Exploring the Emotions of Black History Month: Pride, Sadness, and Excitement

October is one of my favourite months because it's Black History Month. Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, a Ghanaian immigrant started Black History Month in the UK in 1987. To find out more about Black History Month, visit https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/  

 Reflecting on Black History Month stirs up mixed emotions - pride, sadness, and excitement.

 I am proud to be part of a resilient, strong, and amazing community who have worked tirelessly to change the Black Narrative in the UK. I remember the times when my colleagues and I used to play SPOT the Black when we attended work meetings and events. I also remember the countless occasions when I had to cover the front of the VOICE newspaper when I was reading it in the office canteen because the strapline "Britain's best Black newspaper made some of my colleagues feel uncomfortable.

It saddens me that despite our efforts, we are still underrepresented in many sectors, as an example, based on the UK’s Department for Education report in 2019, only about 4% of teachers in state-funded schools are identified as Black, Asian, or from other minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

In addition, I also feel saddened when I hear livid experiences of identity crisis, stereotyping, tokenism, and climbing the concrete ceiling in the workplace.

The celebration of Black History Month in the UK fills me with excitement. It's a time to showcase our cuisine, music, and traditions to our colleagues, friends, and our community. Two of my best moments are firstly explaining the difference between plantain and banana to an engaged audience.