Black History Month is not just a month for me, it’s my lifestyle – I know nothing else. Although designed to be a time for celebration, I experience a range of mixed emotions at this time of year.
I’m very proud of who I am, my heritage and the great things Black people have and continue to do and contribute towards society. Yet I feel exhausted and overwhelmed because many organisations along with the mainstream media, suddenly focus their attention and recognition on Black people when it isn’t there authentically the rest of the year, and when it is, it’s often through a negative lens.
Over the years, I’ve had many conversations with people who feel like Black History Month is a tiresome tick box exercise. As a result, I’m intrigued to know what Black History Month means to everyone else BUT Black people. I’d also like to see Black people being acknowledged and celebrated, without them having to do the majority of the organising, facilitating and educating themselves.
Growing up Black in the UK has been and still is very heavy, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love the skin I’m in but want to be able to live and work in a society where I’m free to be me and don’t have to suppress my thoughts, feelings and emotions in order to cope with everyday life.
Although there continue to be great improvements in some areas, there is a long way to go and it’s frustrating to still experience and witness micro-aggressions and ignorant comments within the workplace, frequently reminding me that I don’t quite belong.
When engaging in this month’s activities around Black History Month, please remember that a good time for some can be very challenging for others who work and live in spaces where they endure being gaslighted, dismissed or completely ignored when issues around race arise.
Be curious and seek to understand, but also be sensitive and mindful, as many people will be re-opening some very painful wounds that still remain, long after the conversation has finished.
October shouldn’t just be a time to ask Black people to share their lived experiences. It should be a month of reflection for all, and particularly for organisations to reflect on what they are consistently doing to combat racism and ensure working environments where discrimination doesn’t exist at any level.
Let’s change the narrative!
Leyhana McCarthy
Information Point Team Leader