The joint project celebrates Black History Month in the UK.
The Duke and Duchess have collaborated with high-profile British BAME figures to help them identify nominees for their ‘Black History Month Next Gen Trailblazers’ list. The individuals, revealed exclusively by The Evening Standard today, have been chosen for the work they are doing to challenge prejudice in the UK.
They have called upon some of the British BAME figures who personally inspire them, such as England and British Lions rugby star Maro Itoje, Vogue editor Edward Enniful, Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams and Booker prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo, to each nominate one black person for their positive contribution to British society.
The list is released in today’s paper alongside an exclusive article and video interview with the Duke and Duchess discussing Black History Month (BHM) and the need for change. The Evening Standard will also publish video statements from the inspirational nominators, who will each explain the work the trailblazers are doing across the country, and why they were selected.
The joint project between the Evening Standard and Duke and Duchess of Sussex marks the beginning of BHM in the UK and is an opportunity to recognise the foundations laid by some of the most accomplished BAME individuals, as well as the paths being forged by the next generation.
Emily Sheffield, editor of the Evening Standard commented: “The Evening Standard is proud to work with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on this project. London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, but it has not always been a place where voices are heard equally.
“The vast steps that have been made to improve BAME representation within every level of society, from education to entertainment, to media and politics, should be widely applauded, but as Meghan and Harry note, there is still more to do. Whether racism is purposeful or engendered by society we need to join together to challenge it.”
Join the conversation #BHMNextGenTrailblazers.
