CWU BAME Networking Event 2024

Over 50 CWU Representatives, mainly Branch BAME Officers from around the country came together for the opportunity to network and also to hear compelling speakers such as Yvette Williams MBE from the Justice4Grenfell campaign who recalled the harrowing events seven years ago and the continued fight for justice for the 72+ lives that were lost.

Reps were also treated to a guest appearance from our General Secretary Dave Ward who popped in to say hello and remind everyone that with the General Elections coming up it was vital that we made sure the Tories were dumped from power on 4 July. On the subject of the elections Tahir Ali MP, former Royal Mail Engineer who took time out from door-knocking with Hall Green residents to talk about his journey and how he became an MP back in 2019 and is hoping to be re-elected for a second term. On the ‘My Journey’ theme T&FSE member Michelle Bailey also shared her story from the encouragement that was given to her in her Branch to the ongoing support she values so strongly from our department and Kate Hudson in particular.

Our friends from Journey to Justice, under the expert interaction of Martin Spafford and Tania Aubeelack facilitated an excellent session highlighting areas of black history that even most activists would be unaware of, which included a music history lesson! Their session finished with a an uplifting and hugely creative spoken word rap that was performed by Prince Kingsley-Farode and Quincy Raymond and compiled by everyone who attended the day.

It really was an engaging day and our thanks to all of our guests and the CWU reps who took time out from their schedules to come along.