“I’m the only one in the room who looks like me.” A tale as old as time.
Just two years into my PR and communications journey, I’ve already witnessed the importance of having spaces and opportunities for Black people in professional services and beyond. I joined Social through the Taylor Bennet Foundation, a charity which exists to increase ethnic diversity and representation in the PR industry.
This year marks the 39th anniversary of Black History Month in the UK. To celebrate, I’ll be reflecting on this year’s theme, ‘Honouring Our Communities’, through my career so far.
‘Honouring Our Communities’ is all about recognising the people that are often overlooked in the Black History Month discussion. Beyond the familiar names and moments, there are countless organisations and individuals that have contributed to establishing, shaping and sustaining Black communities across the UK. From teachers, nurses to community leaders – it’s about making the invisible visible.
In a time where division is rife, I’ve been fortunate enough to begin my career with several organisations established to empower and support Black and other ethnic minority groups.
This Black History Month, I’d like to highlight those organisations. From their founders, past and current employees as well as their advocators – they’ve all played a role in building part of the Black British story.
Although organisations like Taylor Bennet Foundation are important in tackling entry into the PR and communications industry, the need for talent retention often goes under the radar.
Here’s a damning but true statistic: Half of Black PR and comms professionals are never promoted. The UK Black Comms Network (BCN) was established to increase Black representation within senior roles in the sector. It offers mentorship, support, resources and a space for Black professionals to unload and connect. By shining a light on a much-needed gap in the industry, it challenges businesses to do better and “empowers members to claim their space.”
I recently attended Hogan Lovells Cadwalader’s annual Black History Month reception, hosted by its Race and Ethnicity Inclusion Network (REIN). The theme ‘Black joy and Black love’ was celebrated through storytelling from special guest George the Poet, shining a light on stories of achievement and connecting those in the room.
However, having the chance to hear from Sistah Space stuck with me the most. Sistah Space is the UK’s first specialist charity that supports African and Caribbean heritage women affected by domestic and sexual abuse. It focuses on offering culturally competent care, tailoring their approach to a faction of women often discriminated against.
Whether that community comes from professional networks, charities, or grassroot organisations, these spaces help us build those support networks. They remind us that even when representation feels scarce, community is never out of reach.
Just as there’s no single story to Black Britain, there’s no single room either. You just haven’t found it yet.
Sydnee Bramble, Senior Account Executive