Celebrating Black History Month in Manchester: “Breaking Barriers” with CNA Hardy and Tysers
Last week, we gathered in Manchester for a powerful Black History Month event, “Breaking Barriers,” held in partnership with CNA Hardy and Tysers.
The evening was filled with inspiring stories, meaningful conversations, and shared insights on building a more inclusive industry.
The event began with a keynote address by rugby legend Jason Robinson OBE, whose journey from his early days in Leeds to becoming the first Black captain of the England Rugby Union set an inspiring tone for the evening.
Jason’s life story is one of resilience, grit, and breaking down societal expectations. Raised in a non-Black family with Caribbean heritage, he learned adaptability early on, overcoming academic struggles and personal challenges through his love for rugby.
Jason reminded us that no matter our background, determination and mentorship can help us overcome socioeconomic and cultural barriers. His career, marked by trophies, a World Cup victory, and an OBE, serves as a testament to the power of resilience and persistence.
Following Jason’s keynote, a panel discussion featuring Ophelia A., Ik Onyiah, and Lauren Tyrer delved into themes of inclusion, mentorship, and reclaiming narratives within the workplace.
Each speaker brought unique perspectives on creating spaces where diverse voices can thrive.
Key Takeaways from the Evening
Creating Pathways for Others
Both Jason and Lauren underscored the importance of making space for underrepresented voices. Lauren encouraged attendees to become active mentors and sponsors, demonstrating allyship by helping others reach new opportunities.
The Importance of Listening and Dialogue
Our panelists reminded us that genuine listening can foster dialogue that broadens understanding and builds trust. In doing so, we empower others to share their unique perspectives.
Mentorship Beyond Similarity
Ophelia highlighted the idea that a mentor doesn’t need to share your background. What matters is their ability to understand your aspirations and push you towards growth in unexpected ways.
Reclaiming Narratives
With “reclaiming narratives” as the event’s theme, attendees reflected on the importance of embracing their unique backgrounds. The evening reinforced how these narratives can help build inclusive workplaces that respect and amplify diverse voices.
The atmosphere was electric, with attendees connecting, sharing personal stories, and gaining insights that will fuel their journeys forward.
We’re grateful to CNA Hardy and Tysers for helping bring this event to life and to all our attendees for joining us in this celebration of resilience, identity, and progress.
Stay connected with iCAN to be part of future events and initiatives that are shaping a more inclusive future.
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.