Black History Month 2023 Royal Navy: Reflecting on this year’s events within Defence

People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries, making the difference to our nation and cultural life and helping to make Britain a better place.  

Black History Month has been celebrated in the UK since 1987 and remains just as important today, so we can continue to learn and grow towards becoming a more diverse Defence community. The campaign is a chance to reflect on the historic experiences and achievements that contributed to the social, political, economic, and cultural development of our country and our shared history. It provides the opportunity for us to learn more, and understand what actions we can take to enact change to make Defence more inclusive for all. 

While we celebrate and recognise all people from African and Caribbean backgrounds during October, the national theme for 2023 was ‘Saluting our sisters’ and pays homage to celebrating the achievements of black women. You can still find out more about this year’s campaign on the Black History Month Website. 

We talk a lot in Defence about the benefits of a diverse organisation. Research confirms that diverse organisations that are more inclusive in nature, with higher levels of teamwork, where people feel valued for their input, make better decisions and perform better as a result. It’s therefore crucial for Defence operational capability that we open our doors to the best talent from all backgrounds across society, and that we make our organisation a place where everyone feels supported. 

Defence is committed to working to improve our culture and community, and in October there were a number of learning opportunities to explore more about why we celebrate Black History Month, and why it remains just as important today as it did in 1987. Opportunities across Defence include ally training, conferences and keynote speakers and discussions.  

Now Black History Month (BHM) has drawn to a close, we reflect on this year’s events within Defence and the impact they’ve had in “Celebrating (Saluting) Our Sisters”.

The RN Commonwealth Network- with a small team of volunteers- successfully delivered four roadshows as far apart as DCLPA Worthy Down, PJHQ, HMS EXCELLENT, and HMS RALEIGH. Open to all personnel- uniformed military, civil service, and recruits, these presentations combined Black History, a discussion on cultural dress and customs from the Commonwealth community, and powerful videos of Lived Experience from across the Naval Service, provoking discussion and education on this year’s theme.

The Senior Leaders’ brunch, held in Portsmouth mid-month, invited 8 senior officers in significant leadership positions- ranging from Commander to Vice-Admiral- and from across the RN’s branches, to meet with a focus group of Black Junior and Senior rates to have a comprehensive discussion on their experiences of life in the Royal Navy. The Leaders enjoyed a traditional meal as the event drew to a close. For other personnel in the Portsmouth area (as well as phase 2 trainees on site), A Leading Physical Trainer successfully hosted a stand-alone talk at HMS COLLINGWOOD (with assistance from personnel based at HMS SULTAN), celebrating Black History and the diversity of our people. Finally, the 25^th of the month, “Black History Month- Past, Present and Future” took place: a whole-force and open-to-public BHM-themed event hosted by the RN recruitment team, helping potential new joiners get a flavour of life in RN, with an FAQ session and discussion facilitated by current and former serving personnel.