Black History Month

POST Section - Its Black history month and the theme is reclaiming narratives, and with so many amazing black individuals making an impact every day, often not highlighted enough I am so excited to see more shared across this and other platforms of people doing so. I cannot reclaim narratives, as I could never know what it is like to live as a black woman. I can however celebrate the Black individuals that Inspire me, and I will do that.

Who has Inspired and shaped my life the most? That’s easy, this is Serena (AKA Trini – but that is a whole Power ranger story) one of my oldest and closest friends, We met when we were 12 years old, we grew up on the same estate and went to the same school and have been friends ever since. She is a fierce, strong working mother, sister, wife and friend and I love her with my whole heart – even after she kills me for this post. If we are going to talk about who in the black community has shaped my life the most, it will always be this beautiful woman, we are family and will have each other’s backs for life.

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Thanks for staying with me. I am continuing here because I don't want to cut this short. Its Incredibly important to talk about it and celebrate the many, many successes throughout history. I will focus mainly on the now.

I have had a lot of time to reflect recently, and I have so much admiration for how much grit, strength and determination that it can take to navigate the business world and life in general while feeling marginalised. Serena is often the only black person in the room, the picture etc – which is never a problem for us because we are just us but I realise how often of an occurrence that could be and how that must feel. I have been the only woman in the room, event on many occasions but trying to imagine that and then being the only black woman in the room, and in not all but many scenarios the stigma that can come with that. I salute you but that isn’t enough, we all need to ensure that we are supporting and promoting diversity at all levels and celebrating successes and not shying away from talking about the hard stuff. We are all human beings and should be supporting and celebrating each other, always!

I Imagine if every time someone spoke about me they said ‘You know, that Gay woman’ or ‘Gay, Nat’ How tiresome that could become, even when in most cases it would be harmless. Imagine ‘You know, the woman with a Tik’ or ‘The guy who says umm, a lot’ Not great! How often do you hear someone describe some as ‘The black guy’ Have you always called it out? My bets are, No – I don’t think I always have but that is why reflection is so important! How can you ensure, that you are in full support of those who are reclaiming their narrative? – but seriously, not half arsed. And how can all of us help you, do that? Let’s all keep learning. Assumptions cause so many problems; they have for me in the past on every level of life.

A couple of shout outs Mo Sadiku a Colleague and Friend, who most definitely has an impact if you are looking for a new PM, he is your guy! Andrea Powers MLS, MBA, PMP who I had the pleasure of doing an IWD panel with and would do so again in a heartbeat, she is kick arse, educated brilliant woman who is a strong advocator for equality and deserves to be celebrated.

Today I attended a Camhs workshop for SLD for my daughter and there was a strong young black woman psychologist sitting in. She was so passionate and engaged and  in turn I was inspired! I want to celebrate her.

In the Linked in world Lee Chambers stands out especially in highlighting Neurodiversity, his posts are amazing. Elliott Rae who talks about raising his daughter to be a strong black woman, women's right and men's rights as parents because without men having equal parenting rights and men onboard then women's rights will always suffer. Both Inspirational black men.

Most recently with the Olympic games, what a force to be reckoned with that Simone was. Showing women everywhere that it is ok to put you first, she made me feel better about my taking time out of work to look after my own wellbeing – admiration.

Music – Black people have had such an immense impact on music, this should be celebrated more and the assumptions removed. Race does not determine another’s music taste. I have so much respect for the organisers of the London Carnival, so much bad press about an event of celebration but every year the event continues, and I am in awe of that. I LOVE reggae music, it makes me feel happy and peaceful – the assumption would be that I do not, I do TAKE ME! So many names I could reel off, I will mention Will I am; due to his sheer smarts and brilliance and the impact he is having in Music, the community, business and technology – admiration.

If you hadn’t already noticed, I am obsessed with music! I urge you to listen to India Arie – I am Light. A beautiful and Inspiring song by an Inspiring black artist.

Who is a Black figure that inspires you? #BlackHistoryMonth #LinkedInNewsUK