Know Your Career Path, Know Your PowerElsa PapaNovember 19, 2020Nov 20201 Comment

Black, brilliant and beautiful

Know Your Career Path, Know Your PowerElsa PapaNovember 19, 2020Nov 20201 Comment

Black, brilliant and beautiful

Last month marked the 33rd year of Black History Month in the UK and whilst this was undoubtedly a great way to increase awareness of the contributions made by black people, this was only one month in twelve. The question therefore remains how do we continue in the remainder of the year to not only commemorate black history, but also, elevate black voices? We spoke with six successful black women about their journeys, both personal and professional, reflecting on their own experiences, offering advice on accepting yourself, embracing life, starting a career, learning more about black history and making positive change.

BLACK HISTORY

It has recently been brought to light that the lack of Black history in schools means young people are left knowing little about the achievements of Black people. Sondra remembers ‘at school, we were taught about ancient Egyptians and the Roman Empire, but nothing about people of colour and the connection between the Caribbean and the UK.’ However, the absence of Black history in the curriculum seems non-sensical as Gina, explains, ‘Black history is all of our history’. Black history month is an amazing opportunity for voices to be heard, ‘people tend to want to hear Black people more during this month, especially since Black Lives Matter’ says Leah Mahon, ‘but it’s important to remember that Black people are Black 365 days a year and the history deserves to be heard all year round.’ Often there is a lot of negativity surrounding black history, but Elizabeth underlines that ‘it’s not just about racism, slavery or colonialism, it’s about arts, literature, music.’ Although the month is a significant chance to make progress, it also ‘reminds me how much more there is to be done, society needs to continue to evolve and progress’, says Tiffany.

Making a difference

If we are to improve black rights issues throughout the year, education and playing an active role in making change are among the most important things to do. Gina recommends reading ‘White Fragility’ by Robin DiAngelo, ‘Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race’ by Reni Edo-Lodge or ‘Natives’ by Akala.’ Elizabeth agrees on the importance of educating yourself saying you need to ‘take time to have a working knowledge of some other cultures and backgrounds.’ She also places value on being active, ‘we need more advocates oppose to allies. It is not enough to just agree. If you see something that is wrong, are you stepping in or just observing?’

Work

Being active is also essential when breaking into industries as a black woman. Chika suggests to ‘capitalize on the things out there for example schemes, internships specifically for black people. And don’t be deterred or not go for industry because it’s not diverse, if everyone had that mentality how would industry change? You can be a pioneer.’ Gina, recommends doing work experience, ‘you don’t know where opportunities will take you in later on in life, what sort of contacts you will make and how they will help you in your career and future so any experience is good experience. Use any contacts you know and look into networking opportunities’, if you are looking for a job in law there are networks ‘such as black solicitors’ network or black barristers’ network.’

Acceptance

Discussing how they felt as teenagers, many of the women felt like they didn’t fit in. Leah says ‘I found I never fit into the Black stereotype, it was often insinuated that I wasn’t ‘Black enough’, but that’s exactly the problem that needs evaluating amongst Black people and other groups’, blackness can’t be so easily defined. Learning from her experiences she advises to ‘accept and be honest about who you are - the good and the bad - there's a confidence and self-assurance that comes with getting to know yourself and realising that you always will be an imperfect work in progress.‘ Tiffany recalls feeling pressurised to be a certain way as a teen, ‘society gives you a lot of messages around what looks good when it comes to being a woman, what your desires should be, what is expected of you how you’re supposed to look and act, what we are never really told is its perfectly okay to be who you are …one of the joys of being you is you are unique and you should embrace that and the quicker we learn that the better off we are and the quicker we can really start living.’ Chika, found that finding people who she could identify with helped her accept herself, ‘ What really helped me was looking at Youtubers who had the same hair texture as me such as Chizi Duru, she taught me how to style my hair, she has my skin tone, hair texture and is also Nigerian’.

Friendship

Trying to navigate yourself in school, work or even in your body can be difficult. Sondra says, ‘for any young women, the world can be a scary place.’ So, she recommends ‘surrounding yourself with people you can trust and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is always someone who will understand: it’s good to talk.’ The saying you’re a combination of the five people you spend the most time with has a huge truth to it, our behaviour and decisions can be largely influenced by our friends, so Tiffany suggests ‘picking your friends wisely, choose ones that build you up and support you. Friends like that are invaluable. Having friends and getting different perspectives has been so pivotal in me becoming the best version of myself.’