What does Black History Month mean to you? A spotlight on the importance of celebrating different cultures.

As part of Black History Month we asked colleagues to share why culture and diversity is so important to them.

What is your cultural background? Or, with which cultural group do you identify?

I was born in Newham hospital in East London, but both my parents are Nigerian. We are from the Yoruba tribe, one of the biggest in Nigeria.

What is the thing you are most proud of about your culture?

This is a very difficult question because there are many facets of the culture I enjoy. Nigerian cuisine, such as jollof rice, iyan and efo and pepper soup, are mouth-wateringly good. It may not be the pristine image of healthy dieting, but it's so flavourful and diverse that I would highly recommend anyone to give it a try (as long as you can handle spice). Nigerian music is a rhythmic masterpiece. From Asake to Wizkid, Nigerian artists have an infectious way of making you hum, sway and (if you aren’t careful) dance no matter the setting. It also can’t be understated how at home you can feel around Nigerian culture. No matter where you are in the world, Nigerians have a way of never allowing themselves or others to be segregated from enjoying what makes us who we are.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It is an appreciation of the perseverance and pride that black people have shown and continue to show in the community and really appreciate how beautiful our identity is.

What’s the most important message from Black History Month, for you?

There is so much that black people have contributed to society, it is important to educate ourselves on this history and take inspiration from it.

Is there an historical black figure – or someone currently living – from whom you take inspiration?

I take inspiration from many historical black figures, but it really hits home for me with many athletic figures such as Eroseanna “Rose” Robinson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Muhammad Ali. It is almost unfathomable how they balanced being athletes while being spirited activists, despite being under the thumb of those that discriminated against them. However, that’s the type of tenacity I strive to emulate every day.

What are some of the ways you celebrate Black History Month?

There’s always more we can learn, so I am always taking the opportunity to further understand what I can about black history. This can be through films, documentaries, podcasts, books etc. I also try to support black artists and businesses wherever I can.

On a deeper level, the celebration is to also acknowledge my ancestors who paved the way for me to be here today.

Have any of your non-black friends ever asked you about BHM and if so, what do you say it is about?

Not by a friend, but I have been asked about its purpose and necessity. What I communicated to them, and would recommend anyone should when asked about it, is that black people are not just celebrating the colour of their skin, but the cultural impact, achievements and important figures throughout history, despite the hands dealt. It is also a great opportunity to reflect and educate ourselves on ongoing racial issues, so we understand how we can improve as a society.