On the 20th October, the RAF’s Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Network hosted its Annual Conference at the RAF Museum Hendon coinciding with other events celebrating Black History Month around the country.
The well attended event aimed to share the stories of people from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds who have served in the RAF, as well as examine how contemporary events have impacted Black Asian and Minority Ethnic communities within the Force.
The Conference was introduced by the newly announced Air Officer Commanding 2 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall and special guest speakers Reverend Eve Pitts, who described her inspiring journey to become the first black female vicar in the Church of England.
Albert Jarrett, a 96 year old RAF World War II veteran, also attended as a guest panellist. Albert left his home in Jamaica and embarked on a 23-day journey by sea, to enlist as an RAF delivery driver after the Force lifted its 'colour-bar,' which restricted the recruitment of black crew.
Fast forward to recent times and the new RAF Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Network chair, Wing Commander Bailey, talked about his RAF journey from Zambia to East London and now as Officer Commanding 70 Squadron, flying the A400M Atlas.
Other speakers included Wing Commander Ghataora and Warrant Officer Flora who highlighted the numerous, but often forgotten, Sikh fighter pilots and RAF personnel that left their homes in India to play their part in World War II.
The Conference wrapped up by discussing the Network’s growth and strategic plan for the next 12 months. This was an interactive discussion with lots of questions from personnel outside of the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic community eager to assess how they can help to improve diversity and inclusion within their own stations.
