Black History Month

This October is Black History Month, an annual opportunity to celebrate the enormous contribution Black Britons have made to society in every area of endeavour throughout our history.

Our culture has been hugely enriched thanks to the people of African and Caribbean descent who travelled here to build new lives in the UK, as well as the achievements and contributions of their descendants.

Although Black History Month has been celebrated every February in the United States since 1970, it was not officially celebrated in the UK until 1987 following a campaign led by the activist Akyaaba Addai Sebbo who, at the time, worked for Greater London Council (GLC).

GLC selected October as Black History Month to coincide with the London Jubilee and also to engage school children early in the school term. The first Black History Month was celebrated only in London, but in the years since, the celebration has spread across the country.

Head of diversity and inclusion Andreyana Ivanova, said: ‘Black History Month (BHM) is a great opportunity to raise awareness of and celebrate the achievements and contributions of our black colleagues, the wider BAME community and BAME allies.

‘During October we will showcase and celebrate colleagues across the business sharing their journey in Royal Mail, why it’s important to mark BHM and who are their role models. We will also reflect on the benefits of working in a diverse team and an inclusive environment where everyone can be their best selves.’

Supporting BAME colleagues

Making our business a place where black, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues can achieve their potential remains a priority. Career progression is a key focus as we work towards improving the representation of colleagues from BAME backgrounds across all levels of the business.

If you are thinking about holding a BAME cultural event in your unit, and need some help please reach out to the BAME steering group, or volunteer to help out with their activities, email bame@royalmail.com.