BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2023

In 1987, Ghanaian analyst and activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo started Black History Month in the UK, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation from slavery and the 25th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity. This October provides us with an opportunity to engage in learning, education and celebration of the remarkable contributions made by Black people both within our nation and around the world.

This year's theme, "Saluting Our Sisters/Celebrating Our Sisters," places a central focus on recognising the extraordinary Black women who have left a profound impact across generations and driven remarkable change. Often a group that has been overlooked and undervalued, this year, we take the time to celebrate the powerful and exceptional Black women among us.

As a business, it remains imperative that we continue to prioritise Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, ensuring that we recognise and appreciate the diverse teams within our local community. Our commitment is to be an equitable business for everyone.

We had the privilege of speaking to five Black women from the GLL community to hear about their experiences, perspectives and the outstanding women who have influenced their lives. Throughout this month, we will be sharing their stories.

We thank Loretta, Grayce, Abiola, Seya and Sera for their openness, vulnerability and willingness to share their stories with us.

Loretta, Strategic Business Support Manager

"An understanding that Black history is British history, it's inseparable. Black communities are British communities, it's inseparable. That helps me address seeing instances of othering, which sometimes take place."

Grayce, Fitness Instructor

"A lot of Black women who are achievers in the UK, they're not really spoken about as much as they would be in America.

I think it's important, especially for our young people, to know what Black women have done, achieved and how they've actually got there."

Abiola, Member

"We shouldn't look at the colour, we should look beyond colours. Whether white, black, brown or whatever, if we learn to love one another, tolerate one another - we will be able to break every barrier that is surrounding us."

Seya, Society Engagement Manager

"I've had a lot of positive and negative experiences being a Black woman. I use all these experiences to help develop me and to shape my character. I feel that it's really important for me to embrace the negatives to help have more of a positive outlook on life."

Sera, General Manager

"We're not often celebrated. We need to be heard and seen and make sure people can see what our contributions are. Hopefully moving forward it won't just be a month we celebrate, it's something that will be acknowledged straight away."