This year, Black History Month is focused on reclaiming the narrative surrounding Black history and culture. This theme drives the importance of sharing stories, highlighting resilience, brilliance, and the richness of Black heritage. Black people still face systemic injustices that persist today. By taking control of the narrative, we not only educate and inspire future generations but also help to shape the world’s future.
We have lots of activities planned for this year’s Black History Month, focused on 2023’s theme of honouring and empowering Black women past and present, often regarded as the unsung heroes of history. We will be spotlighting the accomplishments of the Black women leaders who are our colleagues, clients and candidates to help magnify their voices and confront the systems that marginalises them, a commitment we support 365 days of the year.
This month, we are placing a focus on health disparities in the Black community and working to reshape the outcomes of these inequities. We have launched the ‘333 Pledges for 333 Lives‘ campaign, in partnership with the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT), Anthony Nolan, and other charities and public sector leaders, to address the shortage of Black people on the Stem Cell register.
“As someone who has been on the stem cell register for 17+ years and has volunteered with the ACLT for nearly as long, I deeply understand the hesitation within the Black community to join. Given our history of medical mistreatment, it’s no surprise there is scepticism. However, I am passionate about debunking myths, and correcting misconceptions, which is why this campaign is so important to me—we are reclaiming the narrative and empowering our community to save lives. I have personally signed up hundreds of Police Officers and staff to the register through systems I set up within Merseyside Police and Cheshire Constabulary. Bringing this work to GatenbySanderson has been a passion of mine, and I’m thrilled that GS shares the same commitment to our social responsibility. This campaign allows me to make a meaningful impact in the Black community—my community—with my friends, family and children in mind, ensuring that we leave a lasting legacy.”
Jade Beckles — Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager
We also have a range of activities planned that will aim to facilitate intersectional discussions, including sharing stories from our colleagues’ experiences.
Public service is our business and promoting diversity and equality through more representative leadership has always been part of our DNA. We champion all under-represented groups and since 2020, we have placed over 100 Black, Asian and other minority ethnic leaders in senior Executive and Non-Executive roles (16%* of all appointees). Earlier this year, we also collaborated with the Society of Black Academics (SBA) and the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) to highlight the barriers faced by Black Academics in Higher Education and how we can drive change. You can access the full report for free here: Unblocking the Pipeline: Supporting the Retention, Progression and Promotion of Black Early-Career Academics
We look forward to celebrating Black History Month throughout October and continuing to champion this community in months and years to come.