Celebrating Black History Month: How our roots have defined us

Occurring annually in October (UK) and February (USA and Canada), Black History Month celebrates important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.

Joyce Teifouet

Legal and Commercial Advisor

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The importance of being proud of your heritage

Being proud of my heritage is something that I can carry with me everywhere I go. I think it’s important to take pride in my culture, history and further the path that my ancestors paved for me.

This means ensuring my cultural heritage shines through my personality, values and treating others with respect. This is something that I do daily.

Growing up in Cameroon

Growing up in Cameroon until I was 8 allowed me to understand the struggles some may face daily. My parents did a fantastic job of teaching me about unity (being the youngest of 8) because this experience allowed me to understand that we can all draw strength from coming together as one.

Coming from a French-speaking country, growing up in Manchester shaped me into an individual that welcomes and adapts to others’ culture.

Manchester is a city that is full of people from different backgrounds and it is this uniqueness we carry that creates the magic of unity.

How have your roots defined you?

For us to understand who we are, we must understand our past and how we got here, including the events in our lives that have shaped the way we are today. I would say my roots have defined me to be bold, determined and creative. From a young age, I was taught to pursue all my passions and goals, and I strive to inspire my peers to do the same.

This has translated into my role as Treasurer of Urban Lawyers North, a charity dedicated to helping aspiring lawyers from unrepresented backgrounds gain access to opportunities that can push them in the right direction.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month to me, not only means acknowledging the events that brought us here today but also celebrating the successes of those who we can look up to. I believe that Black History Month is about drawing inspiration from those similar to us, who have achieved what we wish to achieve and inspiring others to do the same, in everything we do. It’s a celebration of greatness that has been and greatness to come.

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Marcelle Djouhassi

Recruitment Consultant

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The importance of being proud of your heritage

My heritage is from Cameroon, West/Central Africa, specifically from the west part of Cameroon. I am proud of my heritage because it has taught me about what my ancestors went through and there is no higher pride than honouring the struggles of our ancestors. This has also given me guidance, substance, and comfort in life.

Growing up in London

London is full of people from different backgrounds. This gave me a better idea of how the world works outside the bubble that I grew up in. I have been exposed to different types of food, different people practising different types of religions, different languages, different skin tones etc.

This has allowed me to become open-minded and has taught me that people are pretty much the same no matter what they look like on the outside. It has also taught me love, acceptance and equality and helped shape me into who I am today. I have made friends from different backgrounds and countries and I love sharing my culture with them and teaching them about where I am from.

How have your roots defined you?

My roots have taught me a lot about my values and beliefs in life, how I deserved to be treated and how I want to treat other people. It has shaped me into whom I am today.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month to me represents appreciation of black people’s values and our contribution to society. It gives us the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.

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Anton Zepherin

Head of Contracts
 

The importance of being proud of your heritage

I think it’s incredibly important to be proud of your heritage because your heritage is a part of who you are. We’re defined by our experiences and, for me, a big part of my heritage includes the experiences of those who came before me to help shape who I am, how I view the world around me, and how I view my place in it.

I think it’s important to be proud enough of one’s heritage to be confident in educating and sharing aspects of it with those around you whenever appropriate. This is how we continue to push ED&I in our communities.

How have your roots defined you?

I’m a 3rd generation immigrant from the Caribbean. My grandparents came over during the 50s, seeking a better life and better opportunities for their progeny. There were things that they wanted for themselves and their children, and they knew that in order to attain these things they had to work very hard for them. This was something they taught their children, who also passed this onto their children (my generation).

I am acutely aware that if there is anything I want in life, I need to work hard for it. All of my siblings and cousins have the same understanding. This is something, I’m conscious of that has driven us to be highly productive, and pretty successful as individuals.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

I’m a fan of Black History Month. Every year I learn something new about Black History, and I think the same could be said for most people who get involved. It’s also a time where people who look like me are given special recognition and provided a platform to do things in the media that they may have struggled with at any other time of year. With that said, I look forward to the day that we no longer need a Black History Month.

I say this because ‘Black History’ is a part of ‘World History’ just like that of any other ethnicity and culture. So, these histories should be celebrated all year around, not just in October.

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Isha Foster

Finance Manager

What Black History Month means to me

I look forward to Black History Month because it is an opportunity to publicly acknowledge and celebrate important figures who played a role in the events in the history of the African/Caribbean diaspora. But for me personally, it means hope, purpose, and progression, which are just a few gifts our heroes, past and present, have given us and in my mind are well worthy of celebration.

Looking back at the history of my ancestors, I am motivated by their courage to stand up for human rights despite the challenges they faced in adversity, and I am strengthened by their remarkable level of endurance in the pursuit of this. I truly believe that the history of black people is truly inspiring to all, no matter what nationality you are.

Whilst it is important to look back, I feel like it is also important to look forward so I like to think of all the positive outcomes from this time and use that energy to fuel and realise my goals and aspirations.

As a Black woman, I am particularly inspired by the stories of present female representations such as Mary J Blige and Oprah Winfrey who didn’t have the best start in life but worked hard and pushed through boundaries to become successful black women and real-life examples to women. But I am also proud of our very own UK figures such as Sir Lewis Hamilton, Anthony Joshua OBE, Marcus Rashford MBE and Idris Elba OBE. These are great achievements, hugely inspirational and most importantly tangible, people I can see and even relate to because we live in the same time.

In summary I feel extremely grateful for the life I live today and the opportunities available to me because of my ancestors successfully overcoming challenges put before them, letting me know I too can overcome any challenge I am faced with and achieve whatever I want to in life and with the same drive and tenacity anything is possible.

Morson is proud to celebrate our diverse workforce this Black History Month.

Find out more about Black History Month here