This year’s Black History Month theme is “reclaiming the narrative,” emphasising the importance of correcting and amplifying the often-overlooked stories in Black history and culture. It reminds us that history is more than a record of what has come before, it’s a lens through which we can shape a more just and equal future. Nowhere is this truer than in housing, where the effects of inequality are still felt today.
Bishop Wilfred Wood: A champion of social justice
Bishop Wilfred Wood, the first Black bishop in the Church of England, dedicated his career to empowering Black communities and advocating for social change during his tenure as Bishop of Croydon.
He played a vital role in tackling housing inequalities by supporting Black-led housing associations, making sure these organisations were run by leaders from the community itself. He believed that having strong, community-driven leadership was essential for addressing issues like homelessness, overcrowding, and poor living conditions. Beyond housing, Bishop Wood also built community support systems. He set up job clubs, Saturday schools for educational support, and credit unions to help Black families gain financial stability.
Bishop Wood’s work reminds us that fair access to housing is a cornerstone of inclusivity in communities. Yet, despite the many challenges he sought to address, these issues are still with us today. Black and minority groups continue to face significant barriers to accessing safe and affordable homes. Waiting lists are longer, housing options often more limited, and the opportunity to secure a stable home remains elusive for too many.
Continuing the fight for housing equality
At Abri, we’re committed to building on the work and legacy of pioneers like Bishop Wood by continuing the fight for equality in housing.
With more than 100,000 customers, our mission goes beyond providing homes. We aim to create communities where everyone, regardless of their background, feels safe and secure at home. We are actively investing in communities, empowering individuals, and supporting the wellbeing of our customers. We partner with local organisations, push for policy reform and strive to make sure no one is left behind. It’s a big task, but one we are committed to.
In recent months we have seen a rise in tension across our society. And we’ve seen first-hand how, if left unaddressed, these tensions can escalate. The riots, sparked by the tragic events in Southport, were marked by violence and targeted minority ethnic groups. We can’t just move on from these events. We need to understand what lies behind them and start the process of healing our communities.
Now, more than ever, we need community cohesion. It’s vital that everyone feels included and has a meaningful stake in their community. This begins with providing fair and equal access to housing, but it goes much further. True community cohesion requires sustained efforts to build trust, respect and mutual understanding.
This work is at the heart of what we do at Abri. And it’s also why I’m so passionate about my role as Regional Managing Director. My work allows me to focus on the unique needs of the communities we serve. I get to work closely with local teams, customers, and partners here in the south. I get to listen to the people who live here, understand their challenges, and work with them to find solutions that not only address housing, but help build a sense of belonging.
I caught up with Lou Taylor, Abri Board Member and Managing Director of Black History Month South to understand the role he feels Black History Month plays in our communities. Lou said;
“This year’s Black History Month theme provides us with the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the unsung heroes whose remarkable contributions to our society have often been overlooked or underrepresented. By taking the time to highlight these individuals, we broaden our collective understanding that Black History is, indeed, a vital part of everyone's history.
“While we dedicate this time in October to acknowledging these stories, the ultimate goal is to integrate Black History into our everyday consciousness, fostering more united and inclusive communities.”
Looking forward
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s honour trailblazers like Bishop Wood for their invaluable contributions and look ahead to the future. By building on their work, we can create opportunities for everyone to thrive and ensure that every community has the power to make its voice heard. Together, we can continue their legacy and work toward a more inclusive and fair society.
Take a look at what’s happening during Black History Month and all related information here: www.blackhistorymonthsouth.com