Understanding Black history and celebrating achievements is important say Herts Police.

Black History Month in the UK is observed in October and Hertfordshire Constabulary has joined organisations across the country to celebrate Black history.

The death of George Floyd at the hands of US police gave fresh impetus to the Black Lives Matter movement with many also focussing on Black History month which has started up and down the country including Hitchin today.

Chief constable Charlie Hall said: "October not only gives us an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of black, Asian and minority ethnic communities across the county, it also enables me to re-state the force's determination to tackle racism and hate crime.

"It is also a time when we should reflect on the history of our diverse communities, their key and defining moments, and the different journeys individuals have been on. Understanding the past helps us to shape and define a more just and equitable future.

"Given the backdrop of 2020 with Black Lives Matters protests and the apparent discriminating impact of Covid, there has never been a more important time to support and listen to our BAME communities, in a drive to improve the service we deliver to keep people safe."

Across October in Herts including Hitchin, teams of officers and staff will be involved with various engagement events, celebrations and operations, which the force hopes will be well received in the community.

Hitchin's North Herts Museum has also marked Black History Month with display of objects relating to the contribution black people have made to our district's history.

The display at the museum on Brand Street includes historic photographs and a medal commemorating William IV's achievement, which included the outlawing of slavery.

The display will also feature a document from 1819 listing slaves on Upper and Lower Pearl Estate in Grenada at the time they were sold to John Goodson in 1819.

Hitchin Nub News will also publish an in-depth interview with the Hitchin Black Lives Matter movement later today but has also featured others who are proud to take part in Black History Month activities in our town

Hall added: "Of course, we have to comply with social distancing rules but that doesn't mean we should stop engaging with communities, we just have to be more creative."

As well as the celebration events, the force is focussing on four key themes this year: Education, community engagement, recruitment and progression.

Herts police already provides dedicated mentors for BAME recruits, but is ambitious to do more.

"Our network of volunteers from diverse backgrounds continue to be valued 'critical friends' and help us to respond more effectively to the complexities of modern-day policing," explained chief constable Hall.

"In Hertfordshire we want to be the best that we can be for everyone, and if that requires changing how we approach things, then that is what we will do.

"My thanks to all the communities who support and advise us every day of the year on a vast array of cultural and religious issues.

"You help us see the world in a myriad of different perspectives and better understand the needs of local residents.

"I am hoping Black History Month 2020 will help us understand even more and be a fitting celebration of all that individuals from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities contribute."

If you are interested in what's happening nationally visit

Read Hitchin Nub News for our in-depth feature with Hitchin's Black Lives movement later today.