Errol John was our invited speaker at our November 2021 meeting. He is a trustee of the Herts Equality Council https://www.hertsequality.org and also delivers training on Equality and Diversity. Interestingly, Errol is co-author of an Equality and Diversity training manual and a contributor to a management development handbook for staff, in social welfare organisations.
At the age of 7, Errol arrived in the UK with his family and has lived here for over 60 years, now residing in Stevenage.
He has been dedicated to tackling Racial Inequalities, throughout his working life and still going strong now.
Errol has specialised in supporting black children and young families groups. He has experience in promoting addiction support, sport, anti-trafficking, music, domestic violence action, action against female genital mutilation FGM and working towards lasting peace – to name just a few of his ‘pies’. Errol also advocates educating boys, with the aim of breaking the cycle of violence towards women.
He asked us how could Black/Asian Communities in the UK collaborate with National and International Organisations? Errol also said that “Any dreams of lasting peace will remain an illusion unless countries can integrate”. Collaboration is the only way forward.
Errol introduced us to the Bojang Tamba School of Excellence based in The Gambia. The school was set up by his long time friend Patrick Augustus, who is a pioneer of Black Fatherhood.
We found Errol a thoughtful and sincere man and we thank him for sharing his convictions with us.
(Report from Jennifer Thomas)