Black Inclusion Week

August 31st was International Day of People of African Descent🖤 It was a day to celebrate the vibrant cultures, significant contributions, and inspiring achievements of people of African descent. From trailblazers like Nelson Mandela and Maya Angelou to modern icons like Lupita Nyong'o and Ta-Nehisi Coates, their influence is immense. People of African descent have contributed to: ✨Civil Rights: Pioneers like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. ✨Literature: Authors like Chinua Achebe and Maya Angelou. ✨Science and Medicine: Innovators like Dr. Charles Drew and Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler. ✨Music and Arts: Legends like Louis Armstrong and Beyoncé. ✨Sports: Champions like Jackie Robinson and Serena Williams. ✨Politics: Leaders like Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan. And so much more! Join us in celebrating their legacy. #AfricanDescentDay #CelebrateDiversity #InclusionMatters #BlackExcellence #GlobalCommunity #CulturalHeritage #Inspiration

On August 31st, we celebrated the International Day of People of African Descent🖤 This day is all about celebrating the rich #cultures, incredible contributions, and remarkable achievements of people of #African descent around the world. Their impact is profound and far-reaching, from historical figures like Nelson Mandela and Harriet Tubman to contemporary leaders like Barack Obama and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie🌍 People of African descent have made monumental contributions in numerous fields that have changed our world, including: 🖤 Civil Rights: Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks have been pivotal in the fight for equality and justice. 🖤 Literature: Writers like Chinua Achebe and Maya Angelou have enriched global literature with their powerful narratives. 🖤 Science and Medicine: Innovators like Dr. Charles Drew, who pioneered blood storage techniques, and Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first African American woman physician. 🖤 Music and Arts: Icons like Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone, and Beyoncé have transformed the music industry. 🖤 Sports: Athletes like Jackie Robinson and Serena Williams have set new standards in their fields. 🖤 Politics: Figures like Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan have influenced global politics and policies. And the list could go on. Let’s honour their legacy and inspire future generations. #AfricanDescentDay #CelebrateDiversity #InclusionMatters #InternationalDayofPeopleofAfricanDescent #BlackExcellence #GlobalCommunity #CulturalHeritage #Inspiration

🪅🪅🎊. BEYOND THE HEADLINES. RECLAIMING THE NARRATIVE ABOUT NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL As we take in (in person or not) the vibrant and culturally rich Notting Hill Carnival, let’s keep front of mind and celebrate its true essence—an incredible gathering of over two million people, celebrating Caribbean heritage and unity. This year, in honour of the theme of Black History Month 2024, "Reclaiming Narratives," we are reminded of the power and importance of telling our own stories and challenging the narratives that have been imposed upon us. Despite the carnival's arrest rate being lower than other major events like Glastonbury, the media tends to sensationalise isolated incidents, overshadowing the positive impact and cultural significance of this celebration. For instance, in 2023, Notting Hill Carnival had approximately 1.375 arrests per 10,000 attendees, which is lower than Glastonbury's 5.76 offences per 10,000 attendees. Yet, the coverage often paints a distorted picture, focusing disproportionately on negative aspects. In the spirit of "Reclaiming Narratives," let's ask ourselves: Why is the reporting so skewed? How can we challenge these narratives? 💡 Seek the Facts… Look beyond sensational headlines. Understand the context and compare the statistics with other events to gain a balanced perspective. 💡 Challenge Bias… Engage in conversations that question why certain events receive more negative attention than others. Is there an underlying bias that needs addressing? 💡 Promote Positivity… Share stories and experiences that highlight the joy, unity, and cultural richness of the carnival. Let's amplify the voices that celebrate diversity and inclusion. 💡 Be an Ally… Support initiatives that aim to present a fair and balanced view of cultural events. Encourage media outlets to focus on the positive contributions these gatherings bring to our communities. The Notting Hill Carnival is more than just an event; it's a celebration of resilience, culture, and community. Let's honour its spirit by being conscious of the narratives we consume and share. #NottingHillCarnival #UnityInDiversity #ChallengeBias #CelebrateCulture #InclusionMatters #ReclaimingNarratives #BlackHistoryMonth2024

