This is my third Black History Month (BHM) in the UK, after moving from a PR and marketing career in Nigeria and South Africa. It’s been nothing short of an eye-opener. Growing up in Nigeria, I never had to defend my identity and was never made to feel less. BHM doesn’t even exist there, because why would it need to?
It’s been surreal seeing why it’s needed here – a stark contrast with my previous lived experience. People who look like me have to live life always trying to defend their capabilities. And, reading about the different narratives of Black British history told by those with challenging experiences, I now find myself relating.
When I was first job-searching here, someone told me to delete LinkedIn posts about inclusion/diversity, because it would limit my chances of getting an interview. I couldn’t understand why being vocal was a barrier to entry.
In the past year, I’ve also seen how Black footballers are portrayed in the media, especially those who play for England; how Black men are misrepresented and that tiresome trope ‘angry Black woman’. Not to mention, some seriously badly thought-through brand campaigns (Heinz being on the chopping board)
‘Reclaiming Narratives’ was this year’s BHM theme…. What comes to mind for me on this topic is owning and changing perceptions or misconceptions of Black people in society.
In the 21st century, I can’t believe we’re still having to do so, but it’s also beautiful for me that I’m able to change things through my profession. But it shouldn’t just be for Black PR professionals to do. Everyone in the industry has the power to make change.
It needs representation – the use of authentic Black voices and experiences. It needs allyship – recognition that this isn’t for Black people alone to do. It needs a challenge mentality – to reject lazy assumptions and present properly nuanced stories. And it needs a drive to reshape how people understand Black history and identity.
I believe well thought-through and inclusive campaigns can shape our collective, multicultural identity, for internal or external audiences. By understanding the complexities of Black identity and the power of effective communication, we can create stories that resonate deeply and inspire positive change.
As lessons to take forward on BHM, don’t isolate it in October. Ask yourself:
- Are Black people more than a check box in your team, agency or work?
- Does invited to sessions also mean being included?
- Are you perpetuating labels or lazy assumptions? Or using proper insight and understanding to deliver nuanced campaigns?
I’m not here to be a check box. I’m here to be included. And I’m here to re-write labels, maybe even history.
Whoever you are, if you work in this industry, you are a professional communicator. Don’t just talk about the themes during Black History Month. Through insights, ideas, craft and words, you have that beautiful power to actually do it. But, please, make it 365, 24/7?
