After a successful and well received Black History Month in 2020 where Reading Buses gave a platform to some of their Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) employees, their Finance Director Laurence Jenkins has been delving into Reading’s own black history.
Laurence, 38, who joined Reading Buses as Finance Director two years ago, said he had been reading about Reading’s black history and the most ‘shocking’ compensation payments to slave owners following the abolition of slavery in the 1830’s. He pointed to prominent historical Reading families and place names which share in this ‘shady past.’
“Whilst we have obviously come a long way since then, there are still inequalities in society. Why have Covid deaths been proportionately higher in black and minority ethnic communities?
“Why is black history not explicitly mentioned in 80% of history exam modules in schools? Why are black and mixed-Caribbean students three times more likely to be expelled from school than the pupil population as a whole?
“So many theories and opinions on these and other questions. But as long as these questions exist there is a need for Black History Month.
“Even if you are not part of a minority group, be a champion for them,” says Laurence, born to a white British mother and black Zambian father, writing in the Reading Buses weekly staff newslletter.
“We have so many fantastic people here at Reading Buses doing great things for our customers and each other every day.
“My ask of you is to be an ally. Listen to people’s experiences, learn about the history – good and bad. Speak up and challenge prejudice views when you hear them and educate people to do better.”
If people want to find out more information on the history of black people in Reading they can find free resources at www.risc.org