Colleague Spotlight: Celebrating Black History Month in the UK
In honor of Black History Month in the United Kingdom, recognized every October, I spoke to three fellow Afro-European colleagues to learn more about their culture and what this month means to them.
Almami Ceesay
Distribution Account Manager
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month helps me remember where our ancestors began and where we are today, and some of the difficulties and challenges they overcame in the past to pave the way for safer environments and more opportunities for people of color. Black History Month also represents an opportunity for education, especially with social justice issues taking center stage the past few years. The death of George Floyd was felt across the entire world, and I believe many people from across many cultures learned a lot and realised the need for change. I personally feel that I need to be part of that change and contribute positively to help shape that change and education as a leader in an organization
How has the influence of your culture helped you excel in your career?
My culture has always taught me to adapt to a situations and other cultures in any environment. I aim to be open-minded and learn from others. This allows me to intentionally lead diverse teams and consider various cultures and circumstances when making decisions.
If you could share your culture with others, what would you share?
I would share my cuisine, my ability to be receptive and adaptable as taught by my culture, and I would shed some light on the daily challenges that people in my culture face on a regular basis.
What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years?
In the next five years, I would like to continue working on an increasingly diverse team and help promote awareness of other cultures and environments.
Gabriella Pollard
Account Manager
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a time to recognise my ancestry and to celebrate the brilliance of the race.
How has the influence of your culture helped you excel in your career?
It has taught me the importance of hard work; nothing comes easy and our ancestors went through all that they did so that we could excel.
If you could share your culture with others, what would you share?
The unity, the vibrance and the food!
What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years?
I hope to continue to build and grow.
Shannon Schalloer
Senior Business Development Representative
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month to me is mainly about Afro-European history and their contributions to the United Kingdom. I appreciate this time as Afro-Europeans are being celebrated and recognised for their achievements despite the struggles they had to overcome.
How has the influence of your culture helped you excel in your career?
Growing up in an African household, I became very independent early on in my life and I had to take on a lot of responsibility. Being aware of the struggles that my country had to endure as well as the struggles my mother faced coming to Europe as an immigrant, and my own battles I had to fight growing up - all of this has instilled a survivor mentality in me and a deep faith that no matter what, everything can be overcome. I also apply this mindset to my work. In my professional career, this has helped me to be bold, seize opportunities and always strive to do my best. Strong parental expectations and having no financial support were other driving forces behind my ability to push myself beyond my limits.
If you could share your culture with others, what would you share?
The food, the music and the weddings - I am of Congolese descent and we know how to throw a party.
What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years?
In the next 5 years, I want to grow continuously professionally and personally. I want to become an expert at what I do, find ways to create additional income streams, buy a house and be able to support my family.