October 3, 2022 Posted by Bruce Wright

Celebrating Black History Month

We celebrate Black History Month in the UK every year throughout the month of October. All in all, the month is a time to celebrate both Black culture and history, noting the challenges and successes of Black people. Black History Month is widely recognized as a time to raise awareness for prevalent issues within the Black community such as the recent discussions around Sickle Cell Disease and the need for more Black donors to help combat this. In recent years, we have also seen the success of Black people, as an increase in Black people entering higher education, however, we still are noting a low level of people of color in industries such as tech.

Black History Month gives us the time to explore these conversations further, and understand the current position of Black people. Moreover, it’s an opportunity to recognize the history leading to Black success and progression.

The UK Tech Workplace Equality Report finds that just 3% of UK tech workers identify as Black
In 2016/17 the NHS screening for sickle cell disease and thalassemia program identified:
- 274 babies in England with sickle cell disease and a further 8530 babies as carriers of the disease.
- There are currently around 12,500–15,000 people with sickle cell disease in England.

8.6% of Manchester’s population is Black
In higher education: between 2006 and 2021, Black pupils had the biggest entry rate increase out of all ethnic groups, from 21.6% to 48.6%

Read on to hear the stories of the Pimberly team, their cultures, their inspiration, and the areas of Black history they want to be acknowledged!

Kira Dyer, Office Manager

Jamaican heritage

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What’s your favorite thing about your culture?

The fact that we’re a very vibrant and fun culture. Jamaica has had a worldwide influence, from food to music to slang. Also, Jamaicans are often well-known for being energetic, colorful people.

Who inspires you?

Maya Angelou – an African American civil rights activist and an amazing author. Maya fought alongside people like Malcolm X in the battle for Civil Rights and is most well known for her memoir ‘I know why the cage bird sings’ (an amazing read!). I love her quotes, my favorite being ‘the words are in the walls’ a reminder to always think before you speak because you cannot take back what has already been said.

What area of Black history do you think should be acknowledged?

The history and continued conversations around our hair, and how It forms and has formed an important part of Black identity for many years. E.g. the afro being a statement of rebellion during the civil rights movement, dreadlocks being a religious hairstyle related to feeling closer to mother earth. So much to be discussed there!

Kumba Fayiah, Business Development Executive

I am Black African born in the west of Africa Guinea and moved to Liberia my parents’ country after the civil war.

LinkedIn profile

What’s your favorite thing about your culture?

There’s so much togetherness. No matter where I am around the world when I mention my name if there’s a Liberian in the room we will end up connecting.

Who inspires you?

My grandmother is my biggest inspiration. She has been through a lot of war in Liberia and she’s still strong as ever and everyone’s comfort. She was able to raise her children and help get them away from the life she had to live.

What area of Black history do you think should be acknowledged?

The success of black people throughout history despite the odds that were and sometimes still are against us. The pain is almost too easy to focus on but highlighting our success would be more productive in my opinion.

Esther Jeffers, BDR Team Leader

Mixed Race – White and African Caribbean

LinkedIn profile

What’s your favorite thing about your culture?

The food, humor and ethics, music, fashion!

Who inspires you?

My Dad – 86 years old – Joined the RAF at age 17 and came from very little growing up in St Kitts and Nevis. In my upbringing, he always instilled a lot of his attitudes to life in terms of work ethic, outlook, and most importantly having a sense of humor.

What area of Black history do you think should be acknowledged?

For the African Caribbean community, it should be the Windrush generation.

Obi Enyi, Digital Marketing Executive

Igbo Nigerian

LinkedIn profile

What’s your favorite thing about your culture?

Our food, traditional clothes, and festivals!

Who inspires you?

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala who was recently awarded the Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON) by the Nigerian Government. She is currently the first woman and the first African to lead the World Trade Organization.

What area of Black history do you think should be acknowledged?

The Igbo landing story, where they chose death over being slaves and jumped into the sea holding hands.

Faith Odularu, Junior Software Developer

I am from Ogun State in Nigeria

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What’s your favorite thing about your culture?

Everything – the humor, the food, the music, our traditional clothes, our weddings, etc.

Who inspires you?

I would say Mabintou Kolley, I don’t know her personally, but she lives in London and is another black person in tech. She’s the same age as me yet she’s achieved so much and has started two companies that have been featured in Forbes etc.