Hatch Brenner Solicitors celebrates Black History Month

October is Black History Month in the UK and to mark the occasion, Norwich solicitors, Hatch Brenner, has celebrated the awareness month with a selection of activities to learn more about the rich local Black history of Norwich and advance understanding of the intersections of race, privilege, supremacy and oppression.

Black History Month was created in 1987 to focus attention on, and celebrate, the contributions and achievements of people with African or Caribbean heritage to British society, and foster a deeper understanding of Black history and experience.

The Hatch Brenner team was keen to acknowledge this important month and together created a plan back in the spring to commemorate it. In May, the firm reached out to leading human-rights lawyer and prominent black barrister Leslie Thomas KC. Professor Thomas recommended the 21- Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge ©.

The course, created by activist and educator Dr Eddie Moore Jr, invites participants to complete a syllabus of 21 assignments that include videos, articles and podcasts focused on educating participants on elements of black history, identity, culture and racism. Across 21 days, the challenge highlights the diversity of experiences and opinions.

Topics include:

• How to be a true ally
• #BlackInTheOffice
• Not-racist v anti-racist
• Race & the Employment Justice System

The Black History Tour – Norwich

To learn more about local Black history, the firm went on a guided walking tour of Norwich that revealed and celebrated a hidden history of the city and surrounds. Local guide Paul Dickson created the tour at the suggestion of Norfolk artist and chairman of Norwich Black History Month, Danny Keen. It details the central role the city had in the abolition of slavery, the diverse contribution of Black people who lived here in the 14^th to 19^th centuries, Circus owner Pablo Fanque and the role of Black American servicemen in World War II.

The two-hour guided tour took the Hatch Brenner team across the city stopping at the many points of interest. “It was a lovely surprise to uncover such a diverse and rich Black history in Norwich. The tour was incredibly detailed and enlightening, showcasing the great contributions of Black people and abolitionists in the city. It was a great way to acknowledge Black History Month as we come to the end of October”.