❤️ WHEN PEOPLE USE THEIR VOICES AND SHOW UP ❤️

❤️LET'S STAND TOGETHER IN LOVE AND SUPPORT ❤️ In light of the current racist and Islamophobic riots in the UK, my heart goes out to everyone affected. I am sending you love and peace; it is scary and weighs so heavily on the hearts of so many. Many of our colleagues, friends, and loved ones are feeling unsafe and anxious – for themselves personally and for their loved ones. It's essential that we come together with compassion and support during these challenging times. What can Organisations do?: 1. Communicate with Compassion: • Send a compassionate message to all employees offering support to those affected in any way and signposted resources and support. • Lean into your organisational values. Use your values to guide how you respond and how support your people. • Encourage an open-door policy where anyone can reach out to leadership for a listening ear and assistance. Ensure that your leadership team is able to respond. 2. Create Safe Spaces: • Organise virtual or in-person gatherings where employees can (if they choose to) share their feelings and experiences in a safe, supportive environment. • Ensure these spaces are facilitated by trained professionals to provide proper emotional support. 3. Offer Flexible Support: • Provide flexible working arrangements, i.e. – remote working for those who feel unsafe. • Support with workloads and re-prioritisation of deliverables where needed. 1. For Individuals of Colour (or those from communities directly targeted by the riots): • Seek Community Support: Connect with trusted colleagues, friends, or support groups who understand and share your experiences. • Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that bring you peace and comfort, whether it's meditation, exercise, or spending time with loved ones. • Reach Out for Help: Don't hesitate to seek professional mental health support if you need someone to talk to. 2. For White Individuals who want to show up as allies: • Show Empathy: Listen to your colleagues of colour with empathy and without judgment. Sometimes, just being there to listen can make a huge difference. • Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about the impact of these riots, your colleagues may be affected in ways you do not understand. Educate yourself on racism and how you can be an effective ally. • Offer Support: Actively offer your support. Small gestures of kindness and understanding can go a long way. This is a horrible time for our country. How you respond today, tomorrow, and going forward will be a testament to your organisational and personal values. Let's stand together in love and support, ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Your kindness and actions can create a ripple effect of positive change. #Inclusion #Support #Leadership #Solidarity #MentalHealth #DEI

WOW! AWESOME DAY PART 2 Wow, what an absolutely amazing evening at the launch of the Community, Corporate & Culture (CIC) Awards For the second part of this awesome day I found myself enveloped in an atmosphere rich with culture, love, and motivation. I absolutely loved being part of this incredible event that celebrates the awesome unsung heroes who make such a huge difference behind the scenes. These awards are all about shining a spotlight on those amazing people who often don't get the recognition they deserve, but who are the true backbone of our communities and organisations. A massive shoutout to the incredible Mahari Hay and Mexy Thomas for turning this brilliant idea into reality. You two are simply awesome! Your passion for honouring these remarkable individuals is truly inspiring and heartwarming. The CCC Awards are such a beautiful testament to the power of community and the importance of spreading love to those who contribute selflessly. The launch event was nothing short of spectacular - the energy in the room was electric! It was such a privilege to be surrounded by so many amazing game-changers and to witness history in the making. From the fantastic conversations to the delicious cocktails and food, every moment was absolutely unforgettable. The CCC Awards remind us that true progress is built on a foundation of love for our communities and the relentless pursuit of inclusivity. I left inspired, motivated to continue contributing to a world where every individual is empowered to reach their full potential. If you haven't already, I'd love for you to visit [the CCC Awards website](https://lnkd.in/ek5pxjU6) and start nominating those incredible individuals who deserve a big round of applause. Let's spread lots of love and appreciation to those amazing people making a difference behind the scenes. ❤️🫡 #TripleC #CCC #UnsungHeroes #Community #Inclusion #Recognition Great company as always Obinna Bernardson NWOKOCHA david mcqueen Sope Agbelusi ❤️❤️❤️

