Sharing stories for Black History Month

Jason Selormey, a member of the Bath and Wells Lament to Action Group, organised a Black History Month event for Weston College, where he works as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager.

Weston College staff, learners and guests gathered at The Lauriston Hotel in Weston-super-Mare to explore the theme, Honouring Our Communities: Past, Present and Future, and discuss community, identity and belonging. A panel discussion brought together three speakers to share their experiences and reflect on the challenges of finding a sense of belonging.

On the panel, were former Weston College learner Tobi Orolu, who is now studying for a marketing degree at university; Louise Hill-Davis, a former Weston College health lecturer and an inclusion and neurodivergence advocate and speaker; and prominent UK civil rights activist Mor Dioum.

Also attending the event and supporting the discussions was Ian Noah, Community Leader and Chair of Race Equality North Somerset.

The discussion explored experiences of racism, the importance of feeling accepted within a community, and how people’s backgrounds and experiences can shape their sense of identity.

Throughout the event, attendees were invited to share their own insights, including who has helped them feel a sense of belonging, which communities have shaped their lives, and how Weston College can continue to strengthen inclusion.

The session finished with a Community Tree activity, where participants reflected on the people and communities they wished to honour and made personal commitments to promoting inclusion and understanding.