AS the clock ticks down to Black History Month, events are being planned across the country to celebrate and showcase black heritage.
For any company passionate about diversity and inclusivity celebrating black excellence should be high on their list of priorities.
And next month is a great opportunity for business chiefs to lead the way by recognising the part the black community plays in driving representation, identity, diversity, history, and culture.
The theme for this year’s Black History Month is “Reclaiming Narratives”, which aims to ensure that black voices are heard and their experiences and contributions are acknowledged and celebrated.
One of the most exciting aspects of Reclaiming Narratives is its potential to inspire and educate the next generation and it provides an opportunity to start conversations about race in the workplace.
But how is this best achieved?
Sophia Reed, Director of Champions Speakers has helped support multiple businesses with strategies for the best ways to celebrate Black History Month.
She said: “Black History Month is an important time of year to exchange ideas on what more can be done to make a workplace more inclusive and explore how people from different backgrounds can value each other.
“Celebrating black history and culture provides a great opportunity for everyone to pause and reflect and admire the cultural differences that can be found among people in the workplace.
“Reclaiming Narratives is a call-to-action to ensure that black voices are heard and we take time to listen to storytellers, historians and custodians of black heritage.”
Jack’s tips for celebrating the month include:
- Host a storytelling event and encourage employees to share personal stories;
- Read books by authors who specialise in topics related to Black History month , perhaps in the context of a book club;
- Share inspiring quotes from historical figures, authors, musicians, and visual artists
- Arrange film screenings and enjoy a cinematic journey together and foster deeper connections;
- Volunteer or different highlight charities that are working to help the black community;
- Hold workshops on unconscious bias and how to promote diversity;
- Bring in speakers to create a space for people to listen and share;
Data compiled by Champions Speakers, which is based on reviews and feedback from thousands of events shows the best keynote speakers for events marking Black History month in 2024 to be:
David Olusoga, British historian and TV presenter.
Makaziwe Mandela, the daughter of Nelson Mandela.
Piers Linney, former Dragons Den judge and AI expert.
Bokani Tshidzu, artist and star of BBC’s The Big Painting Challenge.
Akala, Rapper, BAFTA and MOBO award winner.
Michael Holding, cricketing legend and sporting great.
Kanya King, Founder of the MOBO Awards.
George The Poet, poet, podcaster and campaigner.
Uju Asika, author of Bringing Up Race: How To Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World,
Nicola Adams, Gold medal winning Olympic boxer.
Pauline Miller, head of Talent Development and Inclusion at Lloyd’s of London.
Anita Asante, footballer who played 71 times for England.
June Sarpong, TV presenter and author of Diversify.
Michael Fuller, UK’s first Black Chief Constable.
Maggie Alphonsi, a World Cup winning rugby player.
Ije McDougall, Magistrate for the UK Ministry of Justice and campaigner for justice.
For more information visit https://champions-speakers.co.uk/news/top-black-history-month-speakers
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