Kelly Reading’s Post

Celebrating Black History Month: Reflect, Empower, and Move Forward As we come to the close of another week on this beautiful Friday, let’s take a moment to reflect on Black History Month. This month is a powerful reminder to honor the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of the Black community throughout history and into today. It is also a time to remember that the journey towards equality and justice continues. Black History is not just about remembering the past—it's about shaping the future, breaking barriers, and empowering the next generation to dream bigger, stand taller, and reach higher. Let’s continue to elevate Black voices, celebrate diversity, and embrace inclusion not just this month, but every day. Our workplaces, communities, and personal lives are enriched by the stories, talents, and perspectives we share. How can we honour Black History Month today? -Support Black-owned businesses and creators. -Amplify the stories of Black leaders and change-makers. -Reflect on how we can contribute to creating more inclusive spaces. Encourage learning and dialogue about history, culture, and progress. Happy Friday, everyone! Let’s move into the next week with a renewed commitment to making a difference together. 💼✨ #BlackHistoryMonth #InclusionMatters #CelebrateDiversity #Empowerment #FridayMotivation

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH ❤️💛💚 Black History Month is not just a moment for reflection—it’s a call to action. It’s a time to educate ourselves, confront biases, and step up as proactive allies to our Black colleagues and friends. Allyship doesn’t have to be complex, but it does have to be intentional. Here’s how we can make a meaningful impact: ✅ Amplify Black voices in our workplaces and communities. ✅ Create safe spaces for stories and experiences to be shared authentically. ✅ Prioritise tangible actions that drive systemic change. When we stand together, we don’t just support each other, we ELEVATE each other. 🙌 Let’s use this month as a springboard for year-round commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice. 🌟 ✊🏾 ✊🏿 ✊🏽 🌟 #AllyshipInAction #TogetherWeRise #DiversityAndInclusion #EDI #DEI #inclusion #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #InclusiveLeadership #EquityInTheWorkplace

Black History Month starts tomorrow - are you ready? Tomorrow is the beginning of Black History Month so there’s no better time to prepare for a meaningful and reflective celebration. As we look forward to honouring the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history, this is also a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work still to be done in achieving true equality in our communities and workplaces. Here are 5 impactful things you can do to be ready for Black History Month: 1. Educate Yourself: Dive into the rich tapestry of Black history and culture. Whether through reading books, watching documentaries, or engaging with online resources, self-education is the foundation of meaningful participation. 2. Amplify Black Voices: Support and elevate Black authors, artists, and leaders. Share their work, attend talks or events, and bring attention to the invaluable contributions Black people have made and continue to make in every field. l 3. Challenge Biases: This is a good time to reflect on your own beliefs and behaviours. Commit to recognising and addressing unconscious bias, whether in your personal or professional life. Understanding these biases is key to creating more inclusive spaces. 4. Support Black-Owned Businesses: A practical way to show solidarity is by supporting Black-owned businesses. From retail to services, there are countless ways to contribute to economic empowerment within Black communities. 5. Engage with Your Workplace: Start a conversation about Black History Month with your colleagues. Encourage your organisation to mark the occasion with meaningful activities – from awareness campaigns to discussions on diversity and inclusion. This month is a powerful reminder that change doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It takes effort, dedication, and a willingness to engage. Let’s use this opportunity to not only celebrate but also to build momentum towards a more equitable future. #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership #BlackExcellence #Equity Jo Taylor Mildred Johnson Valentina Ideh Evelyn Bateta Evelyn Mensah Evonne Hunt Alexandra Bode-Tunji - FCIPD Prof. Bola Owolabi, MRCGP MFPH(Hon), FRSPH Abi Adamson “The DEIB Ajagun”🪬 Bernadette T. Lanre Atijosan Laura Lewis Samantha Ming Miss (Dr) Samantha Tross Michael Pichamuthu Norman Blissett Mark Preston Mike Farrar Dr T.Ayodele Ajayi FRCPsych Aggie Yemurai Mutuma FRSA Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN) Black Inclusion Week

