Oxford’s black change-makers and unsung heroes

The month-long event, set up to celebrate the history, achievements and culture of Black people across the world, first started in London in 1987 and has been running ever since.

When this newspaper put out request for inspiring people to speak to, we were inundated with messages about inspiring people and organisations across Oxford.

Described as a 'tireless campaigner' by her council colleagues, Barton and Sandhills city councillor Jabu Nala-Hartley has helped removed barriers to encourage Black people to get the vaccine and has campaigned to introduce a living wage in Oxford.

City councillors Edward Mundy, Paula Dunne and Dr Hosinieh Djfari-Marbini say the public representative is as a ‘tireless campaigner’, ‘incredible’ and ‘utterly influential’.

Councillor Jabu Nala-Hartly undertaking work in the community

Dr Dfari-Marbini said: “Her campaigning for equality and equity is second to none. She is fearless, principled and a true leader.”

Alongside her role on Oxford City Council, Miss Nala-Hartley, 50, is the chair of Oxford Labour and the Oxford City Living Wage Campaign and has created an Oxford Mothers4Justice group.

Having lived in the area for more than a decade, Miss Nala-Hartley grew up in South Africa during Apartheid and was raised by her mother who was the first Black woman to be elected to the position of General Secretary of Metal and Allied Workers' Union.

Miss Nala-Hartley said: “I grew up in an environment where people were challenged. There were various issues around pay inequalities and poverty, so naturally I gravitated towards those sorts of causes.”

Miss Nala-Hartley hopes her work will help to transformation the aspirations of the Barton community. In particular, she wants to eradicate poverty, residents to have access to good housing, good jobs and for their children to aspire to ‘do better with their lives’.

Another changemaker dedicated to improving the lives of Oxford residents is Jacqui Gitau, co-founder of charity African Families in the UK.

The Blackbird Leys-based organisation supports families with tools, skills and knowledge to help them make the most of opportunities available in their adopted country.

It also helps families and children access services such as social care, health and advice on issues such as domestic violence.

Described as passionate about improving outcomes for children and families, Mrs Gitau said it was a team effort from the charity and said it was 'definitely not a one-person thing'.

The team of AFiUK, left to right Jacqui Gitau, Rachel Walton, Dr. Dianne Regisford,, aiwo Oluwatuyi and Lawrence McCook

She said: "Our community ambassadors are the ones who make the job happen, they reach the people. They are right on the ground and make it happen.”

:: Do you know someone who is working hard to improve their local community and you would you like us to profile next? Email Sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk.