Marking Black History Month 2025

October 2025

As Black History Month draws to a close, thanks go to WAY’s Cultural Diversity Working Group for organising and hosting several activities and events, as well as sharing their stories to raise awareness of WAY’s diverse membership. 

Earlier in the month, there was a social Zoom event for members of any cultural background. It was lovely to see members connecting through their grief, but also sharing their experiences of young widowhood in the context of different cultures – the grieving rituals, taboos, expectations and varied levels of support and understanding. Thank you to Rebecca and Selina for hosting this thought-provoking event. 

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Last week, Selina hosted a brilliant, relaxed, informative and fun Cook-a-Long, demonstrating how to cook the Jamaican national dish – saltfish and ackee with dumplings. Nobody was quite brave enough to cook along at the same time, but members did take away some top tips to make the dish at a later date.

It was fascinating to see members learning and being curious about food from different cultures and some members reminisced about cultural traditions that had formed memorable parts of their own childhood. 

Providing a supportive space for everyone

Last week also saw the closing date of a new addition to Black History Month – a quiz open to members and non members alike. We are delighted to announce that London-based member, Helen, won the online quiz and a voucher for WAY’s shop will be finding its way to her very shortly. Congratulations Helen! 

WAY strives to be a fully inclusive space for anyone who has lost their loved one before the age of 51 – and Black History Month helps to let others know that WAY supports all cultures. 

If you have taken part in any of the activities and Zooms during Black History Month, thank you! If you didn’t get the opportunity, it’s not too late,

You can also see the wonderful film that Selina made which shares her story as a WAY member and Ambassador