This year’s Black History Month theme, “Honouring Our Communities,” invites us to celebrate the people, cultures, histories and contributions that make our communities stronger. It is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made, acknowledge the challenges that remain, and recommit ourselves to creating environments where everyone feels seen, valued and able to thrive.

What Does Black History Month Mean to Me?

As Chair of the Global Majority Working Group in Southend, I feel incredibly proud of what we have achieved together as a collective. Our group is driven by a shared commitment to being proactive, action-orientated and focused on ensuring that everyone feels included, understood and valued within our organisation and wider community.

One recent example of this collective leadership has been the development of the Manager’s Toolkit to Anti-Racist Practice, created in partnership with HR colleagues and supported by senior leaders across our organisation. This work reflects our determination to move beyond conversation and deliver meaningful action that improves the experiences of colleagues and the communities we serve.

When I think about the purpose of Black History Month, I am reminded of one of Barack Obama’s most powerful observations:

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

For me, Black History Month is not only about remembering the past. It is about recognising our collective responsibility to shape a better future.

Lessons from My Heritage and Lived Experience

As a white person with Polish / British nationality, I am aware of the privileges I hold. At the same time, I know from lived experience what racism feels like. I have felt its impact deeply, and I understand how prejudice can affect a person’s sense of belonging, confidence and identity.

I have also listened to colleagues share how microaggressions and racism have undermined their confidence, silenced their voices and prevented them from fully contributing their talents. These experiences have reinforced my belief that the real power lies in unity, understanding and our willingness to learn from one another.

One of the greatest lessons from my cultural background is that resilience can emerge from adversity, but thriving communities are built through connection, respect and solidarity. Successful communities require us to look honestly at ourselves, challenge our assumptions and continually educate ourselves.

As Barack Obama reminds us:

“We may not be able to stop evil in the world, but how we treat one another is entirely up to us.”

That choice belongs to each of us every day.

Why Is It Important to Celebrate Black History Month Today?

Black History Month allows us to celebrate the achievements, leadership, creativity and resilience of Black individuals and communities whose contributions have shaped our society in countless ways.

However, celebration alone is not enough. Black History Month also encourages understanding. It creates opportunities to learn from history, challenge misconceptions and build meaningful connections across cultures and experiences.

As we celebrate Black History Month 2026, let us continue to listen, learn and act. By honouring our communities, valuing different experiences and challenging inequality wherever we encounter it, we can help create environments where everyone feels respected, included and able to thrive.