‘What does it mean to celebrate Black History Month?’ by Dele Agunpopo, Workspace Manager

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October already?! I think we can all agree that this year has absolutely flown by and soon enough we’ll be saying goodbye to 2022. A year of many challenges we hadn’t faced before, whether in our industry, workforce, or personal lives, and as I continue to reflect on the turbulent year there is a resonating feeling of transformation. The COVID-19 outbreak shocked our usual way of life, forcing us to introduce targeted, meaningful, and innovative solutions to processes which we would’ve considered ‘normal’. As Black History Month commences once again, I can’t help but ponder, ‘What does it mean to celebrate it?’

As a child growing into my teens, Black History Month (coupled with the teachings of my family) continued to place a spotlight on the aspects of my race’s history which I wasn’t aware of, therefore achieving its objective to educate. However, at present as a young black male in my late twenties, I often struggle to connect with its meaning and that’s mainly due to the fact that ‘targeted, meaningful, and innovative solutions’ are yet to be implemented.

When it comes to celebrating Black History, we need to start delving deeper into the stories of success. Barack Obama. Chadwick Boseman. Serena Williams. Michaela Coel. Jacky Wright. Seeing people that look like you in roles of seniority and success is the first inclination to believe ‘If you can do it, so can I’ and this is so powerful.

Representation is crucial and understanding what inhibits this is where we’ll find meaningful practices and solutions. There is undoubtedly a gap in representation which needs to be explored and, as part of the FM industry, we need to hold direct, evocative discussions about how we can develop the way we recruit and promote.

The focus on people is one of the reasons why I love FM and our eagerness to learn, transform, and embrace different values and opinions of others is what continues to revolutionise this industry.

Here’s to a wonderful celebration of Black History!

Dele Agunpopo
Workspace Manager, Pareto FM