“In recognising the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute." – Thurgood Marshall
Why Black History Month?
Black History Month in the UK is intended to be a significant and meaningful period for celebration, providing us with the opportunity to reflect on and pay tribute to the many contributions made by Black individuals to our country's shared history, culture, and society. This month is designed to honour the lives and accomplishments of Black people worldwide and to recognize those who have made an indelible mark on our collective history.
However, regrettably, this intent is not always fully realised.
The theme for Black History Month in 2023, "Saluting Our Sisters,” which serves as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary achievements and contributions of Black women, both in the past and in the present. This theme aims to highlight the vital role that Black women have played in shaping our shared history, inspiring change, and building communities.
In this blog, I will explore the significance of celebrating Black History Month, the repercussions of neglecting it, and the troubling message it conveys. I will also provide insights into how companies can thoughtfully engage in the celebration of this month. My perspective on this issue is shaped by my personal lived experiences of living and working in the UK, and it offers a nuanced viewpoint on this matter.
What message are you sending by ignoring Black History Month?
Now, let's talk about the message your organisation might be sending by wilfully turning the other way when it comes to Black History Month. When companies choose not to participate, it sends a troubling message. Regardless of the intention, it reinforces the idea that the history and contributions of Black individuals are not important, perpetuating
invisibility an exclusion. The failure by organisations to celebrate their colleagues' contributions and unique identities and culture. This silence can be hurtful rendering them invisible; equally, it can raise questions about the company's reputation for being inclusive and socially responsible.
Arguably some organisation may suggest that they don’t need to celebrate Black History month because it is not a one-off event (but also, yes, celebrate Black history all year). There is a historical context why this exists and understanding the context that led to its establishment is crucial. The history of Black people in the UK and across the world has often been excluded, or erased, and that’s why Black History Month exists. And that erasure
particularly applies to Black women, who are all -too often forgotten and overlooked due to unconscious systemic bias.
It's also about visibility and amplifying the voices and experiences of all employees especially those that have been historically marginalised.
This month presents a unique opportunity that goes beyond a mere obligation. It's a chance for organisations to highlight the incredible work happening in advancing diversity and inclusion. However, some of these efforts can be cringe-worthy due to the performative actions that organisations sometimes take in the name of celebrating Black History Month. For instance, we've seen a cosmetic company covering their product line with Kente design fabric as a supposed show of solidarity or putting black faces on classic novels by white
authors—an action that could be likened to literally blackface or having an "African" inspired inauthentic menu for a day. One can't help but wonder what was going through the minds of some of these organisations. This is precisely the point at which we wish that such companies and others would do less. It also reflects their efforts to atone for past non-inclusive actions and attempt to improve their brands' reputations.
We find ourselves in an era where it can feel like "you're damned if you do, and you're damned if you don't." It's a challenging time, one that calls for us to be courageous and brave in confronting our discomfort. For those companies that choose not to acknowledge Black History Month, they run the risk of appearing indifferent to Black communities. While some may chant "go woke or go broke", the reality is more nuanced. It's not just about wokeness; it's about corporate sincerity and authenticity. The conversation should not revolve around whether companies celebrate Black History, but rather how they do it. It's an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Black people, their culture, and unique identities of their employees. It should not be just about promoting their initiatives with flashy graphics or trivia; it should be about avoiding public relations stunts that lack authenticity. We can agree to some extent that marketing gimmicks are falling flat on their faces because companies are dealing with a well-informed public that is too savvy to buy into corporate theatre around inclusivity. No social media post or panel discussion can
genuinely address the issues of racial disparities. Companies should treat this similarly to how they share their success stories about climate change, sustainability, employee well-being, and gender equality. It should be part of their organisational consciousness.
If for instance you’re working for or leading a company that has a significant racial pay gap, a lack of diversity on your board, or an absence of representation in your senior leadership, this is an opportunity to share the efforts your organisation is making or has made to rectify these issues within your own ranks.
Arguably, by failing to acknowledge Black History Month, some companies might unintentionally shift their focus from celebrating the significant contributions of Black individuals to embracing other celebrations, such as Halloween. This shift can convey a message of centring whiteness and turning a blind eye to celebrations of Black communities while enthusiastically participating in other festivities like Halloween, sometimes offering
justifications for doing so.
