October 2022: Celebrating Black History Month at Work

Today marks the beginning of Black History Month in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands.

There are many activities taking place this month to celebrate the contributions of Black, African and Caribbean people in Britain – past and present – organised by companies, councils and community organisations. Black people have always been present in the UK throughout history; but there has been a lack of representation in history books. So this month serves to raise awareness and remember the forgotten people who have helped to shape the UK. The month-long event is designed to celebrate the rich culture, traditions, history and achievements that Black, African and Caribbean people have brought to Britain.

It was first celebrated in the UK back in the eighties and more recently in Ireland (Cork) in 2010. In the UK, it was first organised in London in 1987 by Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo; who had served as a coordinator of special projects for the Greater London Council. Today, it is celebrated in most regions across the UK.

This year the theme for Black History Month in the UK is ‘Time for Serious Action’ – a call for everyone to join the ongoing challenging of racism and discrimination, a role that can often be left to black people to address alone.

INSPIRING FUTURE BLACK GENERATIONS

Many events will take place across the country during this month to help us all learn about the important and the influential Black men and women who have made important contributions to British society. Many more organisations and employers are also getting involved to celebrate Britain’s outstanding Black talent in various industries across the UK. The Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards), has recently announced the winners of outstanding Black talent in the world of business. These changemakers are making an extraordinary contribution to the UK economy and inspiring future Black generations. They include:

• Tesco’s Campaigns Director Kené Umeasiegbu, winner of this year’s BBBAwards, shares how he is promoting racial equity at work, and what more organisations can do to stamp out workplace discrimination.
• Virgin Atlantic’s Commercial Strategy Development Director Patrice Gordon, also a winner of this year’s Black British Business Awards, talks about her journey to the top in travel as a Black professional and the challenges she faced along the way.
•  Sean Alleyne, COO of Credit Suisse UK Investment Banking Legal Entities, and winner of this year’s Black British Business Awards, explains why it’s vital that business leaders really connect and listen to Black and minority talent to successfully attract and retain them. 
• Now is the time to have those bold and brave racial equity conversations to advance Black professionals in leadership ranks, says this year’s Black British Business Awards finalist and Goldman Sachs’ Executive Director Tobi Rufus.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT WORK

Organisations also have a wonderful opportunity to be part of the national celebrations and events to honour the too-often unheralded accomplishments of Black Britons in every industry and profession. Celebrating Black History Month is a way to recognise and honour the significant contributions, struggles and experiences of members of the Black community. It is more important than ever to understand and respect the cultural backgrounds of employees.

If planned and executed with tact and care, these celebrations have the power to make Black employees feel more welcome and valued within the organisations. There are many great diversity and inclusion experts and speakers who can help companies do that.

CELEBRATING BLACK DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Over the past few months, Fair Play Talks has featured several Black diversity champions, who can provide great advice on how to improve recruitment, retention, belonging and inclusion of Black and other minority ethnic groups. They include:

• Ash-Lee James, Managing Director of Weystone Financial. Not only has he risen to the top in the financial services sector, he is also helping to close the education and equity gaps in the property market for the Black community.

• Commonwealth Secretariat’s Adviser on Climate Change and diversity champion Uzoamaka Nwamarah, shares why she is encouraging girls and youth from minority backgrounds to pursue STEM careers.

• Businessman Michael Anthony Khouri-Bent – and Corporate Director at Metropolitan Care Solutions – talks about how his journey to the top of the UK’s property and residential sector, influenced him to encourage other Black and minority talent to succeed through mentoring and funding support.

• Hannah Chukwu, Assistant Editor at Penguin Random House UK, shares her passion for championing the voices of underrepresented authors worldwide, as well as the challenges and opportunities for Black people and minorities in the publishing industry

• Samuel Lawrence, Director of CBRE, shares how he is changing the narrative for the next generation of Black business leaders by investing both his time and money into growing teams and mentoring young people from challenging backgrounds.

• UK diversity champion and leadership coach Jenny Garrett OBE, provides key insights on how to be an ‘actionable’ ally to your Black colleagues at work.

• The BBBAwards’ Co-Founder Melanie Eusebe, who has smashed through steel ceilings both in the entrepreneurial and corporate world, shares why allyship and sponsorship have been key to her success.

• Accenture UK MD and Executive Leadership Committee (ELC) UK Chair, Andrew Pearce, not only provides insights into why organisations are struggling to find and promote Black and minority ethnic leaders, but also offers solid, practical advice on how to build a strong Black leadership pipeline. 

• Race and diversity expert Adrian Arundel Clarke who provides expert advice on how to deal with racism at work; as well as practical tools and strategies to help leaders and individuals engage in anti-racist behaviour.

• Leadership coach and author Anthony Francis, shares key insights on what’s preventing Black and Ethnic Minority professionals from ascending into senior roles, and how to overcome those barriers to improve diversity in leadership.

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