Keeping the conversation alive

Black History Month is over but let's not allow the effort of the month to sit in a silo until next october where we ask ourselves “What are we doing for black history month?” Instead it's time to reflect on the wonderful contribution many of your colleagues, friends and people from a wide range of pursuits have had on the cultural fabric of society. I want to offer some practical tips about what everyone can be doing to keep the conversation going, improve their cultural capital, and support the black community to ensure just because the month is over, we don't lose focus on our pursuit for inclusion. My call to action is for everyone to do 1 thing on this list

So here is a brief guide on various actions we can all be doing to continue the momentum

To read

• There are a number of great bits of literature to pick up from black authors on the topic of being black in britain today. I recommend a few here
• Reni Eddo-Lodge - Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People about Race. The title is pretty self explanatory 
• Or if you want an even more “woke” take on the topic I do recommend White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo. 
• And if the book is too long, then her essay is here https://libjournal.uncg.edu/ijcp/article/viewFile/249/116
• The Clapback: Your Guide to Calling Out Racist Stereotypes by Elijah Lawal
• Afua Hirsch's book Brit(ish) and Natives by Akala are also highly recommended

To listen to

Podcasts

• Techish - A mixed gendered black duo - Abadesi and Michael discuss Tech’s role in society, the struggles of being Solo Founders, whether we should be raising from VC’s and much more.
• Say you mind - by Kelechi Okafor for a unique view on the week's news

Music

• Try some Stormzy - The artist not only is launching new music, headlining glastonbury and holding the politicians to account but also has an initiative to support young black writers called MerkyBooks
• BBC 1xtra Radio - For rising and established black British music artists and presenters

To watch

On the small screen

• Topboy - A gritty interpretation of a part of the lived experience for young black british men
• Alt history - 4 part series on an alternative look on black british history

In person

• Ballet Black - Dancing excellence returns to London for their Autumn Tour
• Appropriate - Theatre production in West London 

In your roles

It's important to have an internal reflection on what you can do to support inclusion too 

• Sponsor, support and offer help to those groups you may be allies when they run internal events or want to amplify their voice
• Ask who you can open the door to? That may be colleagues, but think about all the avenues you could explore whether it be employee volunteering, diversifying supply chain or data sets or engaging with new people and partners (such as Colorintech)
• Continue the conversation and empower the voices of others in meetings, when invited to speak or attend speak an event.

So here’s to a wonderful Black History month, and to celebrating black culture throughout the rest of the year!