As a young black woman, I’m passionate about celebrating and recognising the contributions that black people have made to communities, businesses and organisations both in the UK and across the world.
Black History Month is an amazing chance for everyone to learn and develop their understanding of the black community’s many accomplishments.
At Freetrade, we feel strongly about fighting for equal rights for all.
We’ll be inviting employees to nominate and talk through their black role models, pioneers and trailblazers throughout the month. This is our first step towards raising awareness, educating ourselves and enabling continuous learning.
At the bottom of this blog you’ll find some links to some organisations that are paving the way for change within the tech industry for the black community.
We’re also hiring for a lot of roles right now, and would encourage applications from members of the black community who are as passionate as we are about our mission to get everyone investing.
Here are three reasons why you should care about Black History Month.
First and most importantly, BHM isn't about the remembrance of pain or oppression but actually a celebration!
You may have friends, family members or colleagues who are black within your life so it's important to understand why the black community celebrates this month.
By opening up to learn about the many ways in which black people have shaped our world and societies, you can overturn unconscious biases and develop an appreciation for those around you.
This month is an inspirational time for many young, black and ambitious individuals who don't always have inspiring role models to look up to.
BHM is there to shed light on what can be accomplished by black people despite the challenges that we face.
According to research by Colorintech, an organisation aimed at making European technology more inclusive, only 4% of the workforce comprises people from BAME backgrounds.
One of the main reasons for that stems from a young age, where many black people are not encouraged or inspired to get into the world of technology.
It's time to change that narrative and continue to inspire the next generation of black leaders, trailblazers and creatives.
It's vital to remember that black people provided an important contribution to the growth and development of the UK.
This month has been named Black History Month to specifically challenge the negative stereotypes and imagery of how black people were and can still be portrayed. The black community has provided so much more than just pop culture and trends.
Black people have contributed to many areas of society, for example medicine, health care, and politics, with influential black politicians paving the way for equal rights for all ethnicities and backgrounds.
I am also learning more about our great black leaders and trailblazers from the past and present which gives me hope that change can be made for the greater good.
I hope this post has inspired you to think positively on this month and celebrate the amazing black community you see all around you on a day to day basis!
Here are some organisations that are paving the way for change within the tech industry for the black community.
Tweet us if you have a link we should add to our list!
Color in tech
Celebrating black innovation and creativity through digital communities.
UK black tech
An innovation group on a mission to make the UK the most ethnically diverse tech ecosystem in the world.
BYP Network
Empowering black professionals around the world to connect with each other and with global corporations.
Hustle Crew
Talks & training to make tech more inclusive.
