Black History Month: Amplifying Voices of Black Youth
Being young and Black in the UK comes with challenges—whether it’s facing educational inequality, workplace discrimination, or microaggressions. But these struggles don’t define us. I embrace my identity and focus on the positive changes happening in our community.
Spaces like Youth Leads UK support and empower young people by fostering joy, care, and understanding. For me, community is about shared values and recognising the issues that matter most, such as mental health and creating safer environments.
In the Black community, I hope we continue to celebrate our unique achievements and contributions. We need more visible role models—Black lawyers, entrepreneurs, politicians, diplomats—who can inspire the next generation. It’s important to shine a light on those doing great work who often go unrecognised.
My identity is shaped by my Somali heritage, being born in Kenya, and growing up in Britain. It’s a blend of cultures, experiences, and traditions that continues to shape how I view the world. However, I’ve sometimes felt that I don’t fully belong in either space—not Somali enough or British enough. This journey of self-discovery is ongoing. Learning about Black history beyond what was taught in school, which mostly focused on slavery, has opened my eyes to the richness of Black contributions. It’s essential to remember that our history is not only about oppression but also about our resilience and impact.
As a member of the Youth Leads UK Youth Advisory Board, I am committed to amplifying the voices of young people and ensuring that we are included in the discussions that affect us. Representation matters. My focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) has driven me to challenge injustices, both for myself and for others. I see myself as an emerging leader, determined to make a difference in the spaces where our voices need to be heard.
By Amina Hassan