Celebrating Black History Month
October is the month the UK celebrates, commemorates and remembers important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. As we count down towards the end of the month, we have been listening, learning, and educating ourselves to support the initiative.
What is Black History Month and why is it important?
The observation of Black History Month dates from 1915 when Carter G. Woodson, now known as the “Father of Black History,” created an organisation called the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. In February 1926, Woodson initiated the first “Negro History Week” the pre-cursor of Black History Month.
Black history in Britain has existed for hundreds of years, however, the understanding around the contribution of Black people to British society is not representative in British history and the way it is taught.
Black History Month has been a way in which the nation can celebrate and remember the contribution of Black individuals, groups and movements to UK society.
Black Lives Matter
Following the murder of George Floyd, the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement and protests around the world were ignited.
Individuals and organisations – including us – are committed to educating themselves about Black History heritage and culture. It is an ongoing journey of learning and understanding structural and systemic racism and standing in solidarity against it.
The Ethnicity Allies here at Odgers Berndtson, came up with some great ideas on how you can get involved, how you can support and how to educate yourself more on the Black diaspora.
Where to go...
What to listen to...
There is a wide variety of interesting reads and things to listen to – perfect for the commute! Here are a few ideas to get you going:
- The History Hour – Black History: Britain and race
- Windrush Stories by Marjorie H Morgan
- Long Shot – A history of black footballers in the English Game
- Today in Focus – Remembering the Brixton Riots 40 years on
- It’s a Continent – Freetown's British Origins
There are also some fantastic ‘Desert Island Discs’ episodes out there that celebrate Lemn Sissay, Ian Wright, and the inimitable Tom Ilube - who we personally had the pleasure of listening to as he graciously shared his experience about being a Black man navigating through the corporate world.
...and what to read!
There is a huge amount to choose from, but here are a few that some of us have enjoyed:
- Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging by Afua Hirsch
- Black and British: A Forgotten History by David Olusoga
- The Ground Breaking: The Tulsa Race Massacre and an American City's Search for Justice by Scott Ellsworth
- Black Britain: A Photographic History by Paul Gilroy
- David Olusoga’s interview with The Guardian
Want something quick to watch?
The BBC have put together some great programmes:
Manifesto for Action: Business in the Community ('BITC')
We are the first international executive search firm to sign up to the Race at Work Charter with BITC.
We hope you’re able to take something away from this short piece. There’s still a long way to go towards an inclusive and diverse society but learning about our differences helps speed the process.