If companies choose to celebrate and acknowledge significant events, they should ensure that these events are marked equitably to reflect the diversity of our society, customers, stakeholders, and employees. Organisations should make a conscientious effort to avoid side-lining the celebrations of marginalised communities, which can result in exclusion and invisibility. It's crucial for companies to remember that while various celebrations hold
importance, they should not overshadow the significance of honouring events like Black history. This approach can help create an environment where people feel a sense of belonging, knowing that their contributions are valued and celebrated. Companies should engage in introspection to understand why they may choose to celebrate or not celebrate Black history and address any barriers they may encounter in the process.
Some of the ways that companies can celebrate Black History Month
One of the ways to celebrate Black History Month is through thoughtful, meaningful, and inclusive initiatives. Here are some examples, but this is not an exhaustive list.
Educational Workshops and Seminars: Organise workshops and seminars that focus on Black history in the UK. Encourage deep, meaningful conversations that educate and engage employees. Encourage curiosity to ask questions from colleagues who may be different from us or have a diverse cultural background.
Showcasing Black Art and Literature: Highlight the creative brilliance of Black artists and writers. Engage in exhibitions, book clubs, and support Black talent in the arts.
Coaching and Mentoring Initiatives: Create mentorship programs aimed at supporting Black individuals within your organisation. Provide opportunities for career development and growth.
Honouring Contemporary Leaders: Celebrate the achievements of Black individual and for this year’s theme “saluting our sisters” celebrate black women who are making a difference today. Share their stories and contributions to inspire a new generation of leaders and activists. It is true that we cannot become what we have not seen. If you have senior leaders
within your organization from the Black community, invite them to share their journey. If you do not have black senior leaders in your organisation, think of the practical steps through your recruitment and progression so that your leadership reflects the society and customers that you serve.
Collaboration and Support: Collaborate with Black organisations and charities to ensure that your celebration is authentic and impactful. Address the unique challenges faced by Black communities in the UK and specifically in your own organisation.
A Long-Term Commitment to Inclusivity: Remember that Black History Month is not confined to a single month; it is a reminder of the ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Make inclusivity an integral part of your organisation's culture.
Highlighting Events That Caught My Eye: "From Slavery to Windrush" and "Windrush Legacy Creative Reflections"
This year during the black history month. I’ve had the privilege of attending some events
that brilliantly celebrated Black artists and the Windrush legacy. One of the events featured a keynote speaker, Geoff Palmer OBE, Professor Emeritus at Heriot-Watt University and a renowned human rights activist. Sir Geoff's presentation, 'From Slavery to Windrush', illuminated the journey of Black individuals in the UK and their incredible contributions. This event was organised by Edinburgh Napier Business School with the support of Professor
Lynn Minnaert of Edinburgh Napier University.
The event didn't stop there; it showcased established and emerging pioneering voices, of which I was privileged to offer my contribution joined by my fellow panellists Courtney Stoddart, a Poet and Performer, and Wesley Edmonds, a Student and Film Journalist. Their insights and experiences added depth and vibrancy to the celebration. The event was opened with a drum performance; it was difficult to sit still and not break into a dance.
The event was not just celebrating it was also about listening and sharing, reflecting, and dreaming. The event was moderated by Professor Max Chipulu of Edinburgh Napier's Business School and concluded with a warm and inclusive reception with food that reflected a rich culture and diversity.
FIGURE 1 COURTNEY STODDART, WESLEY EDMONDS, SIR GEOFF PALMER AND IRENE MOSOTA
Additionally, I attended the opening of the exhibition, 'Windrush Legacy Creative Reflections'. This event was a beautiful tapestry of Caribbean roots, life stories in Scotland, and dreams for the future. Co-curated by Scottish-Caribbean writers Jeda Pearl and Courtney Stoddart, along with artist Kezia Lewis, it showcased poetry, prose, and artwork by people of Caribbean descent. This exhibition is an extension of the 'Respect! Caribbean
Life in Edinburgh' project, which is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and cultural wealth of the Caribbean community in Scotland.
Finally, saluting our Black sisters during Black History Month is not just about making a statement; it's about making a difference. It's about creating a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society where every voice is heard, every story matter, and every individual is celebrated. Let's not just celebrate for a month; let's make it count every day, ensuring that the legacy of Black individuals is recognised and cherished throughout the year.
Black history is our shared history-one love