Police Now celebrates Black History Month
Thursday 31st October 2024
If I had a magic wand and could change my colour, I wouldn’t.
Even though it has caused me extra stress, I couldn’t.
Because one thing I know for sure is that I wouldn’t be wonderful me,
If I were white.
– Charlotte Shyllon, If I Were White
Police Now HQ marked Black History Month this year through a number of internal events, talks and celebrations as part of their continuous commitment to improving equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across policing, and continuing to build an inclusive workplace for its staff.
This week, Police Now staff were treated to a poetry reading by Charlotte Shyllon followed by a lunch of African Caribbean food cooked and shared by colleagues. A published poet, communications and EDI consultant, and former journalist, Charlotte encourages the use of poetry to bring insight and illumination to important issues. She shared her experiences of being Black and British in the workplace and her insights into EDI, belonging and allyship.
Charlotte said: “I was delighted to be invited by Police Now during Black History Month to share some of my poems and perspectives as a black woman who has worked in the corporate world for over 25 years. My goal is to ensure that the stories I share about experiences of racism, unconscious bias and microaggressions bring insight and illumination to these important issues, and I applaud Police Now’s efforts to address this. I am a passionate advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion, and always encourage organisational leaders to embrace this both now and in the long-term to ensure that the culture fully supports all differences and they can leverage the benefits that this delivers.”
Abimbola Johnson addressed Police Now colleagues at an internal event earlier this month. Abi is an award-winning lawyer and Chair of the Police Independent Scrutiny & Oversight Board (ISOB), which provides an overview and external scrutiny of the Police’s Plan of Action on Inclusion and Race. She discussed how policing can better utilise lived and professional experiences to drive its anti-racism work, where Police Now can continue to innovate its practices, and the role of majority groups in supporting change.
Offer holders on Police Now’s National Detective Programme also heard from a senior Black officer at their induction event this month, who shared his inspiring story and invaluable advice for those waiting to join the programme.
Clare Power, Police Now’s senior EDI lead, said: “We have a wonderful and diverse workforce at Police Now HQ, and we are committed to celebrating and recognising the heritages and experiences of everyone across the organisation. At the core of these efforts is ensuring we are an inclusive workplace and that we take time for reflection and learning. This is an ongoing and continuous effort, with always more to be done.
“This is also essential for driving Police Now’s mission forward and supporting policing to better reflect and understand the different experiences and histories of our diverse communities. Ensuring we are constantly engaging in discussions that challenge unconscious biases and delve deeper into complex themes around identity and racism is key to this.”
Further information and resources about Black History Month were shared with colleagues internally, to celebrate Black cultures and encourage discussion. Team activities centred around this year’s theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, with colleagues also contributing pieces to a display representing Black culture and heritage. Reclaiming narratives is more than just a theme; it’s part of a wider movement that appreciates, recognises and corrects historical inaccuracies across the complex and rich tapestry of Black history, and the enormous contributions of Black individuals in the UK and globally.
Loretta Dido, Police Now Selection Lead, said: “I hope that when people think of Black history, they focus on the beauty of the culture and uplifting stories…I see my race as a source of unique perspective rather than a limitation and whilst I’ve faced negative experiences, I know my worth and don’t let those experiences define me…What makes [this country] so beautiful is how its full of so many different communities, cuisines, places of worship and languages, and I love that African and Caribbean cultures are a huge part of that.”
