Shirley Newbury is leading change in her workplace.
Shirley's advocacy for marginalized communities highlights the importance of solidarity and collective action. Following being part of the Pilot TUC Cymru Black Activist Development Programme, Shirley has lead the move towards change in her workplace and spoke at the launch of the new TUC Cymru Anti-racism in the workplace toolkit on 2 October 2024.
I joined the TUC Black Activist Development Programme in 2023 because I felt there was a lack of understanding of racism, and of the need to take immediate action to deal with incidents. Racism has gone on for too long, and I wanted to be a part of change.
I thought it was a training programme, but it was so much more. The sessions were thought provoking, and have inspired and given me the knowledge and support I needed to achieve my goals. The tutor and support staff are excellent, and the progression from where I was, to where I am now is immense.
Since joining the programme, I have become Chair of the Ethnic Employee Network, have organised a UNISON Anti-racism and Allyship event, arranged Windrush and Black History Wales events, and supported an Ethnic recruitment information event.
We are soon to implement a robust anti-racist policy, and trained specialist race equality advocates can support victims. We are also rolling out anti-racist and respect workshops to all schools, anti-racist training to school governors has been arranged, and so much more. I am always thinking of the next initiative. I plan to build on the work accomplished to date to further raise awareness and understanding, to embed strong policy and practice, to enable significant change.
A huge thanks to the organisers for this outstanding programme, and for the insight and understanding on what it takes to be part of change. I am certain that everyone who attends this year’s programme will enjoy, learn and benefit from it, as much as I did, and I wish them all the best of luck.