Reclaiming Narratives: What Does It Mean to Me?

Narratives shape the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us.?

For centuries, the narratives that have defined Black people have often been controlled by others—those who don't understand our experiences, culture, or history.?

Growing up, I often found that the stories about Black history, especially in educational settings, were limited and framed primarily around struggle and suffering—slavery, civil rights, and colonialism.?

While these are undeniably significant parts of our history not to be ignored, they don’t encompass the full breadth of our experiences.?

To me, "reclaiming narratives" means taking control of our stories and ensuring they are told from our perspectives, with our voices and truths front and centre.

Thanks to Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE, Editor and Chief of BiM 2024. I kicked off this month with my beautiful sister and fellow Inspirational DEI Leader - Such good conversations, good food and good vibes all the way!

Black history is not just the history of oppression; it is also the history of resilience, innovation, joy, and great cultural contribution.

Taking Back Our Stories

Reclaiming narratives begins with taking ownership of our stories—both past and present.?

It means redefining how we are represented in the media, literature, education, and daily life. Too often, Black voices have been silenced or filtered through a lens that doesn’t accurately reflect our reality.?

Whether it’s the way our communities are portrayed in the news or the limited roles available to Black characters in films and television, these depictions influence how society views us and, ultimately, how we view ourselves.

The need to reclaim our narratives is deeply personal because it affects the way Black people navigate the world. When our stories are told inaccurately, it reinforces harmful stereotypes that lead to discrimination and injustice.

It’s not enough for others to tell our stories on our behalf. We must be the ones to speak up, write our own histories, and share our experiences in ways that are authentic and unapologetic

It’s about imagining worlds where our contributions are recognised and valued, and where our cultures and identities are celebrated rather than erased.

Someone who has personally inspired me to take back our stories and a must-follow is Ernest Crim III he is certainly one of my favourite Black creators, embracing storytelling as a tool for empowerment through education.

Please follow this Emmy-nominated producer especially for your children to reclaim their narratives here

The Power of Representation

Representation is crucial in the process of reclaiming narratives.

I have never really understood why any organisation would not want to prioritise raising the bar on reducing barriers and increasing representation to create an equitable future for all.

When we see ourselves reflected in positive, multi-dimensional ways, it gives us permission to be proud of who we are. It validates our experiences and affirms that we belong.?

The lack of representation, on the other hand, can lead to feelings of invisibility and marginalisation.?

This has particularly stuck out for me this year in the HR industry .

For a cross-organisational function which plays a key role in preparing a business for the future of work, it can be a pretty homogeneous group of women.

Adese Okojie , is leading the way in the reinvention and repositioning of HR.

Her groundbreaking conference, Black Women In HR - BWHR shines a light on Black Excellence in the industry to elevate Black Women in HR. ?

These spaces have become safe spaces where Black people can have candid conversations about the complexities of our lives, beyond the narrow narratives that have been assigned to us.

It was an honour to attend this year, and consider how to prepare for a HR of the future Anyone working in HR or change management please explore this fantastic network.

Education and Historical Reclamation

Another important aspect of reclaiming narratives is revisiting history and reclaiming the parts that have been lost or distorted. For so long, Black history has been written by the victors—those who colonised, enslaved, and oppressed.?

This version of history often leaves out the contributions of Black people and focuses solely on our subjugation. Reclaiming history involves uncovering the stories of Black heroes and innovators who have been overlooked.?

From the African kingdoms that flourished before colonisation to the countless Black inventors, artists, and activists who have shaped the modern world, there is so much richness in our history that deserves to be recognised.?

By reclaiming these stories, we rewrite history in a way that honours our ancestors and empowers future generations.

For instance, the recent efforts to uncover the truth about the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, where a thriving Black community known as Black Wall Street was destroyed by white supremacist violence, are a prime example of historical reclamation.?

For decades, this horrific event was erased from mainstream history books. Now, through the work of historians, journalists, and community activists, the story of Tulsa is being told, and the legacy of Black Wall Street is being honoured.

This year Isabella Mascarenhas and her husband, Calbert Bradford , will take you on a tour of Black Brilliance?that will introduce you to inventors and innovators, ancient civilisations, pioneering leaders and royalty. Hidden Histories is not to be missed.

