From the Classroom to the Boardroom: How We Must Rewrite the Black Experience

This year’s Black History Month theme, “Reclaiming Narratives,” resonates deeply with me - not just as a professional, but as a proud Nigerian mother raising two Black daughters. For me, this is more than a theme - it’s a mission.

I want my girls to grow up confident, resilient, and proud of who they are. I want them to know that their story, their voice, and their experiences are valid, even when the world tries to tell them otherwise.

Shifting the Narratives: Starting at Home and School

The narrative-shaping starts early - long before we enter the workplace. I remember an incident shared by a mum in my local community. Her young Black son had been repeatedly taunted by a classmate with racist remarks. He did everything right: he told his teachers, asked for support, and waited for adults to step in.

But when no one did, he eventually fought back physically. And guess what? He was the one removed from class.

What message does this send to other children? That even when you’re the victim, if you’re Black and you react, you are the problem. This is how biases begin - through these seemingly small yet incrcedibly damaging moments that shape perceptions.

These Stories Don’t Stay in the Classroom

These narratives follow us into adulthood, and they seep into the workplace. When we get to the boardroom, they shape the biases white colleagues might hold. Who gets sponsored for promotions? Who is seen as “too aggressive” or “too emotional”? Who is considered “safe” to champion?

This is why reclaiming the narrative is not just about correcting history - it’s about disrupting the assumptions and stereotypes that impact Black professionals’ lives every day.

From the Classroom to the Workplace: Reclaiming Our Narratives

As I’ve moved through my career, I’ve seen the same patterns repeat. Black professionals often have to work twice as hard to counter negative stereotypes. Being the only Black voice in the room means constantly managing perceptions, carrying the weight of representing an entire race, and pushing back against the myths that still persist.

And that’s exhausting.

It’s not just about us doing the work. It’s about you - leaders, allies, and people in positions of privilege - doing the work alongside us. I often think about a white executive I coach. During a company-wide conference, he stood up and declared, “I am an anti-racist.”

It took courage. He used his white privilege to shape the narrative, making it clear that his silence would never be mistaken for compliance. This is what allyship looks like: standing up, being vocal, and using your position to champion others.

During one of our safe space conversations for Black Employee Networks, I recently asked who had mentors and sponsors. One participant rightfully said,

"How do I know that the person I approach will believe me when I share the racist experiences I have had? Not many of our leaders openly say they are anti-racist, so how do we know who to trust?

How hearbreaking is that?!

Your Role in Reclaiming Narratives: Championing, Sponsoring, and Speaking Up

If you have privilege, you have power. And with that power comes the responsibility to change the narrative. That means:

• Mentoring & Championing Black talent in your organisation.

• Sponsoring Black employees in talent management discussions.

• Challenging your organisation's non-inclusive systems and processes.

• Amplifying Black voices when they’re overlooked.

• Calling out biases in 'those rooms' and whenever you see them influencing decisions and the experiences of your Black colleagues.

• Openly celebrating the achievements and successes of your Black colleagues.

The list is endless. It’s using your position to create pathways for those who are often overlooked because of outdated stereotypes and misconceptions.

Reclaiming the Narrative Means Sharing the Burden

But let me be clear: your Black colleagues can’t do this alone. It’s draining to always be “the one” raising a hand to challenge the stereotypes. To be the only person in the room pushing back when people use coded language to dismiss a Black colleague’s potential or passion. Don't get me started on what it's like to be a Black entrepreneur in this country.

Yes, you need to be part of this journey too. You need to help us reclaim these narratives by standing beside us and using your voice to confront these biases, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Proud to Be Nigerian, Proud to Reclaim Our Stories

I want my daughters to see themselves in the true narrative of being black - not one defined by trauma or struggle, but by pride, resilience, and brilliance. I want them to see our Nigerian and African heritage celebrated, not ignored. I want them to see the strength in our communities and the excellence in our contributions.

Because the bias and racism they see in the media is not our story. That’s never been our story. Our communities are filled with an abundance of love, support, joy, pride and leadership that defy the stereotypes pushed by the media.

This Black History Month: A Call to Action

This Black History Month, as we focus on “Reclaiming Narratives,” I challenge you to ask:

• What stereotypes are you unknowingly supporting?

• Who are you advocating for?

• Are you using your privilege to actively challenge these narratives?

Because reclaiming our narratives isn’t just about Black people telling our own stories - it’s about dismantling the false ones that society keeps perpetuating.

It’s about making sure that the next generation, including my daughters, sees themselves as they truly are: leaders, innovators, dreamers, and creators. Not just for one month, but every single day of the year.

So, what role will you play in our story? #reclaimingnarratives