Black History Month Feature

Tell us about your professional background and your role at Ashfield MedComms.

?After completing an International Business degree at Nottingham Trent University, I worked in a Marketing role for 3 years, before joining Ashfield MedComms in October 2021 as an Account Executive. ?

?What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a chance to reflect upon the greatness of black culture but also the past and ongoing struggles that come from being black. It is a chance to shine a positive spotlight on the complexities that come with being black.

What Black social justice leader inspires you? Tell us about those characteristics and why people should learn more about this person.

There are 3 people that are positively driving change in a way that appeals to younger generations. They all help to reinforce that we should not shy away from difficult conversations and should take the preference of having these conversations rather than remaining in the comfort of what we currently know.

Anthony Anderson. Actor/executive producer Anthony Anderson created the tv sitcom Black-ish. This show follows the day-to-day life of a black family and how racial issues, stereotypes, and prejudice play a role in their lives. But what is great about the way this show has been made, is that it’s a modern, yet powerful way to spark the conversations that are needed about Black people, culture, experiences and prejudice. This includes colourism, systemic racism, micro aggression, and much more!

Ava Duvernay. Another great example is American filmmaker Ava Duvernay who has directed Netflix documentaries such as When they see us and 13th. These examples are powerful as they successfully share real-life injustices that black people have faced—and continue to face—in America. It also highlights similarities experienced in the UK, but through an American lens. Her work, particularly on these shows has helped to spark difficult conversations that need to be had to change a system and break away from societal prejudices that have been created to work against black people.

Akala. Akala, is a British rapper, author, poet & activist. He is also one of the leading voices in the UK Black Lives Matter movement. Through various mediums including music, theatre and books, Akala has continually shared his own life experiences as a black man in Britain as well as addressing prominent racial issues. He is a driving force in highlighting the challenges that need to be addressed around race.

What resources do you recommend to learn more about Black History Month?

TV shows/documentaries/films | Black-ish | When they see us | 13th | Just Mercy | 42 | Hidden Figures | The Unwanted: Secret Windrush files (on BBC2) | Mo Gilligan - Black, British & Funny (on Channel 4) | Movements | Black Lives Matter | Books | Black and British: A forgotten history | Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire

But, most importantly, learn from your peers by having those conversations.

What values are important to you? And how can the industry shape these values to create a more inclusive environment for Black employees and communities?

For me it’s education and representation. As a black person, I appreciate that people of other races will not be able to 100% relate to the experiences of black people, just as I would not to theirs. However, I hope that increased education and representation will spark a much-needed conversation within communities to move closer to achieving equality.

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