Reflecting on Black History month

Black History Month means many things to many people, ultimately it is an opportunity to promote awareness and understanding of black history, and acknowledge the contributions made by black people to the cultural, political, and economic development of the UK.?

This month, we’ve taken the opportunity to celebrate the past and learn about influential black men and women. And we’re proud to share the below reflection of Black History Month written by our Senior Director of Sales (UK), Neville James .??

“So, it’s coming to the end of Black History month.?

But what is history? And why is it important to never turn our back on it??

Yesterday is history, and what we learn and what we do with that learning can shape a lifetime. During Black History Month we are all challenged to look at different imagery and narratives that are not on our usual spectrum. But the reality is that we are all one.?

The colour of my skin represents nothing more than my origin. It doesn’t represent my intelligence, or lack of it. It doesn’t tell you who I am, what I like, what I don’t like or the desires I have. The phrase ‘I am you but in a different guise and stand side by side’ always made me smile when I was a child.??

Black history is one of pain, joy and excellence. Black history is not skin deep, and it shows that the more we understand the fewer the barriers, and the greater the acceptance.?

These are the people who made me think, and be proud of who I am as black British person with Jamaican heritage:?

EVELYN DOVE??

CLAUDIA JONES??

ARGARET BUSBY??

OLIVE MORRIS??

DIANE ABBOT??

WALTER TULL?

JAZZY B?

I am proud that they came before me and thankful that they made my journey that much easier. Not without obstacles… but none that will stop me.?

I am proud to have a role I enjoy and hope in some way it makes people of colour realise that history doesn’t limit your ability to achieve.

The Martin Luther King Jnr ‘I have a dream’ speech is iconic for many reasons. But one part in particular that says everything about who I am and how far we have come:?

‘….one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today’??

We have a way to go and hurdles to surpass,?but we have never had a time where ethnicity and diversity?is as?represented?as it is today rather than?resented.?

I look at black history with pride and admiration, knowing people are being touched and educated. Learning each other’s successes and frailties can broaden our acceptance and erode our biases. I have a responsibility to show what is possible and to lead the future as much as I can, just as those before me did the same.??

Just this week, we have the first Asian prime minister!?A decade ago, this would have been impossible to believe…and I like the fact the bigger issue is that he is a Tory rather than his ethnicity!?

Black history month to me is a celebration of all colours and all origins and just the use of the term ‘black’ should not exclude anyone but make us all more inclusive of each other’s history."