I hope that you are well and that you've had a good month.
This was Black History Month and more than any year that I can remember, we were spoilt for choice with a wonderfully inspiring range of programming that illustrated not only the history of black people but also history in the making - those who are building on the legacy today.
I have to say that we have a collective responsibility as D&I Professionals and as members of society to carry this work forwards and not allow it to fade, after all this is a year of change, so let's continue to be that change.
As we head into November, we are still faced with numerous challenges and uncertainty due to the impact of Covid 19: dealing with these challenges really does require us to bring our best versions of ourselves forward, so that we can find sustainable ways of supporting those who need it the most - those with health issues, those facing job uncertainty, those losing their livelihoods or their businesses and so many more.
So, yes we have a lot of work to do but ultimately as this year has shown, there is strength in numbers.
If any of you would like to contribute an opinion piece please send us an email at info@iedp.org.uk
Have a lovely weekend.
Denise
Denise Rabor, IEDP Chair
P.S. Please don't forget to follow us on Twitter and join the conversation on Facebook. Also please check you are in our new Linked In group - i.e. the one called Institute of Equality and Diversity Professionals - not the old one (Institute of Equality and Diversity Practitioners)
Black Women Rising Magazine
The Black Women Rising cancer support project was set up in 2017 by award-winning community champion Leanne Pero after she struggled with the aftermath of her own battle with breast cancer at just 30 years old.
In her quest to find the right services to aid her, Leanne soon realised that the NHS lacked cancer support packages for BAME cancer patients. Further investigation into the visibility of BAME cancer patients in the UK started to unravel that in most instances, the cancer stories of her community were being excluded from the UK’s mainstream media outlets, magazines, daily tabloids and more damagingly from reputable annual cancer campaigns by brands and charities failing miserably at diversifying their campaigns.
This further fuelled the false narrative amongst the BAME Community that cancer is not a “black disease”.
Recently, they launched the Black Women Rising Magazine which will serve as another opportunity to empower women of colour as they navigate their cancer journeys... do check it out and support!
How to look after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
The Mental Health Foundation is part of the national mental health response during the coronavirus outbreak. Government advice designed to keep us safe is under constant review and will be different depending on where you live: more details and up to date information here.
According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, Black women are up to 40% more likely to die breast cancer.
Most black British children report experiencing racism at school
Seven out of 10 young black people in the UK have felt under pressure to change their hair in order to appear more professional in school or at work, according to a new survey.
Signaller victim of harassment after employer failed to investigate racist language, tribunal finds
Judge says organisation not looking into a colleague’s comments created an ‘intimidating, hostile, degrading and humiliating’ atmosphere for black railway worker.
MPs call for better diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis
Women suffering from the intensely painful and potentially debilitating condition endometriosis are still waiting years for a proper diagnosis, and often end up having to visit their GP or hospital multiple times or even accident and emergency before they get taken seriously, MPs have said.
This uplifting series features intimate character driven stories, which tell incredible tales of confidence and positivity in the face of adversity. We meet people who have a wide variety of disabilities and take a walk in their shoes, delivering revealing insights. Throughout childhood, Jason Edgecombe felt different and suffered endless rejection. Then a diagnosis of high-functioning autism in his 20s helped everything fall into place and his passion for video gaming helped him find his tribe.
TED TALK: Want a more just world? Be an unlikely ally
A more equal world starts with you. Citing a formative moment from her own life, equity advocate Nita Mosby Tyler highlights why showing up and fighting for others who face injustices beyond your own lived experience leads to a fairer, more just future for all.
IEDP accreditation dates If you join the IEDP, or are already a member, you can apply for our accreditation process. You have plenty of time to apply for the next round, as the closing date for expressions of interest is 17 November. You would need to confirm and pay the fee by 17 December for submission by 13 December. Further details on the accreditation page of our website.
Contact us
The Institute of Equality and Diversity Professionals
2 Old College Court, 29 Priory Street, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0DE
We hope you enjoyed reading this newsletter and would welcome any feedback or suggestions about how we could improve it for the benefit of our members. If you have any ideas for future editions or would be interested in writing an item for the next issue please contact the IEDP office on:info@iedp.org.uk
The deadline for contributions to the next issue is 15 November 2020. Please circulate this newsletter to anyone who may be interested in our work or who may wish to join the Institute.
If any of you would like to contribute an opinion piece please send us an email at 