🌟 Celebrating Black History Month: Reclaiming Narratives As we are in October, we embrace Black History Month—a time to reflect on the incredible contributions of Black individuals throughout history and to recognize the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. This month serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, creativity, and determination of those who paved the way for generations to come. From trailblazers like Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr. to contemporary leaders in various fields, Black history is rich with stories of triumph that inspire us today. But Black History Month is not just about remembering the past; it's also about recognizing the ongoing challenges within our society. It’s a call to action for all of us to engage in meaningful conversations, educate ourselves, and support initiatives that promote equity and inclusion. ✨ Here are a few ways we can honor this month: 1. **Educate Yourself**: Read books, watch documentaries, and listen to podcasts that highlight Black voices and experiences. 2. **Support Black-Owned Businesses**: Invest in your community by supporting Black entrepreneurs and organizations. 3. **Engage in Conversations**: Foster open discussions about race, history, and the impact of systemic inequality in our workplaces and communities. 4. **Advocate for Change**: Get involved in initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within your organization and beyond. Let’s not confine our appreciation to just one month; let’s strive to embed these values into our daily lives. Together, we can honor the legacy of those who came before us while working toward a more inclusive and equitable future for all. #BlackHistoryMonth #Diversity #Inclusion #Equity #Education #Community

Celebrating Black History Month 2024: Reclaiming Narratives Today marks the beginning of Black History Month in the UK. This year's theme, Reclaiming Narratives, offers a powerful opportunity to rethink how we all approach history, identity, and belonging. For too long, the rich experiences of Black communities have been misrepresented or overlooked. Reclaiming Narratives is about taking control of these stories. It's an invitation for Black communities across the UK to step into the role of storytellers, reshaping the way history is taught and remembered. 📖✨ 💡 Why does this matter for inclusion? Inclusion isn't just about making space for diverse individuals—it's about ensuring their stories and contributions are recognized and valued. By celebrating Black History Month through this theme, we embrace the full spectrum of experiences that have shaped our culture and communities. We move away from a one-dimensional view of history to a richer portrayal. It's about celebrating Black excellence, whether in the arts, sciences, politics, or daily life. This helps foster a deeper sense of belonging for all, making sure no one feels their history is sidelined. 🤝🏽 As we celebrate Black History Month, let's contribute to this powerful movement. Listen to stories of your black colleagues, participate in discussions, and support initiatives that highlight the depth of Black history. Image credit: Black History Month UK Find out more at: https://lnkd.in/eCtQ8nTF #BlackHistoryMonth #ReclaimingNarratives #InclusionAndBelonging #Diversityandinclusion

As Black History Month begins, we recognise the remarkable contributions, resilience, and achievements of the black community who have shaped the world across every field - especially fire.   This month is a time for reflection and education, and today we're focusing on a few individuals that fought for the safety of people and property despite the hardships they faced, breaking barriers not only in their time, but in ours too. At Millwood, our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just values for one month - they are fundamental pillars for progress all year long. The journey toward equality is ongoing, and each of us has a role to play. Together, let’s uplift Black history, culture, and stories - not only during this month but every day!   #BlackHistoryMonth #FireSafety #DiversityAndInclusion #FireProtection #BlackExcellence #CelebrateBlackHistory #InclusionMatters #EquityAndJustice

As we finalise this #BlackHistoryMonth series, we’d like to take a step back and acknowledge the diverse perspectives surrounding this celebration. Black history is not a single chapter in our story but a rich, integral part of global history that shouldn’t be confined to a single month. Limiting it to just a few weeks risks diminishing the full scope of its significance and the invaluable contributions Black individuals and communities have made. We should aspire to infuse Black history, achievements, and cultural narratives into what we learn, share, and celebrate, to encourage a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding that goes beyond traditional narratives. This approach isn’t just about remembering the past but reshaping the future. With that in mind, acknowledging that there are varying perspectives on Black History Month and while this single month can’t contain the fullness of Black history, it does offer a special, focused moment to celebrate the remarkable achievements of black individuals and so we’d like to shine a light on CEO and Founder of Create Equity, Kevin Osborne. He is a dedicated social entrepreneur whose “career has focused on unlocking human potential, advocating for fair investment in Black and Brown-led organisations, and researching solutions for racial equity.” He founded Create Equity to further promote racial equity in investment across various sectors. Kevin's unwavering commitment to empowering Black and Racialised talent and promoting racial equity in funding is transforming the landscape of social investment! #Equality #ChangeMakers #Diversity #Inclusion #SocialEnterprise #SocialInvestment

