Four signs of progress this Black History Month

You might expect this blog to start on a sombre note—after all, discussions about Black History Month often rehash the same struggles, filled with reflection on trauma and frustration over the slow pace of change. But that’s not the energy I want to bring this year. With reclaiming narratives as the theme for Black History Month 2024, it’s time for a shift in how we approach conversations about Black communities. 

Yes, the momentum behind BLM has waned since 2020. In 2024, the data shows that while Black lives may no longer be a priority for businesses, they are still a significant part of the online conversation. Some may see this as a loss of interest or performative efforts fading away—but could it also mean something deeper? Perhaps people are becoming more confident in how they engage with and represent Black communities beyond just a trending topic.

Personally, I’m tired of rehashing the trauma. It’s not that the struggles of Black British people don’t deserve attention, but we’ve been there, explained that. The question now is, how does that serve us moving forward?

Instead, I want to focus on the positives. Despite microaggressions, missed opportunities, and occasional lip service, there are real, tangible wins worth celebrating. Black authors now have their own book festivals. Diverse representation is growing on TV screens. And more teachers are seeking training to teach about the empire’s history. These might seem like small wins, but they’re proof that progress is being made. This post reflects on those shifts, on how key areas in the UK are creating space for Black communities to thrive.

Isn’t that what reclaiming narratives is all about?

Building our own

One of our most important wins has been the rise of Black-led platforms and spaces that provide room for creativity, community, and expression. From the Black British Book Festival, which showcases emerging Black authors, to Black Girl Fest, a festival celebrating the creativity of Black women. These spaces matter because they allow us to tell our own stories without the filter of mainstream media. Platforms like Black Ballad offer us a place to discuss everything from culture to career, while Jamii, a marketplace for Black-owned businesses, supports our economic empowerment. These platforms are not just about representation—they’re about ownership and self-definition, ensuring our voices are heard authentically and unapologetically.

Beyond individual storytelling, these platforms help us build strong communities, allowing us to create collective narratives that reflect our shared experiences. This sense of community is critical in reclaiming our narrative, as it celebrates the full spectrum of our identity—from joy and success to resilience and innovation. 

Historically, our stories were often shaped by external forces that focused on hardship and trauma. Today, these platforms give us the power to redefine our narratives, amplifying our voices and fostering a sense of belonging that breaks down historical barriers of exclusion.

Seeing ourselves in the story

Representation has long been a battleground for Black people in the UK. For decades, Black British faces were often absent from mainstream media, and when they did appear, it was typically in stereotypical or tokenistic roles. However, since 2020, there have been some improvements in representation, albeit not as significant as many would hope.

Brands like Sainsbury's and Channel 4 have launched campaigns that resonate authentically with Black communities. For instance, Sainsbury's recent ads have embraced inclusive storytelling, depicting Black British families in ways that feel genuine and reflective of their experiences. More than three-quarters of Black British people believe advertising campaigns portray Black culture better than they did a decade ago, with 55% saying portrayals are “somewhat better” and 22% “much better.”

In television, shows like Small Axe and Three Little Birds highlight the experiences and histories of Black British communities, exploring themes of resilience, migration, and cultural pride in the face of systemic challenges. Additionally, shows like Champion and Top Boy delve into the realities of inner city life, addressing themes of aspiration and the struggles for success. While these productions face criticisms regarding the depth and breadth of their storylines, we need to celebrate the fact that we’re taking up spaces – more nuanced portrayals help reflect the full spectrum of our lives.

The road to a diverse curriculum 

The movement to challenge the Eurocentric curriculum in the UK has gained significant momentum in recent years, underscoring the urgent need to diversify educational narratives. Advocates emphasize that traditional history lessons often prioritize European figures and events, overlooking the vital contributions of Black Britons and other communities. Prominent figures like children’s author Malorie Blackman have called for schools to teach Black history year-round, rather than limiting it to Black History Month. 

Grassroots movements, such as The Black Curriculum, have made significant strides in reshaping the national curriculum, passionately campaigning with the hashtag #TeachBlackHistory365. In an exciting development, this past May, The Black Curriculum hosted a roundtable event in the British Parliament to discuss advancing Black history education and to reflect on the government’s proposed ‘Model History Curriculum.’

With a shift in government, the narrative is evolving. Labour is now advocating for a broader curriculum that doesn’t solely emphasize Britain’s colonial past. This shift is more crucial than ever, especially considering that a recent survey found that half of Britons can’t name a single Black British historical figure. Don’t we need these changes now more than ever? 

Reflecting on the Black Supplementary School Movement supplementary school movement of the 1960s, we may find ourselves needing a revival of those initiatives today. What truly matters is that we are engaging in these difficult conversations, paving the way for a more inclusive and representative educational landscape.

Working 9 to 5 

Workplace equality has long been a critical issue for Black individuals in the UK, and the events of 2020 brought this challenge into sharper focus. While the fight for equal pay and opportunity continues, significant initiatives have emerged to enhance the work experience for Black employees. But what does it truly mean to create an inclusive workplace?

A notable example of progress is the rise of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which have gained significant momentum in recent years and are often rooted in grassroots efforts within companies. According to the Sequoia Consulting Group, ERGs experienced a 9% increase in 2021 compared to 2020, driven by a surge in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and heightened racial justice awareness. Notably, by 2022, approximately 90% of Fortune 500 companies had established ERGs within their organisations.

Organisations like Google UK and Universal Music have implemented Black employee networks that not only drive diversity initiatives but also create safe spaces for discussion and advocate for meaningful policy changes. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this dedication often translates into demanding 50-hour work weeks, all while navigating budget constraints. Nevertheless, the impact of these ERGs on transforming company culture should not be underestimated.

In the creative industry, networks like BlackCreateConnect, Media For All (MEFA), and the UK Black Comms Network are not just participating in the conversation; they are knocking down doors and demanding change. These organisations foster collaboration and empowerment among Black creatives, ensuring that diverse perspectives are both heard and celebrated. Initiatives such as Chloe Davies' “It Takes a Village” collective exemplify the commitment to uplifting Black voices and ensuring representation in creative spaces. The momentum is clear as these groups advocate for a creative landscape that truly reflects the profound contributions of Black voices in shaping our culture.

Is it giving what it’s supposed to give?

It’s easy to focus on how for we still have to go—and there’s no doubt that the fight for equality is ongoing. However, as we reflect on the past four years, it's clear that we’ve made significant strides. From the rise of Black-led platforms to increased representation in media, from the diversification of school curriculums to improvements in workplace culture, the wins are accumulating.

I think we need to pause and recognise the milestones we’ve reached, as each one is one step closer to us holding the pen and rewriting our own stories. While there is still work to be done, we have come a long way—and that deserves recognition.