Black Talent Charter’s Post

Jade McFarlane shares how she plans to celebrate UK Black History Month and how others can do the same. She also provides an update on her transition from student to Consultant. ⬇️ How do you plan on celebrating Black History Month? Jade: I plan on going to exhibitions spotlighting Black history such as those at the Wellcome Collection. I am also going to watch The Princess of Essex at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The play is based on the true story of a princess from Senegal who came to Britain in the 1900s to participate in a beauty pageant. These events are important to me because they showcase the rich and diverse heritage of Black history within the UK. However, attending these events is not unusual for me, and I think it is important to remember how intertwined Black history is with British history throughout the whole year – not just in October. Why are employee resource groups like our RISE (Race, Identity & Social Equity) Network important for personal and professional growth? Jade: These networks are important because they connect people across the firm who may have had similar experiences in their professional journey. They also provide a safe space for employees to talk about their experiences when working in a place where they are the minority and may feel underrepresented. As a new joiner, how has FTI Consulting supported your transition from student to full-time professional? Jade: FTI Consulting has supported me through the buddy and coach system. The firm has also been great in allowing me to continue my passions outside of work. I now play for the FTI netball team weekly, which has provided me an easy way to meet employees across the firm while staying fit! Alongside this, my team has been flexible with my netball training schedule, so I can work from home on the days I have training or matches. This flexibility has been great and helped me to settle easily into the team! How can others honor Black History Month? Jade: I encourage people to participate in cultural activities that shine a spotlight on Black history, including watching plays, visiting exhibitions, attending talks, reading books and more. I also would encourage people to support Black people within the UK, perhaps by researching local Black-owned businesses. Alternatively, there are many grassroots organisations and events run by Black people, such as the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre’s “For the Culture: Celebrations of Blackness Festival,” which focuses on the talent of Black people today in Britain! #BlackHistoryMonth #Diversity #TeamFTI

Happy October and Black History Month UK! As we welcome the start of October, it is a moment to celebrate and reflect on the significant contributions of Black individuals to the UK’s rich history and culture. Black History Month serves as a reminder that Black history is British history, and recognising it is essential in fostering understanding, unity, and progress. For organisations and businesses, marking this month goes beyond a one day celebration; it is about taking tangible steps toward creating an inclusive environment. It is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come in ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion, but more importantly, to assess how far we still have to go. Honouring Black History Month should be embedded within company culture, not just during October but throughout the year. Let us use this time to listen, learn, and commit to meaningful action as we build spaces where everyone can thrive. #BlackHistoryMonth #InclusionMatters #Diversityandinclusion #UK

Black History Month UK: Celebrating Legacy, Achievement, and Progress. This October, we come together to celebrate Black History Month in the UK—a time to honour the incredible contributions Black Britons have made to society. From pioneering figures like Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a celebrated composer and conductor who used his influence to uplift Black communities, and Dr. John Alcindor, a pioneering physician and leader of the African Progress Union have paved the way for future generations. In the business world, historical figures such as Pablo Fanque, the first Black circus owner in Britain during the Victorian era, and Len Dyke, Dudley Dryden, and Tony Wade, who founded the first major Black-owned business in the UK, Dyke & Dryden, in the 1960s, have shown that Black entrepreneurs have long been shaping the British economy. Black history is British history. It tells stories of innovation, resilience, excellence, and triumph in the face of adversity, from civil rights champions to cultural icons who have shaped arts, science, business, and beyond. This month is an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of these leaders and reflect on the ongoing efforts to advance equality and diversity. As we celebrate these achievements, let’s continue to educate, elevate, and unite - building a future where every story is heard, every contribution is valued, and where everyone’s talents can thrive. #BlackHistoryMonthUK #BlackExcellence #BlackBusinessHistory #CelebrateDiversity  #LegacyOfInnovation #DiversityAndInclusion

