Black and Asian Ethnic Minority
Black & Asian Ethnic Minorities in Unite
Race equality is a key priority in the workplace and beyond. Unite campaigns for fair treatment for all and recognises the responsibility of everyone in the union to challenge racism in the workplace, the union and our society.
BAEM workers face higher levels of unemployment and racism at work and Unite Race Forward Campaign action plans are targeted at union reps to support them in tackling racism in the workplace.
We must all work together to promote race equality and ensure that BAEM members continue to play a key role in our union and to increase their involvement at every level.
By joining Unite you too can get involved in achieving this aim.
Contact us
Unite National Contacts
128 Theobald’s Road, Holborn, London WC1X 8TN
National officer for equalities, 020 7611 2643
Siobhan Endean, Director of Equalities and Education (Acting), 020 76112535
Anooshah Farakish, research officer for equalities, 020 7611 2639
Regional Women's & Equalities Officers
East Midlands – Neelam Verma, 0116 253 2020
Ireland - Taryn Trainor, Belfast 028 90 029443 x 30031
London & Eastern – Aisha Malik-Smith 0208 800 4281
North East Yorkshire & Humberside - Heather Blakey (acting) 0113 236 4830
North West - Sharon Hutchinson, 0161 669 8701
Scotland - Lorna Glen, 0141 404 5424
South East - Kathy Walters 01622 234101
South West - RWEO, 0117 923 0555
Wales – Joanne Galazka, 02920 394521
West Midlands - RWEO, 0121 553 6051
Black history month
Black History Month aims to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people not only in the UK, but across the globe. During the month of October there are a series of events with schools and universities, cultural institutions, private companies and the public sector all coming together to celebrate the contributions of black people to British and wider society.
Check out planned Unite Equalities' regional events to mark black history month
Unite BAEM statement
National BAEM Committee chair and EC rep statement on fascist riots and anti-fascist protesters- August 2024 (Word)
We stand together for peace and unity in our communities. We steadfastly reject the violence, division and racism we have seen this week as some seek to use the tragic event in Southport to spread hate based on mistruths and false information. Read the full statement above.
Black Lives Matter
It is time for justice because #BlackLivesMatter ➡️ We must not let anything or anyone distract us from the worthy and righteous call for justice. Find out more on Unite and #BlackLivesMatter
Unite statement: Marking International day for the remembrance of the slave trade and its abolition in 2024
23 August
The international day for the remembrance of the slave trade and its abolition is also known as slavery remembrance day. It is marked internationally with a period of silence to remember all those people who were affected by the transatlantic slave trade. The abolition is also marked which was not solely driven by politics, but also by uprisings, notably Haiti in 1791.
There are a number of sites worldwide, where ceremonies are held. This includes an annual gathering at the banks of the river Thames. We want everyone to remember this day and raise awareness amongst others.
- Download the Unite flyer/poster marking International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition 2024 [PDF].
- Download and share the postcard to prime minister Keir Starmer on the slave trade [PDF]
- Join Unite’s National BAEM Committee in calling on the government to remember the slave trade and its abolition and eliminate RACISM - sign the Unite petition.
23 August has been designated by UNESCO as the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its abolition. From 1562 when slavery began with the first English slaving expedition setting off by Sir John Hawkins to 1865 when the transatlantic slave trade was abolished, between 10 and 28 million African men, women and children were enslaved, persecuted and their human rights denied.
By the end of slavery millions had lost their lives. The transatlantic trafficking of enslaved African labour resulted in brutal economic exploitation and inhumanity towards humankind. This abominable and shameful period of time was unprecedented and unique in the way that these terrible acts and crimes against humanity took place on an industrial scale and was enforced by European law, which involved and was supported by many major establishments and institutions.
We pay tribute to all those who campaigned – black and white – to abolish the trafficking of enslaved African labour.
Unite salutes the Windrush pioneers
22 June 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush, the first ship to arrive in Tilbury Docks after the Second World War. Unite is proud to celebrate the Windrush generation on Windrush Day, 22 June. We celebrate the dreams and success of those brave young people who persevered despite the racism they faced. We will continue to campaign for justice for those affected by the Windrush scandal. Join the campaign, find out more on Windrush Day.