What does Black History Month mean to you? A spotlight on the importance of celebrating different cultures.

As part of Black History Month we asked colleagues to share why culture and diversity is so important to them.

What is your cultural background? Or, with which cultural group do you identify?

I am Nigerian.

What is the thing you are most proud of about your culture?

I am proud of its richness and diversity. Nigerians are very funny people with fantastic resilience.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

BHM is a very strange phenomenon to me. I can appreciate it, but I also feel strange to have focus on me for a whole month for simply being black. But I recently recognised that this is perhaps due to the fact that I only became aware of my blackness when I migrated to the UK, before that my tribe was my distinguishable feature. I knew nothing about slavery until the age of 9, when my primary school taught me about the American civil rights movement. I am still learning and will probably spend my whole life learning.  

What’s the most important message from Black History Month, for you?

Education. Over the years, I have learnt a lot about black history with annual prompt from BHM and I am very thankful for it. 

Is there a historical black figure – or someone currently living – from whom you take inspiration?

I take inspiration from everywhere and everyone, I wouldn’t say there is one person I take inspiration from.

What are some of the ways you celebrate Black History Month?

I learned more about black history. There is still so much to learn, and BHM makes me focus on learning more.

Have any of your non-black friends ever asked you about BHM and if so, what do you say it is about?

The last time I was asked about BHM was in primary school and my understanding back then was that it is intended to educate society about Black History to combat racism and for us to not repeat the mistakes of the past. For me, BHM represents equality and being treated equal.