his career journey as our first highest-ranking male officer of colour —an immense source of pride and inspiration for the force.

Dr. Keely Duddin from the Open University’s Policing Unit gave a thought-provoking talk on the maternity journey for women of colour in UK policing. She explored the barriers faced by women of colour in their careers and stressed the need for supportive policies and environments to overcome these challenges.

Dr Fidele Mutwarasibo, Director of the Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership at the Open University, spoke passionately about the importance of creating space for lived experiences. He highlighted leadership and empowerment programmes, such as those run by the Open University, which provide opportunities for marginalised groups to excel and lead.

Chief Executive Gillian Ormston from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner shared her personal story, emphasising how narratives and storytelling can help shape a better future. Her insights added depth to the event’s focus on reclaiming narratives, demonstrating how personal experiences can inspire positive change within organisations and communities.

Vernal Scott, Head of the Equality and Diversity Unit at the University of Oxford, reflected on the broader significance of Black History Month and how we can all contribute to meaningful change. His speech was a powerful reminder of the ongoing effort needed to drive equality and inclusion forward.

One of the most memorable moments of the event was hearing the story of John Smythe, a pioneering figure in law, as shared by his son, Eddy. His legacy is a powerful reminder of the excellence and determination of those who overcame significant barriers to pave the way for future generations.

ACC Dennis Murray reflected on the event’s success, saying:

“Today’s event was exceptionally well organised and had the most informative speakers. Having spoken with many of the attendees, I know they took a huge amount away from the day. TVP collaborated with the Open University to ensure the event was forward-looking, focusing on how we can reclaim the narrative and become a truly inclusive organisation where everyone feels they belong. Reclaiming narratives isn’t just about reliving the past. Our guest speakers, including the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, provided compelling insights on how we can use narratives and storytelling to shape a better future, which was the main theme of the day. The event was very popular, with forces dialling in from across the country. I would like to thank all those involved in delivering this event and for the support from the Open University for hosting it.”

Professor Keith Schofield, Head of the Business School at The Open University, added:

“It was a privilege for the Open University to co-host the Reclaiming the Narrative Black History Month event with Thames Valley Police on our campus in Milton Keynes. The day was a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of Black and Brown pioneers. Their inspiring testimonies highlighted the importance of providing platforms such as these so that their stories and lived experiences are more widely understood and appreciated. We look forward to continued collaboration with our friends and colleagues at TVP.”

As this year’s Black History Month event concludes, we are reminded that these conversations must continue beyond October. They should inform our policies, shape our culture, and ensure TVP is a place where everyone can belong and succeed. Together, we can make a difference.