Honoring Our History: Black History Month panel recap

Recently, myGwork hosted a compelling panel discussion, 'Honoring Our History: Black History Month', with the purpose of exploring the significance of Black History Month UK in 2025 and its theme, delving into the intersectional experiences of Black LGBTQ+ people and the ongoing pursuit of equality.

Hosted by Eboné F. Bell, the panel brought together three distinguished leaders: Steven Henry MBE, a staff networks and development lead at the BBC; Victor Chambers, who oversees a complaints department for the industrial and commercial side of E.on; and Dr. Ashley Goodwin-Lowe, the HR Advisor for Belonging and Inclusion at Ingram Micro. Each panelist offered unique perspectives, drawing on personal experiences and professional expertise to showcase the complexities of black history and the ongoing fight for justice and equity.

Steven Henry shared the story of his father, a member of the Windrush generation, who immigrated to the UK in 1968 only to be met with prejudice and discrimination. "These trailblazers, these pioneers…it's them that I celebrate Black History Month for, because without them, I wouldn't be where I am," Steven reflected.

He also emphasized the importance of visibility, particularly in spaces where black individuals are underrepresented. Drawing from his own experience as a black man in the British Army, he noted, "Black History Month means about being proud of who you are. And making that visible to others." He stressed the need to challenge stereotypes and be unapologetically authentic, paving the way for future generations to thrive.

Victor Chambers brought a unique perspective to the discussion, emphasizing the significance of personal narratives in constructing a more complete and nuanced understanding of black history. "Black History Month is not just a celebration, it's a celebration of our stories…the bits of black history that didn't get written down," he explained.

Victor also spoke candidly about his experience as a black gay man in the workplace, shedding light on the intersectional challenges faced by black LGBTQ+ people. He noted that while he could, to some extent, conceal his sexual orientation, his race was always visible. This visibility, coupled with prevailing stereotypes, created a "double whammy" of prejudice, impacting his career prospects and sense of belonging. Victor stressed the need for greater inclusivity and diversity in the workplace to foster a more equitable and supportive environment for all.

Dr. Ashley Goodwin-Lowe connected Black history to themes of pride, courage, strength, innovation, inclusion, and creativity. She discussed the importance of creating spaces where people can freely express their humanity. "How do we create inclusive spaces where people feel connected?" she asked. "People are able to freely express their humanity and what that looks like, feels like, and how they overall experience work."

Ashley also challenged the notion that the black community is plagued by a "crabs in a barrel" mentality, arguing that it is crucial to support and uplift one another. She shared her personal philosophy of "pulling someone up, even if I have to pull them past me," emphasizing the importance of mentorship and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

As well as these individual thoughts, the discussion also pivoted towards the historical and ongoings shared challenges faced by the black community. Eboné Bell highlighted the alarming statistic of over 300,000 Black women losing their jobs in the U.S. and the resurgence of anti-Blackness.

As Black History Month UK 2025 draws to a close, the words of these inspiring leaders will continue to resonate, reminding us that the fight for justice is far from over. Watch the panel above or click here to watch the full discussion.