Welcome to the 291st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In this episode, I reflect on my Black History Month Journey and why the month holds such deep significance for me as a South Asian person. I explore the historical context of the term “Black” with a capital B, share my personal journey of organising Black History Month events, and much more.
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In today’s show on My Black History Month Journey
- The historical significance of the term Black with a capital B. [01:43]
- My personal journey organising Black History Month events and learning from Black community leaders. [03:13]
- Practical strategies for organisations to engage meaningfully when Black employees aren’t available to lead. [04:40]
- Confronting anti-Blackness within South Asian communities and the importance of coalition over allyship. [07:18]
- Emma Dabiri’s concept of coalition building and why it’s more powerful than traditional allyship. [11:17]
Quotes on My Black History Month Journey
- Capitalising the B signifies that Black is more than a colour. It is an identifier of specific cultural and historical identity shaped by shared experiences of oppression and racism.
- There are still things that can always be done. It could be watching a recorded talk, sponsoring events, or providing space—these things are actually very simple but quite powerful.
- Coalition building is about identifying common ground that benefits all, rather than perpetuating power imbalances.
- Allyship appeals to your desire to help a victim and can perpetuate power imbalances.
- Anyone has the potential to organise Black History Month events alongside key partners from Black communities by giving space, money, time, and starting small.
Resources for My Black History Month Journey
- Support I received from Afrikan & Afrikan Caribbean Cultural Heritage Initiative
- Episode #110: Tackling Anti-Blackness in South Asian Communities
- Episode #113: Ensuring a Black History Month 365 Approach
- Emma Dabiri’s book: What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to Coalition (2021)
- Unison’s article: Defining Black
- Download the free 200-episode guide with clickable links HERE.
- Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here
- Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health
- Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe
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Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.