💡 As early as 1998, social psychologists began to delve into implicit biases—those underlying, often "unconscious" beliefs we all hold. But there was still a question: Could these biases be intentionally reshaped? ⏪️ In 2001, a pivotal study by Dasgupta and Greenwald tackled this question. They hypothesized that implicit anti-Black bias partly stemmed from repeated exposure to negative portrayals of Black people and positive portrayals of White people. By reversing this pattern—highlighting positive Black role models like Martin Luther King Jr. and Michael Jordan, alongside less idealized White figures—they observed a significant reduction in participants' anti-Black bias. 🔎 This research highlights how transformative Black History Month can be. By celebrating and recognizing influential Black figures, we’re not just honouring them, we’re actively challenging and reshaping our OWN perspectives. When we honour a Black CEO, artist, or cultural icon, the shift happens in us too. As Black History Month draws to a close in the UK, remember that consistently showcasing Black achievement throughout the year remains essential in our journey to reduce bias and foster a more inclusive society. #blackhistorymonth #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #ReclaimingNarratives #BHM2024 #diversity #dei #honordex #inclusion #equalitygroup #diversityandinclusion #inclusiveleadership #futureofwork #womenintech #inclusionmatters #womensleadership #allyship #humanrights #accessibility #responsibleinvesting #corporateresponsibility #socialimpact #sustainablefinance #sdgs #sustainablegrowth #investmentmanagement #assetmanagement #impactthatmatters

🖤 Kicking Off Black History Month🖤 Today marks the start of #BlackHistoryMonth (BHM), a significant time celebrated across the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands during October. This month is all about coming together to celebrate, share, and deepen our understanding of the rich impact of Black heritage and culture. While BHM is observed globally at different times—such as in February for the US and Canada—the message is universal. This year’s theme, "#ReclaimingNarratives," focuses on highlighting authentic stories of Black history and culture, and addressing historical inaccuracies. Here are a few ways to engage and make an impact this month: 🌟 Spark Conversations: Engage in discussions with colleagues about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Reflect on how we can all contribute to building a more inclusive workplace. 📚 Commit to Learning: Dive into books, podcasts, and documentaries that explore the depth of Black history and culture. 🛒 Support Black-owned Businesses: Make a point to support and promote Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. ⏱ Use Your Volunteering Leave: Consider using your volunteering leave to support your local community in meaningful ways. At Element Materials Technology, we’ve created a toolkit to support these important conversations, helping all of us engage and contribute meaningfully. Let’s take time this October to reflect, learn, and celebrate the powerful Black voices that have shaped our world and continue to inspire us. #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #BlackExcellence #CelebrateBlackHistory #BlackVoicesMatter #KnowYourHistory #BlackAndProud #HonoringBlackHistory #BlackCulture #AfricanHistory #BlackHeritage #LegacyOfChange

Dear Black Editors, As we observe Black History Month, it’s crucial to highlight Black creatives, brands, founders, trailblazers, and our rich culture during this season and also to make it a year-round commitment. The influence of Black culture is seen and felt across industries, from fashion and beauty to tech and media, yet these contributions are often underrepresented or overlooked. By consistently telling these stories and sharing the remarkable achievements of Black visionaries, we ensure that our history is not just confined to a single month. It is a reminder of our continuous impact and the importance of celebrating our voices and talents every day. Representation matters, and our work as editors holds power. We have the ability to inform, educate, and inspire not only our community but also the world at large. Let’s use our platforms to create a lasting narrative that honors the past while shaping the future. #VisonariesfashioningAfrica #VFAGLOBAL #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackExcellence #RepresentationMatters #CulturalHeritage #BlackCreatives #Trailblazers #Empowerment