History: Reclaiming the Past
When Akyaaba Addai-Sebo started Black History Month in the UK, it was never just about looking backwards—it was about reclaiming our stories, our heritage, our place in the history of this country. Black soldiers fought in both World Wars, while Black cultural leaders have shaped the very fabric of British identity. Mary Seacole, Ignatius Sancho, and countless others aren’t just footnotes—they are central to our history.
But this isn’t a cosy, feel-good history lesson. Our contributions have been erased, our achievements marginalised, and Black History Month is a moment to redress that imbalance.
Where Are We Now?
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: despite all the statements and solidarity posts, the structures that uphold racism remain firmly in place. Recent waves of protests in the UK, fuelled by the global Black Lives Matter movement, revealed that we still have a long way to go. Look at the data: Black Britons are more likely to be unemployed, over-policed, and under-represented in leadership. It’s not just a broken system; it’s a system designed to work this way.
Many organisations think a few well-meaning social media posts in October will make them allies. That’s not allyship, that’s optics.
Moving Beyond Tokenism
So what needs to change? Leadership, pure and simple. Performative gestures aren’t enough—we need systemic action. That means putting Black voices at the heart of decision-making and committing to diversity not as a buzzword but as a practice. At Rockstone Consultancy, we challenge businesses to go further: Are you building a workplace where Black employees can thrive, or are you just ticking boxes?
Diversity isn’t a marketing tool; it’s a fundamental shift in how power operates in your organisation. You don’t get to ignore that responsibility.
Black History is British History
This isn’t just about the Black community; this is about all of us. Black history is British history, full stop. It shouldn’t be confined to one month or a series of token gestures. If we truly want to celebrate Black History Month, we need to ensure Black narratives are woven into the fabric of this nation’s story, all year round.
Conclusion: More Than a Month
Black History Month is a reminder—a call to reflect, resist, and rebuild. But it’s just that, a reminder. The real work is year-round. If we want to dismantle inequality, we must move beyond statements and toward tangible, meaningful change.
So this October, ask yourself: what are you doing to create real change? What’s your role in challenging the status quo? At Rockstone Consultancy, we believe in pushing the boundaries of leadership to demand better. Because Black history isn’t just about the past—it’s about the future we want to build. To take the next step in your journey, book a free consultancy session with us today!