A couple of weeks into November, and I’ve taken some time to reflect on last month… Just a thought here: isn’t everyone a bit worn out by the ‘Black history equals talking about slavery’ narrative? Surely, our history is more than that! To me, Black history should be a celebration of our excellence and achievements... you know, that knack we have for thriving against all odds and making sure we succeed, no matter what.
“Black history shouldn’t be restricted to a single month,” as Romain Muhammed, Founder and CEO of Diversify World, powerfully expressed. Black achievements deserve an ongoing celebration, a continuous opportunity to learn and appreciate the richness of Black identity and history. While October highlights these contributions, it’s clear that understanding and honouring Black culture should be a lifelong journey.
This month has brought inspiring moments of recognition to me and hopefully for may other like myself. One standout moment was the tribute to Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya, whose unforgettable role in Get Out was commemorated with a statue in Leicester Square. I had the privilege of attending a private screening to honour the unveiling of the statue and I truly felt inspired by what this moment symbolised for me. A reminder of the progress made and the drive to keep pushing boundaries in order to reach our highest potential. This moment felt like a light bulb turning on... inspiring us with the confidence to pursue our own goals because a fellow brother has shown it’s possible. "He looks like me and he's done it , so I can too" !
I also attended a powerful Black History Month event at Soho House, where Romain Muhammed led an inspiring discussion on creating anti-racist and inclusive spaces, reminding us of the ongoing importance of prioritising Black excellence. Every event, every conversation, and every achievement reinforces a vital message: we should never shy away from being unapologetically Black. Embracing and understanding what it means to be Black in today’s society is part of our strength, and this journey of self celebration and progress will continue well beyond this month.
I love this