Celebrated in October, Black History Month raises awareness and educates the nation on the achievements of significant black figures throughout history and how these figures contributed to the country we live in today. As Professor Akuna said, “In a nutshell, it means showcasing Black people’s contributions to the world. This month is essential on shining light on the successes of those who have previously been in the shadows.

At JOHNS&CO we value and celebrate the diversity that we have in our company and so we put forward the question to a few of our employees on what black history month means to them:

Grwendill: “Black history month to me is a period when I reflect and look back on what my ancestors fought for, sacrificed and endured to get me & my family where we are today. It’s a month to teach both the young and mature generation of our history and highlight the accomplishments we have made.”

Tia: “To me Black History Month means not only acknowledging but celebrating and honouring my heritage and ancestors. It means educating and enlightening friends and colleagues on the struggles, plights and achievements that black people have overcome and accomplished. It means feeling heard and understood.”

Tim: “Black history month falls in October which is also Nigerian Independence Day and I think they both tie well together for me. In general, it increases the amount of respect I have for those who came before me, my nan was part of the civil war she had it rough because of how dangerous everything was. Black history month specifically helps me remember my nan because of what she did, how much impact she had and I truly think that’s what black history is about-remembering who you are, where you come from and what made you, because in the world we live in, it is very easy to lose and forget that, and sometimes we end up feeling lost and we never really find our way back unless we have help. But yeah, black history month is about remembering”

“Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness” (Ola Joseph) it’s important to recognise that diversity and representation go hand to hand one doesn’t exist without the other. At JOHNS&CO we know the power that representation can wield, and we strive to be a leading example of representation by acknowledging the talents and contributions of the black community and other historically marginalised groups.