The House of Lords marks Black History Month 2022
6 October 2022
October is Black History Month, a chance to recognise the contributions of Black people, culture and heritage to the UK. Read on to see what two current members are doing to raise awareness and speak on issues impacting Black communities.
Campaigning for change
Baroness Benjamin
Television personality and author Baroness Benjamin came to the UK in 1960 during the Windrush. Today she is Chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee and has used her place in the Lords to draw government attention to the troubles faced by the Windrush generation. In November 2021, Baroness Benjamin questioned government action on the Windrush Compensation Scheme. Watch to find out more.
Discover more about the topics raised
Lord Boateng
Former civil liberties lawyer and first Black cabinet member, Lord Boateng has regularly pressed the government on improvements to mental health services for Black and ethnic minorities, and racial equality. Last Black History Month, Lord Boateng raised the case for mandatory ethnic pay gap reporting. Watch the full debate.
Addressing social inequality
The House of Lords is made up of a diverse group of people with a range of experience and expertise. Members often use their experience to challenge government action and policies through daily questions and debates. See more topics up for discussion in the Lords on:
Stay up to date with the House of Lords and find out what members are speaking about in the chamber on any sitting day.
Black history in the House of Lords
Lord Constantine
Lord Constantine was the first Black member in the House of Lords in 1969. Actor David Harewood narrates our short video about his life, made to mark the 50th anniversary of his becoming a member of the House of Lords.
Lord Pitt of Hampstead
Medic and political pioneer Lord Pitt of Hampstead was the second Black member appointed to the House of Lords in 1975.
Learn more about his life campaigning for race relations in the UK in a House of Lords Podcast, in partnership with the Parliamentary Archives.
Briefings and research
Explore more on Black History Month with research and briefings from the House of Lords library.
Get involved
Watch
Questions, debates and scrutiny of legislation are streamed live online for free. Watch chamber and Lords committee meetings on Parliament TV.
Read
All business in the House of Lords chamber and in Grand Committee is transcribed and available to read from around three hours after it happens. Read it free online in Lords Hansard.
Follow on Twitter
Visit @UKHouseofLords on Twitter for highlights of each day’s work in the House.
Follow the hashtag #HouseofLords for what’s happening, or #LordsQs for details of questions put to the government at the start of business Monday to Thursday.
Other social media
Follow the House of Lords on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube for highlights, photos and videos from the UK Parliament’s second chamber.
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