Black History Month 2021 - My Black Heroes
Throughout October we'll be presenting iconic figures who have been influential in the lives of members of our staff, from historical figures, to modern-day trailblazers.
We're starting with a quote from one of our own heroes - Tarinda, who found herself standing up to lead where she never thought she would. "For a shy and reserved person, the thought of having to lead meetings and teams, and present to seniors is very daunting – excruciating actually, but necessary once you happen upon purpose."
Tarinda found her purpose in the world's outrage and solidarity following the death of George Floyd last year. She began talking to everyone around her about how current events made her feel because of her ethnicity.
"What use is just talking though? Does it really work without action? So, I took action! I suggested we try and change the narrative to a more positive one, at least in the spheres of influence I found myself in."
And so she found herself leading a call to action for Black History Month within our organisation. Initially frightened by the idea of stepping up into such a role, Tarinda consoled herself in the fact that this is something that needs to be done - change will always happen, we can embrace it or not.
"I recognise we are in a period of change, and I want to be part of and shape that change rather than be told you must do this or that."
Speaking of her aunt, who stood up for herself and her place to study midwifery, Tarinda describes how her words inspired her to "use her voice" until she is taken seriously. A true inspiration, as in the quote, a generation before will inspire the next to make the change that is needed, and will not stop until that change happens.
Read below about the history-makers who have inspired our colleagues.
Marcus Rashford
The first person to be nominated by our colleagues is Marcus Rashford. A modern-day history-maker, Rashford has used his voice to step up and make real change where he knew it was needed.
Throughout his career, Rashford recognised that he has a platform on which he can influence and has used this to campaign tirelessly against racism, homelessness and child hunger in the UK.
Most notably, Rashford gave his full support to food waste charity Fareshare who were able to provide 4 million children with meals during the first lockdown - launching his philanthropy into wider public view and cementing his ability to have real impact in this area.
Ruth, who nominated him, explains that she chose Rashford as an inspiration because of his ability to 'influence Government to ensure free school meals were available for children in need during lockdown (and being a superb footballer!)'
Frederick Douglass
The second person nominated as an inspiration is historical figure, Frederick Douglass.
Scott who nominated him describes why he is inspired by Douglass:
"One of the most important civil and human rights activists of the 19th Century - he was a leader who was never afraid to highlight the hypocrisy of the issues of the time and never shied away from hard truths and calling out the indignity, horrors and violence of slavery.
“He escaped as a slave to the North from a southern plantation disguised as a sailor and went on to speak and have his words published widely across the US and Europe.
“He lent his support to the emerging women's rights movement and his presence is still felt today as I was reminded of him last week as his statue and photograph remains prominent in the Imperial Hotel in the Centre of Cork Ireland as a famous guest from the past."
Amanda Gorman
The third and final person we'd like to highlight in our #MyBlackHeroes campaign is Amanda Gorman.
Amanda made history previously as the first National (US) Youth Poet Laureate, and then again earlier this year with her poem 'The Hill We Climb' written for and performed at Biden's inauguration.
Amanda's nomination described her as someone that “inspired hope” and was quietly humble about the impact her astonishing work would have, not only on the audience in the US, but across the world.
She now uses her profile to continue her work, focusing on issues of oppression, feminism, race and marginalisation.