🌟 What Has Black Inclusion Week Meant to You? 🌟 Shamiso Adetona was thrilled to hear from Rob Neil OBE and Shauna Roper, two of the phenomenal speakers at Black Inclusion Week 2024. Their experiences captured the spirit and impact of this powerful event! "It's meant the realisation of an opportunity really. On its lowest level or lowest hanging fruit anyway, the opportunity to network, to connect with people, whether in 2D, with the series of webinars that we've had, or indeed like today, or at this moment with the final event in 3D, and actually getting to be with people and to speak in between the sessions and really just hear from people in a real open and safe space way.” -  Rob Neil OBE “It’s been powerful for me to see our community show up in its absolute excellence. For us to be able to come together in so many of the different sectors to talk about why empowering change is so important. It’s been personally helpfully insightful for me to see who are some of the trailblaizers and disruptors in our community that are really leading the way for others” -Shauna R. 🔥 Be part of the change. Be part of the excellence. 🔥 Pre-register for Black Inclusion Week 2025 and be the first to receive all the latest updates. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by the brilliance of our community! Sign up at: https://lnkd.in/eFCrKU73 #BIW2024 #blackinclusionweek #inclusion #DEI #diversityandinclusion

✨Takeaways from Black Inclusion Week 2024 “The Empowering Black Women discussion and how the women spoke about their journeys and how some of the things you should embrace to empower yourselves. I was like on fire, even after the event” – Ann-Marie Brooks “I hope for those that have been part of this week they have recognised how complex the agenda when we talk about what Black Inclusion really is. It’s not a one-dimensional conversation but multi-faceted…How do we make sure that we are not divided within the Black community but coming together to be able to change together” – Shauna R. “The talk with Empowering Black Men I found very inspiring. I really enjoyed that. Some really good content came out of there, and some really thought-provoking conversations” – Carl Reid Pre-register for Black Inclusion Week 2025 events and be the first to receive all the latest updates. https://lnkd.in/eFCrKU73 #BIW2025 #blackinclusionweek #inclusion #DEI #diversityandinclusion

🚀 Who's Got Your Back? 🚀 During Black Inclusion Week, david mcqueen had an electrifying chat with the incredible Sope Agbelusi, about the need for safe spaces where Black men can dive deep into mental health discussions. 🧠✨ In this conversation Sope highlighted that we often throw out autopilot responses when someone asks, "How are you?" 🤖 But imagine the power of truly connecting, leaning into that conversation, and making a real difference! “Sometimes the help isn’t someone giving you advice and helping you out, the help is sometimes you sharing that load.” - Sope Agbelusi 💡💬 It’s time to break the silence, share the load, and build those essential safe spaces for our mental well-being. Who’s ready to make a change? 🙌🏾🔥 #BIW2024 #blackinclusionweek #mentalhealthmatters #safespaces #blackmenmentalhealth #realconversations #supporteachother

Do the younger generation see masculinity differently? The lines of masculinity used to be clearly defined, but times are changing! 🌍✨ Gavin Lock, one of our amazing panellists for our Empowered Black Men discussion during Black Inclusion week dives deep into this shift. “You can’t log onto Twitter and Instagram without seeing generic stereotypes and threads of what it is to be a Black man”- Gavin Lock Today’s generation is breaking down old stereotypes, embracing openness, and redefining what it means to be a Black man. 💪🏾🖤 How do you think the younger generation is reshaping masculinity? 🤔 Drop your comments below 👇👇 #BIW2024 #blackinclusionweek #RedefiningMasculinity #EmpoweredBlackMen #DavidMcQueen #GavinLock #BreakingStereotypes #NextGen #OpenMindset