What Black History Month Means To Me...

Well before I can answer that all I can do is share with you my own history as an ordinary guy born and raised in Britain, from Jamaican descent…who just happens to be black.

My name is Mark Rosegreen and I joined BV two weeks ago as Sector Lead for Healthcare. Little did I know that I would be approached this early, or in fact at all, to share my opinions on Black History Month having only just survived my induction!

I remember going to primary school in Coventry and being oblivious at that time that I was the only black kid there (until my sister was old enough to join…then there were two of us!). The ‘Kings’ I learned about were called Henry and Arthur, not Martyn Luther or Rodney! It seemed early on in my childhood that to be successful and rise to the top people who looked like me had to be either good at sport or entertain people.

Growing up I was influenced by black icons such as Ali, Jordan, Barnes, Wright, Denzel, Marley & Jackson. These were trailblazers, universally respected and accepted, by all sections of society. Inspired by these role models, I reached the heights of proudly representing England Schoolboys at football when I was 17.

But where were my role models when it came to the arts, science, politics or business?

Times and attitudes have changed greatly since then and, as society tries to adjust post pandemic, I believe there is still a level of education and tolerance required, regardless of skin tone.

My six children are mixed race and very proud of their English, Scottish and Caribbean roots. Five have University Degrees and most of them have travelled extensively to many countries and experienced different cultures. They would see Black History Month as a chance to understand and recognise black people whose stories and achievements haven’t really been shared before or are that well known. My pride isn’t from being black but that I have children that embrace all creeds, colours and cultures.

So, what is my hope?

That Black History Month is not seen an exclusive celebration designed only for one skin type or culture, but a universal celebration of remarkable people...who just happen to be black! That we can drop the word ‘Month’, and that it helps children of all skin tones find inspiration from hearing unique stories, to be the best that they can be, the next Obama maybe!

That to me is what it is all about.