UK Athletics celebrates Black History Month with 'Noir Voices' series

UK Athletics are supporting Black History Month which celebrates the achievements and contributions of black people around the world while educating all on black history.

Following on from the ‘Let’s talk about Race’ discussions, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team at UK Athletics wanted to continue to educate our colleagues and the Athletics family on black culture during Black History Month through a series of activities throughout the month of October.

UK Athletics will be celebrating Black History Month 2020 by delivering a series of virtual ‘Noir Voices sessions for our athletics family; athletes, coaches, officials, fans, volunteers and athletics workforce.

9 October 2020, 1.30pm – ‘Noir Voices – Born Ready’

Olympic bronze medallist Anyika Onuora will be in conversation with Sabrina Pace Humphreys, founder of Black Trail Runners about her experiences as a black female in ultra-distance running.

13 October, 6pm – ‘Noir Voices – Leading from the Front’

Tunji Akintokun has worked in global technology and professional services organisation for over 30 years and is currently a Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).  He is a Board member of England Athletics and father of a promising young sprinter, Niah Akintokun.

22 October 2020, 6pm – ‘Noir Voices – On the field of play’

Join us to hear the journey of Zainab Alema, a nurse by profession with a passion for rugby who is happens to be black and Muslim. The founder of Studs in the Mud shares her story.

To register, please email EqualityDiversityInc@uka.org.uk with the subject ‘Noir Voices’ and the title.  Once your booking has been confirmed further information will be sent to you.

Donna Fraser, the Equality, Diversity and Engagement Lead at UK Athletics said:

“Covid 19 has presented some challenges to all of us, but one positive thing is that we have been able to connect and engage with more people online and because of this, Black History Month at UKA is the busiest programme we have ever delivered. The ‘Noir Voices’ series is a new feature for the ED&I programme, offering enlightening and educational topics for the wider athletics family to join in the conversation.”

Lorna Dwyer, an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advocate at UK Athletics, added:

“Black History Month provides a moment of reflection for people as well as a reminder to educate. This year the ED&I advocates will be delivering a number ‘Noir Voices’ of session online due to Covid 19.  We want to acknowledge and thank all the Noir Voice guest speakers who have come forward to engage with the wider athletic family.”