Black History Month: Celebrating Black Voices Panel

myGwork recently hosted an empowering panel discussion titled "Black History Month: Celebrating Black Voices." Moderated by Aasha Tikoo, Director of Strategic Partnerships at myGwork, the event brought together people from various professional backgrounds to candidly discuss the challenges and experiences of black individuals, particularly black women, intersectionality, and the LGBTQ+ community. This article encapsulates the key takeaways shared by the panelists, highlighting their powerful quotes and insights.

Char Erskine, Senior Inclusion Manager at Taylor Wessing, emphasized the challenges faced by black women and the stereotypes that persist. They noted, "Black women are not allowed to be emotional. If we're passionate about something, we're 'aggressive' or 'intimidating.'" It is essential to recognize and address these stereotypes to create a more inclusive society. Char also underscored the alarming rise in attacks on black trans women, calling for increased awareness and support.

Chris Glass, Global Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Soho House, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the diversity within the black community. He encouraged individuals to be curious about different perspectives and cultures, saying, "We as people are not a monolith. Be curious about my version of what it means to be black, and what my culture is, but then ask other people. That’s how we learn, that’s how children learn. Take chances, ask questions lean into things they don’t understand to gather a greater sense of understanding.” Chris emphasized the significance of engaging in meaningful conversations to foster a greater understanding of the diverse experiences and backgrounds within the community.

Arianne Limbrick, Senior Frontend Developer at Deltatre, brought attention to the importance of intersectionality within the black community, particularly with regard to LGBTQ+ individuals. Arianne highlighted that oppressive opinions and phobic rhetoric should be challenged. She stated, "We definitely should attack opinions that are phobic because not all opinions are valid. You're entitled to your opinions, you're entitled to your feelings, but that doesn't make them valid - especially when your opinion is oppressive to another person." Arianne stressed the need for inclusive dialogue and supporting one another.

Sylvia Alfred, Director Public Affairs, at Gilead expressed her desire for increased inclusion and emphasized the power and strength of black women. She said, "I think if people knew more about who we were and what we have to offer, they'd be more intentional about including us." Sylvia urged society to move away from viewing black women as aggressive and instead recognize their resilience and capabilities.

Temi Ofong, Global Head Customer Channels from HSBC, highlighted the significance of curiosity and authentic engagement. He emphasized the role of active listening and genuine curiosity in building understanding and fostering allyship. "At the root of all of this is understanding and learning, and to me, that's what a true ally should really be focusing on and doing," Temi stated. He urged individuals to engage in conversations, ask questions, and actively apply what they learn to create a more inclusive and empathetic environment.

All the participants shared valuable insights that shed light on the challenges faced by black individuals, particularly black women and the LGBTQ+ community. From addressing stereotypes and phobic rhetoric to emphasizing the power of inclusion and authentic engagement, the panelists presented empowering viewpoints that call for a more understanding and inclusive society. By learning from and supporting one another, we can collectively work towards a more equitable future.

Watch the recap of the panel here: