Black History Month: Celebrating Our Sisters
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month is a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and the remarkable contributions of black individuals throughout history.
It's a dynamic journey through time, where we share the stories of unsung heroes, celebrate trailblazers who shattered barriers, and explore the vibrant tapestry of black culture that has left an indelible mark on the world.
This month is a grand stage for tales of courage, innovation, and social progress. It's not only about recognising the past but also acknowledging the boundless potential of a more inclusive and equitable future.
Black History Month electrifies our collective spirit, reminding us that by honouring the triumphs and struggles of the past, we pave the way for a brighter, more harmonious world.
How are iCAN contributing to Black History Month?
This year's Black History Month theme is Celebrating Our Sisters, highlighting the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities.
To honour this year’s theme, we are hosting our third Black-Owned Market in insurance, with our brilliant sponsors BMS Group and Tokio Marine Kiln on Thurs 26th October in London!
This event has been created to champion and showcase black-owned businesses to the insurance industry! The event format will be a market layout with stalls, food, drinks and fun for all.
This will be a great event that celebrates diversity, promotes business excellence, provides an excellent opportunity to meet new people and empowers black entrepreneurs this Black History Month.
If you would like to sign up for this free event, please click here
We asked the iCAN Steering Community Members and Role Models for their insights on what Black History Month means to them:
Megan Bingham-Walker
I see Black History Month as an opportunity to learn from the past, celebrate success and reflect on changes for the future. I think this is a wonderful opportunity to highlight and celebrate the particular intersectional challenges faced by our sisters.
I recently joined the Google for Black Founders Programme and connected with some peers who are founders of startups, and we celebrate each other.
My advice for younger black talented individuals’ is don’t listen to those who describe the insurance industry as boring. It’s one of the oldest industries and the foundation of our economy. There is a huge diversity of opportunities for you to utilise your talents and skills to progress across the industry.
Chris Osei
Black History Month is an important opportunity to celebrate the culture, history, and lived experience of people who look like me.
Celebrating black women during Black History Month is crucial because it acknowledges significant contributions to our communities and wider society. Black women have played pivotal roles in civil rights movements, science, culture, politics, education, and sports. Their achievements often go unnoticed or underappreciated, making it essential to highlight their accomplishments and the challenges they've overcome.
Being an ally in anti-racism is not passive and requires some commitment to learning - so I would encourage allies to try to hear the lived experiences of black people and read the stories being told by black authors about black experiences.
Also, there is so much great non-fiction and fiction out there that will help to tell these stories: Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ekow Eshun, Andrea Levy, Franz Fanon, James Baldwin, Nikki Giovanni, Alexandra Wilson, Robin Di Angelo. By doing so, we acknowledge their resilience, strength, and the importance of their voices in shaping the history and future of the black community and the nation.
Selina Bilton
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the countless contributions that Black people and their allies have made to British history, culture, and society. It's an opportunity to reflect on the achievements, and resilience of Black individuals and communities throughout history, and recognise that Black history is British history.
Black progression has been a slow and challenging process, and there is still a long way to go.
As a woman of colour, I've encountered various obstacles and biases throughout my career, but I've also seen progress in terms of greater awareness, visibility, and representation of Black professionals in various industries.
However, the current social and political climate has highlighted the ongoing need for systemic change and action to tackle racism and discrimination in the workplace and also in the education system.
My advice to younger Black talented individuals would be to trust themselves, pursue their passions wholeheartedly, and seek out supportive networks and mentors who can guide and nurture their talents. Don't be afraid to speak up, challenge biases and stereotypes, and embrace your unique perspective and experiences.
Remember, you can achieve anything you set your mind to!
Ken Kittoe
Black History Month is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the endless, positive contributions black people have made to society.
I think in the past we’ve focused far too heavily on black trauma rather than black excellence – talented, inspirational, and authentic black people have been contributing in extraordinary ways to society since the dawn of time so we should be shining the spotlight on that and inspiring the next generation of talent to go above and beyond those who came before us.
I believe we must celebrate our superwoman at every opportunity we get!
The experience of black women in society is different to the experience of other minority groups and I feel stereotypes of “angry or problematic black women” have caused an immeasurable amount of damage when in reality, that isn’t the case.
Our sisters, mums, aunties, and friends are strong willed in a society that tries to pull them down, resilient in a society that tries to dim their light on an almost daily basis and are unapologetically themselves in a society that tells them they must hide important aspects on themselves such as their natural hair.
Let's celebrate our Queens all year round, starting with Black History Month this month.
As a young black talented individual, it’s not easy to navigate society when you’re consciously and subconsciously told you’re not destined for greatness – but forget all that, you are great, and you deserve to be where you are.
Visualise where you want to get to and absolutely go for it with everything you have, don’t let anyone try to dim your light.
Ola Jacob
Black History Month holds a deep meaning for me, as it represents the untold tales and forgotten legacies of my ancestors.
Growing up, my family entertained me with stories of a mighty warrior tribe known as Sapetu, who once held sway over the lands of West Africa, holding an almost mythical aura of pride and strength.
At the age of ten, my parents took us on a journey to the deepest part of our family tree, tracing our roots back to our ancestral village. The moment I set foot in that village, an elderly woman, aged 103, began speaking animatedly. Completely baffled, my mother revealed that she believed I was the reincarnation of my great grandfather.
Controversially, I think black history isn't as Important as black futures. If I had the power to shape the narrative, I would propose the creation of a Black Futures Month, following Black History Month.
It represents a move from dwelling on the unchangeable past and instead focuses on creating an extraordinary future. Personally, I strive to be a driving force behind this transformative change, extending an invitation to both allies and black professionals to join me on this journey.
Together, we can shape a future that surpasses the limitations imposed by history and create a world where we all flourish no matter what colour we are.
Echaunti Swan
Black History Month, to me, is a dedicated time to celebrate the rich history and contributions of Black people throughout the ages. It's an opportunity for everyone to pause and truly comprehend the significance of our history.
This month is a reminder of the struggles and triumphs, and it's a time to engage in activities that inspire and uplift me, fostering a sense of pride and connection.
I grew up in Bermuda and later moved to America, so my list of inspirational figures includes individuals like Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and my mother. These women have demonstrated incredible strength and resilience, even when faced with adversity – they’ve all become remarkable leaders.
My mother, she's been a personal inspiration. She raised three children, supported my dad, and made the courageous move to America to further her education. Along the way, she became a successful businesswoman – a path I aspire to follow.
These individuals, including my mother, have all shown the power of determination and strength in the face of challenges.
I believe more people should be aware that innovation and invention by black individuals have changed the world in numerous ways, and I think it's important for these achievements to receive greater attention. From life-saving medical inventions to revolutionary technological breakthroughs, the impact of Black inventors and scientists is undeniable.
Overall, the rich cultural heritage and achievements of the Black community span a diverse range of fields, encompassing not only music and literature but also science and technology.
It's essential for everyone to appreciate and celebrate this heritage, as it has significantly enriched our society and played a vital role in shaping the diverse and inclusive world we live in today.
Michael Yabantu
Black History Month is a short time in the year when we can stop and reflect on the journey of Black heritage and celebrate the cultural diversity we are privileged to enjoy. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for learning and education hearing many stories and lived experiences that span many areas of Black History.
I love hearing anecdotes about how someone relates to Black History Month and the story that most connects them to this month of celebration and commemoration. “Our Sisters” played such a significant role in Black History and there are many well known legendary stories about prominent Black females in our history – Harriet Tubman being a great example.
For me, it reminds me of my grandmother, raising her family and supporting my grandfather during apartheid through to her work and life in the UK. Her selfless nature and desire to make the world a better place and do all she could to support her homeland never ceases to be an inspiration to me.
As a young black talented individual remembers, diversity exists – there are people like you and there are opportunities for you just like everyone else.
Your career is not determined by the colour of your skin and don’t let anyone tell you or let you think otherwise. Don’t underestimate how far hard work and doing a good job will take you. Outside of that build your network and USE your network. Use it to help develop your skills or find new opportunities.
Most of all – have a voice – don’t be afraid to use it. You have more to share and help others understand than you realise.
Join us to celebrate Black History Month!
About iCAN
The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) is a leading organisation committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the insurance sector. Established in 2017, iCAN has been instrumental in spotlighting cultural awareness, fostering talent, and championing diversity within the industry.