Rest as an Act of Resistance

Another profound way that Black communities are reclaiming narratives is through the radical act of rest.?

Rest has long been a luxury denied to Black bodies. From slavery, when Black people were seen as mere labourers, to the present, where systemic racism continues to burden Black lives with disproportionate amounts of stress and exhaustion, rest has been withheld.?

Reclaiming rest as an act of resistance acknowledges that our worth is not tied to constant productivity. Rest allows us to reclaim our bodies, our minds, and our time. It is a way to centre our joy, restoration, and care over struggle and sacrifice. ?

By resting, we honour ourselves, heal from generational trauma, and dismantle the narrative that Black people must always be working to prove our worth.

Rest allows us to redefine success on our terms. It provides the space for creativity, for imagining new futures, and for reflecting on our histories. It enables us to tell our stories from a place of strength rather than from a place of survival.?

Rest reconnects us to our humanity and gives us the energy to continue the work of building a more just and equitable world.

In the context of reclaiming narratives, I have been a strong advocate for radical self-care.

Self-care, in its traditional sense, is a proactive approach to physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It encourages us to invest time in activities that nourish our mind, body, and spirit.?

This could be as simple as taking a warm bath, reading a good book, or even just taking a few moments to breathe deeply. Which could be slightly offensive to those overcoming collective trauma!

Historically, the act of self-care has been associated with expensive spas, taking a holiday abroad or moving to one's second home in the countryside. The socio-economic reality for many is these options are simply not available.

The self-care I grew up with was much more collective. It looked like going to visit family at the weekends, cooking and sharing delicious food, attending church and at a stretch a day out somewhere with a homemade picnic!?

Helping me to understand my self-worth, recognise my potential, and grow in community.

Rest is a powerful declaration: our existence and wellness matter more than what we can produce. It's not just about taking a break; it's about breaking free!?

It's also about making deep-seated changes in our lives, challenging oppressive structures, and asserting our right to thrive, not just survive.

One of my favourite Mindfulness Leaders Kareen Griffiths will set you up this BHM to relax, let go, and reconnect with your true self. I’ll Give You Flowers - Mental Maintenance for Black Women

Celebrating Black Joy

Amid the narratives of struggle, Black joy is another essential aspect of reclamation. It is found in the smallest moments of self-care to the grandest celebrations of Black excellence.

Black joy is the deliberate celebration of life, culture, and the beauty of being unapologetically Black.?

Historically, the narratives surrounding Black communities have focused heavily on pain, struggle, and adversity. While these are undeniable aspects of the Black experience, they don’t tell the full story.?

Black joy is an act of defiance and reclamation—it asserts that despite systemic oppression, we live fully, we love deeply, and we thrive with immense creativity and strength.

Black joy is seen in our music, our art, our fashion, and our everyday lives.?

Reclaiming narratives through Black joy means shifting the focus from a history of pain to one that also honours our accomplishments, our resilience, and our capacity for happiness.?

One of my profound experiences of Black Joy was through the Black Church. It is the sound of laughter, the sight of communities coming together, and the expression of culture through music, food, and praising Jesus.?

The Black Christian Church has been a cornerstone of joy and culture within Black communities, serving not only as a place of worship but also as a source of resilience, community, and cultural expression.?

Gospel music, in particular, has been a significant cultural contribution, blending African rhythms with Christian themes, and uplifting generations with messages of hope, perseverance, and liberation.?

Beyond the spiritual, the Black Church has also played a crucial role in advancing civil rights, social justice, and education, shaping Black identity and collective joy as a form of resistance. In this way, it has had a lasting impact on both individual and collective expressions of Black joy and culture.

Black joy is a form of resistance against the constant expectation of trauma. It is an affirmation that our lives are full and vibrant, and that we can and will create spaces where we flourish, dream, and experience life in all its fullness.

Making space for PEACE!

I have 5x spaces opening up this month for Black women or allies working in DEI dedicated to reclaiming your joy. DM 'Peace' to get access to 3 x 45 minute one-to-one coaching sessions.

?? Bitesize weekly content! We hope you have enjoyed it. See you next week x

Looking for a Cheerleader? If you want to hang out.?Kinship is a psychologically safe space for diverse corporate women navigating race and gender bias in the workplace. We meet on the First Friday of every month. Allies are welcome! Learn more here