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As Black History Month (BHM) UK comes to a close, we sat down with Schroders Black Professional Network (SPBN) to understand the significance of the month and what the theme of ‘Celebrating our Sisters’ means to them.
SBPN’s mission is to support the cultivation of diversity and inclusiveness in our workplace, and to promote career progression for our colleagues who identify as Black.
What is Black History Month?
Edwin Lamptey, Portfolio Business Manager and Co-Chair of SBPN UK, explains:
“The genesis of Black History Month (BHM) UK was a poignant question asked by a six-year-old Black child: Mummy, why can't I be white?" This question, filled with innocence yet indicative of a deeper identity crisis, deeply troubled his mother.
“The following day, she confided in her colleague, Akyaaba Adai-Sebo, a Ghanaian former political refugee and head of special projects at the Greater London Council (GLC). She expressed her concern that she had failed her son, Marcus, named after the renowned Marcus Garvey.”
"Akyaaba, profoundly moved by this incident, reassured her that the failure lay not with her, but with the national curriculum, local authorities, churches, and institutions that had not adequately represented the stories and histories of all children growing up in the UK. This led him to work relentlessly towards the establishment of Black History Month UK in 1987, three years after the incident.
"Today, Black History Month has evolved into a significant institution. It is widely recognised as an opportunity to reflect on historic events within the African diaspora and celebrate the achievements of individuals from this community. Observed across the UK in a variety of settings, including schools, corporations, and media outlets, Black History Month serves as an essential means not only for educating about Black history but also for promoting discussions on long-standing issues of equality and diversity that affect the Black community.
“This year, Black History Month UK is themed ‘Celebrating Our Sisters’. Black individuals from all walks of life, along with their allies across the UK, are participating in events that pay tribute to the accomplishments of Black women throughout history.
“We were honoured to have Professor Olivette Otele, the first Black woman to be appointed to a professorial chair in the UK, join us for an event at Schroders at the beginning of Black History Month. She captivated the audience with her curated list of influential Black female historical figures and allies, including the remarkable Henrietta Lacks, known for the HeLa cell line.
"The women in her list were selected for their credentials as disruptors and activists with a few notable exceptions who fall into the category of 'well everybody should know this woman!'.
“We also reached out to some of our colleagues to learn about the Black female figures they most admire. Their responses are shared below.”
Spotlighting our Sisters
Josephine Barker – The First Black woman to star in a major motion picture from Kim Heron
Rhaune Laslett and Claudia Jones – The First ladies of Notting Hill Carnival from Mary-Anne Brouckaert
Dr Mae Jemison – The First black female astronaut from a Southern state in America from Paul Larbie
Sojourner Truth – African-American abolitionist and women's rights activist from Wesley Harrison
Bessie Coleman – The First black female pilot in 1921 from Lucy Rosser and Flora Munro
Donyale Luna – The First black model to appear on the cover of UK Vogue from Donyale Michael
Henrietta Lacks – African-American woman who revolutionised medical research from Edwin Lamptey
Joan Armatrading – An all-time great of British music from Hugo Studholme
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