6 Tips for Forward Leadership

"Dad, what is black history month?" was a question my teenage boy asked me when he was young. He is now 18, so he is a young man exploring his roots and why black culture and heritage mean so much to us. This was the opportunity to discuss his ancestry, culture and why celebrating Black History was important. As I answered best, I mentioned that Black History month was essential and that we celebrated black leaders that fought for human rights in January and February. I reminded him of the powerful words of Martin Luther King's speech, "I have a dream", how these inspired millions of people to fight for their rights, and how it continues to inspire many to fight against racial segregation and human rights abuse, of Nelson Mandela who dreamt for a free South Africa. As I reflected on my answer, as his father, I was responsible for keeping his heritage and culture alive and how critical black leaders were for the fight for freedom, apartheid and social segregation.

Celebrating Black Leadership and Black History Month

For those of you alienated by the news about the one-year-old war in Europe, the financial crisis, climate change and the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, and the fires in Chile, we celebrate Black History month yearly to honour the contributions and the sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the United States of America (USA). Although this is a month mainly celebrated in the USA, with Congress and corporations, e.g. Apple launched a new Apple Watch bracelet and face to mark the occasion, paying tribute to African Americans, worldwide we should use the month to remind us of the importance of Black Leaders who helped shape the world, such as Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, OR Tambo and Desmond Tutu, among others. These leaders fought not only for freedom, slavery and segregation but, most crucially, for an inclusive society where every person is the same, with the same rights, independent of their race, sex, gender, sexual orientation and cultural heritage.

Black History Month provides an opportunity for leaders to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black people and to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for equality and justice for Black communities. As such, leaders need to take a proactive role in promoting and supporting this celebration. 

Here are some qualities for leaders to demonstrate during Black History Month:

1. Inclusiveness: Leaders should strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all community members can participate in the celebration of Black History and culture.
2. Empathy: Leaders should understand Black people's experiences and be empathetic and supportive of the Black community during this time.
3. Cultural competence: Leaders should have a basic understanding of the History and culture of Black people and should be able to use this knowledge to promote awareness and understanding of Black History and culture.
4. Advocacy: Leaders should advocate for Black communities and use their platforms and influence to raise awareness about Black people's challenges and promote equality and justice for all.
5. Engagement: Leaders should actively engage with Black communities and organizations and listen to and seek to understand their perspectives and experiences.
6. Action: Leaders should take concrete steps to support the Black community during Black History Month and throughout the year. This can include supporting Black-owned businesses, participating in cultural events, and advocating for policies that promote equality and justice.

Ultimately, the leadership demonstrated during Black History Month should reflect a commitment to promoting understanding, appreciation, and support for Black communities and working towards a more just and equitable society.

About the Author

Cas is a dad, a coach, an entrepreneur and the founder of Bring The Best, a coaching company that inspires clients to create abundance in their lives and the lives of others.

You can talk to Cas here and follow him on LinkedIn and Instagram.