The Anti-Racist Movement's 3rd Annual Event and Anniversary Celebrations

Set in the heart of London, this event brings together trailblazers, creatives, activists, and thinkers for a programme filled with rich conversation, dynamic workshops, and empowering performances. Whether you come for personal growth, professional development, or to simply meet like-minded people committed to positive change — you’ll leave recharged, connected, and ready to put your boots on the ground.

Led by Shantel Thomas, the Founder & Chief Visionary of the Anti-Racist Movement (ARM), this gathering centres the Black female experience — unapologetically, joyfully, and powerfully — in line with ARM's mission, vision and values and the groundbreaking special issue we are guest-editing for the British Journal of Social Work (BJSW).

ARM is an Award-Winning National Independent platform for Black women in Social Work. We hold space - our shared sacred space for us to heal and grow, while nurturing ourselves and each other.

As bell hooks reminds us: “One of the most important ways we sustain ourselves is by building communities of resistance – places where we know we are not alone.”

Here, we do not apologise, explain, or make excuses for who we are. We are most interested in action — the doing for ourselves, because, in the words of Audre Lorde: “The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.”

This is not simply a conference — it is a celebration, a resistance, and an act of collective self-determination.

Our Vision To be leaders in disrupting racial and intersectional narratives across social work, making a meaningful difference to the lives of Black people. Our Mission To be fearless, joyful, and unapologetic while forming a collective resistance. We will nurture and care for each other, interrupt racist narratives, create harmony with our stories, and honour the wonderful lives lived on our path to self-determination. Our Values

• Courage — We lead boldly.
• Compassion — We honour each other’s humanity.
• Connection — We foster bonds that sustain resistance.
• Community — We are a community of resistance.

🌟 Keynote Inspiration

Hear from political powerhouses and cultural voices — sharing their insights, stories, and vision for change.

🌀 Grounding Session

Start the day centred, creating space for meaningful dialogue and connection.

📚 Workshops to Spark Action & Creativity

Choose from exciting breakout sessions:

• Book Club Q&A
• Sista Circle discussions
• Creativity & Joy collaborative spaces
• Writing workshops for expression and empowerment

🎙 Podcast Plenary

Hear the voices of ARM members as we spotlight real stories, lessons, and strategies for building communities of power and pride.

✊ Closing: Boots on the Ground (Line Dance)

Leave with concrete actions, connections, and a renewed sense of collective energy. Together we'll perform 'Boots on the ground' so you better bring your fans and get your practice on💃🏾💃🏾).

• Be inspired by political and cultural trailblazers — sharing their insights, stories, and vision for change.

• Engage deeply in creative and healing workshops — Writing · Creativity & Joy · Sista Circle · Book Club Q&A
• Reconnect with self and community through grounding practices
• Build solidarity in spaces designed for real talk and real change
• Leave energised with actions you can take immediately.

• 9:15 – Arrival, Networking & Music
• 10:00 – Welcome/Opening
• 10:10 – Grounding
• 10:30 – Keynote speakers
• 11:30 – Morning workshops
• 13:00 – Lunch
• 14:00 – Afternoon workshops
• 15:30 – Podcast Plenary
• 16:30 – Boots on the Ground/Close

As mentioned, this conference centres the Black female experience in line with the mission, vision and values of ARM. With that in mind the event is open to those passionate about:

• Community empowerment
• Social and political change
• Black cultural heritage and activism
• Creative expression as a tool for healing and self-determination
• Meeting and collaborating with others committed to justice and equality

Whether you are a longstanding, new or soon-to-be member of ARM, you are welcome to attend.

Spaces are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Be part of this powerful day of inspiration, resistance, and connection.

I look forward to welcoming you!!!

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Host or Publisher Shantel Thomas