Good morning, everyone. I'm just getting ready for my Confident Conversations session with a charity that booked well in advance. Initially, they wanted it scheduled for Black History Month, but their real aim is to gain the confidence to implement effective and meaningful inclusion work long-term. In every session, we go beyond awareness, grounding discussions with historical context to understand the journey—where it started and where we are now. We break down organisations' major fears around anti-racism, especially terminology concerns. For many, the fear of “getting it wrong” or offending others can prevent real action. Our role is to address these concerns and empower people with the tools to keep moving forward. Our session flows through three practical steps: historical context, addressing fears via real-life scenarios, and fostering brave, confident conversations. Initially, many focused on “getting comfortable with being uncomfortable,” but we now emphasize taking courageous action beyond discomfort. For us, the future of DEI and Antiracism and Allyship is in the implementation stage. If your organisation is ready to move forward, resources are available through our pRESPECT Academy! This month, I’ve embraced spaces celebrating Black achievements, like the inspiring Black Women’s Rise Gala, which reminded me of thewhich reminded me of the importance of nurturing transformative communities. So, if your team is ready to make real strides, book your Active Learning November session with us today.

🌍 Celebrating Black History Month 🌍 As we enter the last week of #BlackHistoryMonth, it's important to reflect on the many contributions of Black individuals throughout history, and how their legacies continue to shape our society today. Here are some facts to inspire deeper reflection this month: 📜 A Rich Legacy: Black History Month was first celebrated in the UK in 1987, led by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo. It was inspired by the efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who initiated it in the U.S. as a way to recognise Black achievement beyond narratives of oppression. 🏛️ Trailblazers in Mental Health: Pioneering figures such as psychiatrist Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller, the first African American psychiatrist, played a crucial role in early research on Alzheimer's disease, making groundbreaking contributions to mental health. 👩⚖️ Championing Justice: Many Black activists, such as Baroness Doreen Lawrence, have transformed the fight for justice and racial equality in the UK. Her work continues to inspire efforts to reform systems and address institutional racism. 📚 Learning from History: Understanding historical struggles and victories helps us shape a future where mental health services are more accessible and culturally sensitive to the needs of Black communities. This month, let’s take time to celebrate the history, resilience and contributions of Black people across all sectors, while reflecting on how we can continue to champion diversity and inclusion in mental health services. 🖤 #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #DiversityAndInclusion #MentalHealthAwareness

Celebrating Black History Month in the UK: Honouring Legacy, Culture, and Progress As we mark #BlackHistoryMonth here in the UK, we reflect on the remarkable contributions of Black Britons who have shaped our nation's history, culture, and progress. From trailblazers like Mary Seacole and Olaudah Equiano to modern-day leaders in business, politics, and the arts, the impact of Black communities on British society is immeasurable. This month is an opportunity to not only honour historical figures but also recognise the Black voices that continue to inspire change and lead innovation across industries today. ✨ Let's take time to celebrate and uplift Black British entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals who are making a difference. Their resilience, creativity, and leadership help pave the way for a future grounded in inclusivity and equity. 💬 How can we, as a community and as organisations, continue to support and amplify Black talent and voices all year round, not just in October? #BlackHistoryMonthUK #DiversityAndInclusion #BlackExcellence #EquityAndEmpowerment

Reflecting on Black History Month I've often found Black History Month to be a time of performative actions that can feel disingenuous.   I’ve grown increasingly disillusioned with Black History Month, caught between a desire to disengage from the often superficial celebrations and a sense of outrage when organisations fail to acknowledge its importance. I find myself grappling with this internal conflict. It’s a complex tension, especially when considering the historical significance and the hard-fought battles that led to the recognition of Black History Month in the first place.   While organisations may schedule events and activities over this month, it's important to consider if these activities truly reflect the everyday experiences of Black staff and clients.   While it’s important to recognise and celebrate the contributions of Black people, I believe that true celebration and progress requires more than just a few events on the calendar.   Authenticity is Key Organisations often rely heavily on the efforts of Black employees to organise these activities, while leaders in positions of power have minimal involvement, engagement or participation. This can create a disconnect between the events and the day-to-day experiences of both Black staff and the communities they serve.   True racial equity requires more than just surface-level celebrations. It demands a commitment to creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and respected. 24/7.   Let's use this month as an opportunity to genuinely reflect on organisations' progress and take meaningful steps towards a more just and equitable future. #BlackHistoryMonth #RacialEquity #DiversityAndInclusion

