Black History Month – Reclaiming the Narratives
An interview with Yeukai Taruvinga from Active Horizons
The theme of Black History Month 2024 was Reclaiming the Narratives and we thought it was a great opportunity to offer our partners Active Horizons and their Chief Executive Yeukai Taruvinga the chance to contribute to the narrative and provide her thoughts.
The annual awareness month highlights the achievements and history of black individuals, but also encourages a better understanding and appreciation of the complex narratives that have shaped our society and societies around the world.
Historically, the stories of Black communities have been told through the eyes of those in power, often leading to a one-sided and incomplete representation of events or the lives of key figures.
Reclaiming the Narratives allow us all to benefit from a deeper understanding and more honest portrayal of the experiences of Black people.
Q&A with Yeukai Taruvinga (Chief Executive of Active Horizons)
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It is an important time that I reflect and celebrate who I am. Also, to share with others the great contributions that the black community have made. Not to say I only celebrate this in the month of October, but definitely I celebrate myself every day.
I think it’s crucial that we have this time dedicated to Black history, given the past negative narratives that have been thrown around. I am glad that things have now improved and more recognition is now given to the black community. The future does look positive.
Are there any Black figures whose story who you think should be told/shared or haven’t received the recognition they deserve?
A lot to be honest. We have many unsung heroes that deserve their stories shared. I am originally from Zimbabwe. When I arrived in the UK as a young girl years ago. vulnerable and future looking bleak as a refugee – I found myself receiving warmth and support from one heroine woman called Yvonne Marimo. Yvonne, founded Zimbabwe Women’s Network, a safe space that provided practical support for women and girls like me at the time. She advocated and elevated women and girls from surviving to thriving mode. Through her mentoring and support I have managed to overcome a lot of challenges in the UK – to be able to thrive. So, I would like to give Yvonne Marimo the recognition she deserves.
How do you think Black History Month contributes to discussions of racial equality?
It definitely gives the opportunity to talk openly about it in various platforms such as schools, community and work places. Racial inequality unfortunately still exists. Whilst there are some efforts being made to address it, we still have a long way to go. In my own experience working with disadvantaged young people, it saddens me to hear the sad stories of how they are facing racism, which negatively impacts their confidence, future prospects and mental health.
How do you feel that the teaching of Black history in schools has evolved over the years?
Teaching Black History is not being prioritised unfortunately. It’s just viewed as an extra subject not core. There is definitely a need of an overhaul of schools’ curriculum to mainstream black history given the way our nation has become more diverse. From our work at Active Horizons, working with schools to tackle racism, we have identified the lack of textbooks and other resources in places such as libraries. Schools need to do more to expand the library resources that includes black history. Not only in books, but also school menus need to have food from black cultures too.
What resources (books, films, events) would you recommend for someone wanting to learn more about Black history?
Fortunately, the days we are in there are a wealth of resources about our history channelled through different mediums, such as online, YouTube, films and books. One of the challenges is that these resources we struggle to know where to get. In the school curriculum, Black History as a subject is not widely taught and this makes it difficult for our black kids to know their history. I can name three resources that I recommend which I have also recommended for my son Anashe, recently.
- Book: 100 Great African King and Queens by Pusch Komiete Commey. Very inspiring about our great leaders who have shaped our history.
- Visit the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton. A great place that preserves the richness of our history.
- Watch our YouTube Film that young people from Active Horizons filmed in 2023 about Bexley Windrush 75th Legacy. Young people interviewed elders of the Windrush generation. An oral history prophecy that powerfully captures the journey of some surviving elders sharing their stories to the young people. The films can be watched on Active Horizons YouTube page or follow this link https://youtu.be/ZppEEgyi70I?si=m9DbSavPjYUzBTyc
We at Mind in Bexley would like to thank Yeukai Taruvinga for contributing her thoughts and experiences.
If you would like to read more about Active Horizons and their work in Bexley, please visit their website at: https://www.activehorizons.org/about/
