In celebration, we've asked our colleagues to share their own stories of what Black History Month means to them.
To me, Black History Month is a time in which we can collectively think and remember those who unfortunately suffered due to the colour of their skin, and yet were able to achieve great things. Examples like Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela changed the world for the better despite the abuse and mental torture they suffered. To me thats the greatest strength one can have. Everyone should take this month as an opportunity to think with their heads and not their hearts and love one another as equal to those who are of a relative skin colour.
It's a great opportunity for people to learn and educate themselves about the struggles our past generations felt, the struggles our current generation faces today and how we can shape the way things will change for this generation in the future.
Black History Month always feels special to me—it’s a time to honour my heritage, celebrate how far we’ve come, and, as a mum, pass that pride on to my kids. It’s even more meaningful because it kicks off on October 1st, Nigeria’s Independence Day, a day we Nigerians love to celebrate. It is so fitting because that same spirit of celebration is what Black History Month is all about—celebrating our resilience, our talents, our beauty, and everything that makes us who we are.
To me, Black History Month represents a movement for justice, equality, and dignity, striving to dismantle systems of oppression and racism. It’s about standing up for values and challenging the injustices faced.
As Maya Angelou said, 'You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.' This reminds us that while inequality has been present, the power to rise, resist, and demand change is always within us.
For me, it's a time to focus on the continued work that recognises and celebrates achievements from a group of people that have been historically oppressed. It is the time to remember what it means for me to be Nigerian and celebrate all the cultures/traditions that I have grown up with and thanking my family for enlightening me about my heritage alongside the environment I was brought up in.
A chance to reflect on the past and acknowledge the importance of black history, along with the long lasting influences the culture has had from the past to modern day. And just celebrate black joy and excellence.
An opportunity to celebrate and educate myself about the rich and diverse Black history and culture.
People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. Black History Month is an opportunity for me to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution that black people have made to our society as a whole but also to me personally.
It reminds me that I am extremely fortunate to know, work alongside and be friends with some fantastic people of African and Caribbean heritage.
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