During Black History Month and always, we celebrate our team members from different backgrounds and cultures. Malcolm Weaver, vice president and commercial loan officer, shared his thoughts on why Black History Month is important to him. Q: Why is Black History Month important to you? A: Black History Month allows the entire nation the opportunity to recognize the integral part African Americans have played in the foundation of our country. I enjoy hearing about local trailblazers that may not have received national recognition, but have made impacts, nonetheless. Black History Month creates awareness, and with awareness comes knowledge. Knowledge provides an opportunity for deeper understanding. Q: How do you celebrate your identity throughout the year? A: I wear my identity on my sleeve daily. Therefore, I embrace it with dignity and pride. I work in a field where I’m typically the minority in most settings. I embrace my differences through authenticity in every encounter and enjoy collaborating with others and showcasing that we have more in common than initially assumed. Q: Who has been an inspiration to you in your life? A: My family. My parents are from North Philadelphia. Their perseverance and dedication to advancement since I was child has inspired me to become the best husband / father / uncle / mentor / professional I can be. My children inspire me to leave a legacy that will continue building a foundation of positive contributors to society. Q: What can professionals, like yourself, do to celebrate Black History Month? A: Support black-owned businesses and educate yourselves around lesser-known African Americans figures that have made positive contributions to society. Use the knowledge you've amassed to educate and inspire the next generation of young professionals. Talk is great, action is greater. #TeamMPB #TeamMPBSpotlight #BlackHistoryMonth

In the UK, October marks Black history month. The theme this year is “Reclaiming Narratives” and marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. Why is Black history month so important: Studies revealed that 60% of Black professionals still experience racism in the workplace, so a key motivator behind Black History Month is to highlight how people from such communities have made pivotal contributions to society. It has also been reported that 25% of people find that assumptions are made about their abilities, character or behaviour due to their race. Such statistics emphasise the importance of Black History Month, as the event brings to light how Black people are both uncredited in our history books and undervalued in the workplace. Why “Reclaiming Narratives”? Honour Our Heroes: Challenge the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and globally. Embrace Our Stories: Take control of our stories, honour our heroes, and shine a light on the diverse and profound impact of Black individuals across various fields. Empower and Educate: Embrace, educate and empower one another through the stories that shape our collective identity. The journey of reclaiming narratives is not just a theme for Black History Month; it’s a movement towards acknowledging and appreciating the numerous contributions of Black individuals throughout history. #blackhistorymonth

I was the first Black Head of Beauty Buying for a luxury retailer in the UK. Realistically, it will be a far bigger territory than just the UK. Being the “first” is something we’re encouraged to be proud of, and I am. But it’s also deeply disappointing that it took until 2022 for a Black person to have my position. In over 99% of my meetings with brand partners, I was the only person of colour in the room. With 170+ partners and an average of 4-5 brand representatives present in each meeting, I’ll let you do the maths. In several bi-annual strategy meetings with global brands I’d be shown products and campaigns that were “universally flattering” but categorically wouldn’t work on my hair texture or complexion, let alone someone with a deeper skin tone. As you can imagine, I would always challenge and push back. The noise around diversity, inclusion and allyship seems to have gone silent but the economic and social repercussions are growing deafeningly louder. Having an internal Black History Month party and a social media post means nothing if there are no tangible plans to foster or promote the existing Black workforce. In a talent pool that is already smaller, that talent can’t just be embraced, it has to be nurtured. So yes, here's to more "firsts" but true progress will look like Black leadership being the norm rather than a rarity.