Black History Month: Q&A with the Chair of Watford African Caribbean Association

What is your name and your background?

My name is Clive Saunders OBE. I have spent over 40 years working in either the public or voluntary sector. I started as a teacher in the midlands after which I managed a community centre in the Wolverhampton. I went on to manage a youth and community centre in Reading working for Berkshire County Council before moving to Watford in 1991 and taking on a role with Hertfordshire County Council. In 1997 I left Hertfordshire to work in London starting with Southwark Council, followed by the Audit Commission and ending with Transport for London. After leaving TfL in 2010 I became a consultant but returned to the public sector in 2016 when I joined Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) where I stayed until finally retiring from in late 2023.

I have also spent many years in the voluntary sector including over 30 years with Watford African Caribbean Association. The organisation was established in 1976 and I joined in the early 1990’s. I became the Chair of WACA in 2004 and apart from one year I have been the chair ever since.

For someone that has never heard of WACA, how would you describe the organisation and why is it’s presence in our community is important?

WACA was formed in 1976 at a time when blatant racism was a feature of daily life. As it happened it was the same year as the first comprehensive race relations act. WACA represent residents of Watford, Three Rivers and surrounding areas and works towards the development of the African/Caribbean community specifically but not exclusively.

Nearly 50 years later the organisation still has the same purpose, blatant racism is no longer an everyday issue but as shown by recent incidents it has not gone away. The organisation has a remit to consider issues of social, cultural and overall wellbeing whether in education, employment, housing health or any other area relevant to the wellbeing of the community. Our motto is together we can achieve.

Do you feel like your heritage has shaped your approach or outlook on life?

Yes, my heritage has shaped my outlook. I arrived in the UK as a migrant from Jamaica who didn’t see colour as an issue only to find that it was a real issue. However, my background instilled in me an attitude of never giving up which has been critical to maintain my motivation in life.

Why is it important to continue to recognise Black History Month?

The concept of Black History Month started nearly 100 years ago in the USA where it is celebrated in February. Black History Month was introduced to the UK in 1987 by the then

London Education Authority as an attempt to counter the negativity around blackness that was part of the prevailing narrative in those days. It was about recognising the contribution and the impact of black people in this society. Current reality tells us that inequality is very much a feature of life today and across a range of sectors black people remain at a disadvantage. Black history month is one small example of what is necessary to counter that negativity.

In your opinion what are some of the challenges that still need addressing affecting the Black: African and Caribbean communities?

Racism continues to create barriers to progression for African and Caribbean people. This impacts on access to employment, justice, health, housing, and all areas of society. The key challenges for the community relates to equality, equality of access to jobs, to development, to resources, to health care, to education and to justice. Groups such as WACA have made and continue to make a significant contribution to the wellbeing of the whole community but find itself starved of resources to make the most effective contribution.

How can local residents engage with WACA or find out about future events? Visit our website at: www.waca.org.uk where they can find out more about the organisation, its activities and how to become a member for free. Anyone who wants to find out more can email us at: hello@waca.org.uk