Black History Month shines an important spotlight on Black and minority ethnic communities in the UK and celebrates the significant contributions that these groups have made to the economy, society and our culture.
I am proud to be the Member of Parliament for Leicester East, one of the most diverse communities in the country. Every day I see the important contribution that Black and minority ethnic communities make to our country.
When I was elected in June 1987, I was one of four Black and minority ethnic MPs to sit in the House of Commons at that time and the first Asian- origin MP to have been elected since 1922. Today there are 41 BAME Members of Parliament. The progress that has been made over the last 30 years is remarkable, but there is still a long way to go. Whilst we must celebrate our success, we must not forget our history. Black history month is both an opportunity to educate and remind people of this.
I want to thank and commend everyone involved in organising this year’s celebration and wish you every success.
Best wishes,
Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP
Member of Parliament for Leicester East