As the month draws to a close, our Racial Diversity Network hosted a session to discuss personal views about Black History Month. The conversation created a space to explore the Network’s range of opinions on BHM – Does it serve a purpose? What does a truly meaningful celebration of being black in the UK feel like in 2024? – and widened out from there.

Described below is a snapshot of some of the rich conversation that followed…

Temi: I would say I’m ‘for’ Black History Month because I feel like it’s a celebration of black history. To me, it highlights the achievements, and the contributions black individuals have made to society. Many of which I would say have been altogether overlooked or undervalued. I feel Black History Month provides the opportunity for us to honour and pay specific attention to people who have made significant impact in science; culture; education that, on a normal day-to-day basis, wouldn’t be highlighted. I think it gives the opportunity for us to celebrate black people’s achievements and contributions.

Shanice: I agree with Temi. I’m pro-BHM because it raises awareness of the achievements that we’re making and what people have done. And, without BHM, then people just forget our achievements and contributions, they may not recognise it regularly. It gives us a dedicated time to be celebrated throughout the month.

James: Charlotte, I think it’s fair to say that that you take a slightly different stance around this subject.

Charlotte: For me, it just happens. Do you know what I mean? It’s become more a thing of routine. I think it’s kind of losing its original meaning [within greater society] and think it needs some reform for it to have more impact in today.

Temi: Yeah, I think I can agree with that. I think when I envision Black History Month, or particularly from my time at secondary school, which for the UK, I would say was predominantly Black – I felt it was acknowledged and celebrated. It wasn’t a day focused on slavery or dedicated to the struggles people faced, it genuinely was a celebration. I learnt a lot about other cultures. But I do realise that outside of that, a lot of people feel it’s not being celebrated adequately, and it needs a reform. It needs to be a time of true celebration, and not a day highlighted to speak about black struggle. So, I can completely agree with the sentiment that it needs to be improved.

I wouldn’t say we’ve reached the point where we could stop celebrating it. I think if we collectively decided that on a day-to-day basis, society was going to highlight Black resilience and progress, I don’t think it would happen. I genuinely feel like it would be something people say they’re going to do, but ultimately wouldn’t follow through.

James: Can I ask about the idea of reform? If we were to say that the month does still serve a purpose, but it’s still unsatisfactory or falls short, how could it act as a catalyst and what would kind of reform would you like to see that a renewed Black History Month stands for?

Temi: For me, it is celebration. I think it’s important for people to make an effort to discover where Black individuals have made an impact, even in small ways. That’s how an understanding of Black history, culture and heritage is promoted. I believe it should be up to organisations and schools to take the lead in promoting that awareness.

I don’t want Black History Month to be the month where the struggles we have faced are highlighted. Instead, it should be a month where children can see the possibilities for the future. It would be powerful for children to be able to see role models who reflect their heritage and their background, showing them what they can aspire to become.

James: While Black History Month is celebrated in the UK and in the US, do you think it can be separated from a Eurocentric or western gaze? Or is that something which is part and parcel of it, which then may bring a friction or cause mixed feelings about it?

Temi: It is something worth considering. However, I feel like it’s just an unfortunate reality of living in the West that the stereotypes that people hold of Black individuals need to be challenged.

Unfortunately, British History, for me, does include slavery, and I think Black History Month allows us to say that this is just a small part of our history, our history is more than that. When you’re born in the West, you have a British identity, but at the same time you’re also trying to hold on to your own heritage. For me, Black History Month is a way for us to embrace and celebrate that duality.

Becca: I’m interested in your view on what the reform of Black History Month would look like, Charlotte. Is it similar to Temi’s idea of reframing it into more of a celebratory, positive light?

Charlotte: I think it is partly about that, but also at schools you can see that there’s an educational purpose to it and growing up you sense that. But what about the corporate world? When companies celebrate Black History Month often it feels… it feels a bit flat. It makes you wonder what is the purpose behind it… are people engaging or is it a matter of boxes being ticked? 

I feel that’s exactly where the reform is needed – particularly in that corporate setting. It’s one thing having a month of celebration, but what also matters are things like the policies that are put in place [within companies] to ensure it’s not just a performative act that’s done for one month every year rather something that is reflective of the values of the organisation.  

James: What would celebration, meaningful celebration, look or feel like in our small firm context?

Shanice: I think there’s something powerful about having role models. A consultant who has ‘made it’ to come in and share their journey. Its inspiring to listen to someone who you can look up to and relate to. Having a black consultant speak about how they’ve managed to navigate their career as a black person within consultancy would be invaluable.

Get involved and find out more

This was just a short extract from a wide-ranging, fascinating and important conversation led by the Racial Diversity Network. There are many issues and lots of factors that may affect your view on the need and purpose of Black History Month, so it’s really important to gain a wide perspective to shape how we celebrate Black History going forward. Opening up the conversation to colleagues, friends and family is a good starting point, so we encourage you to do the same. For further information on some of the topics discussed in this conversation, check out the following resources.

Opinions | blackhistorymonth.org.uk

Black Futures Month 2024 | blackculturalarchives.org