I grew up in an area with a lot of people of Black heritage, and I consider that a privilege. It meant that from a young age I was exposed to different cultures and experiences, and it gave me an awareness that not everyone is treated the same. I saw first hand how Black friends and neighbours were sometimes treated differently, whether that was in school, by the police, or later in the workplace. This is just my own personal opinion, but that early experience is one of the reasons I feel Black History Month is important and worth paying attention to.

When it comes to the workplace, Black History Month should not be seen as a tick box exercise. It is an opportunity to make sure people feel respected and valued, while also creating space for learning. It does not have to be complicated, and it should never feel performative. Here are a few ideas on where to start.

👂Listen first
One of the most important things an organisation can do is create a space where colleagues feel comfortable to share their thoughts if they want to. It is important to listen, but equally important not to place the burden of education on Black colleagues unless they actively want to contribute.

🗣️Have open conversations
Sometimes the most meaningful progress comes from conversations that feel uncomfortable. Asking Black colleagues how the workplace can do better, or what changes would make a real difference, can be eye-opening. It is not about putting people on the spot, but about creating an environment where honest dialogue is welcomed. You do not know what you do not know, and the only way to understand is by listening.

📈Learn together
Black History Month is an opportunity for collective learning. Sharing resources such as books, podcasts or films can be a simple way to start. Even something as straightforward as a lunchtime discussion after watching a documentary can help spark new conversations.

🥳Celebrate contributions
Make an effort to highlight Black pioneers, both from history,those shaping your industry today and even in your team. Too often these contributions are overlooked, and Black History Month gives us a moment to bring them into the spotlight.

🔎Look inward
This month is also a reminder to reflect on how inclusive your workplace really is. Are recruitment practices fair and open? Are leadership opportunities accessible to everyone? These questions should not be limited to October, but this is a good moment to ask them honestly.

☮️Keep it respectful
There is no need for grand gestures. Small, thoughtful actions go a long way, and consistency matters more than anything. Inclusion and respect should be part of everyday workplace culture, not just something that happens for one month of the year.

Black History Month is about more than posters or social media posts. For me, it is an invitation to learn, to respect, and to keep improving the way we treat each other. My suggestion for anyone who is unsure where to begin is to start small. Read one book, share one resource, or have one open conversation that helps you understand more. Those small steps, when repeated, make the biggest difference.

📚 Top 5 Black British Books to Start With

1. Black and British: A Short, Essential History by David Olusoga
   A concise and very accessible overview of Black history in Britain. Perfect as an entry point for anyone who wants to understand the long presence and contributions of Black people in the UK without being overwhelmed by detail.

2. Staying Power: The History of Black People in Britain by Peter Fryer
   A classic text, widely regarded as a foundation for understanding Black British history. It is a bit denser, but it shows how deeply Black history is woven into British history.

3. Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire by Akala
   A mix of memoir, history, and social commentary. Akala explains how history shapes the present, particularly around race and class, in a way that is sharp, honest, and very readable.

4. The Heart of the Race: Black Women’s Lives in Britain by Beverley Bryan, Stella Dadzie and Suzanne Scafe
   Essential for understanding the experiences and contributions of Black women in modern Britain. It adds an important perspective on workplace and community life that is often underrepresented.

5. The Good Immigrant edited by Nikesh Shukla
   A collection of 21 essays by British writers of colour exploring identity, race, and belonging. It is easy to dip in and out of, making it perfect for group discussions or shorter reads.