Black History Month: How representation can make – or break – someone’s confidence
- Posted on September 30, 2021
- Estimated reading time 3 minutes
As we begin Black History Month celebrations in the U.K., Rioh Burke-Derby reflects on the importance of marking the month as one of the nation’s many Black Britons.
I grew up in inner-city Birmingham, where my childhood experience was filled with cultural exchanges from the beginning. As a result of the mass immigration that happened in the ’70s, inner-city Birmingham became a melting pot of different cultures. This was something that I embraced every day. For example, as I strolled down Soho Road, I would look at the splendor of the Gurdwara Sahib in awe, before taking a moment to inhale the fusion of different foods in the air. Thinking about it takes me to a happy place: the rustic smells of Jamaican Jerk and Turkish Mixed Grill meeting the sweeter smells of East African Injera and Indian Pokora, alongside their British friend, Fish and Chips.
My home was incredibly diverse and different cultures co-existed peacefully. In fact, I didn’t really know there was anything distinct about my “Blackness” until I went to university. Like most freshers, I was excited to network and socialize with my peers, but that excitement dampened when I was told I was a “phenomenon” after disclosing that I was ethnically Caribbean. Those painful words filled me with horror and sadness because as I looked around, I began to realize that there were indeed very few people that looked like me on my program— very few people were Black and Caribbean.
When I set out for university, I was very comfortable with my identity, but that statement made me question my sense of belonging. I felt like the Russell Group University which I desperately wanted to attend, didn’t seem to represent me at all. In fact, my whole perception of the world around me began to change because I couldn’t see representation of people that look like me in the education system, in leadership positions and so on. Reflecting on how competitive the world is, I struggled to understand how I, a Black British man, could thrive? I would often question: How can I be what I can’t see?
I genuinely believe that representation and identity are inextricably linked. With that said, when I think about Black History Month, I think about the wonderful people that look like me that have made a difference, made a change and have had an impact on the world. Throughout the month I feel empowered, and I am reminded that I can be myself unapologetically in all areas of my life, which includes my professional life at Avanade.
As we prepare to celebrate Black History Month at Avanade UKI, I am reminded of the milestones I have been able to reach since working here. Upon reflection, I can truly say it is because the company sees diversity and inclusion as a priority. I can say this confidently because ever since I was appointed as the co-chair of “Beyond,” Avanade U.K.’s Multicultural Employee Network, I have seen first-hand the effort our leaders continuously make to build a more inclusive workplace. As an employee network leader, I have been equipped with the tools and sponsorship needed by our global and local leaders to amplify the voices and representation of all our brilliant people. This makes me believe that at Avanade everybody can thrive. By being able to celebrate Black History Month at Avanade, I am reminded that I work for a company where representation and individuality matter.
Category Inclusion and Diversity
Rioh Burke-Derby
Thanks all for the comments. I've loved connecting with Many of you over LinkedIn. Please continue to reach out. Rioh
Natasha E
This is a wonderful and insightful post. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your journey thus far and just how important diversity and inclusion is. Well done !
Ghebre Jules
Very insightful and relatable read. Inclusion and representation is always important in your place of work so it is both refreshing and encouraging to hear from someone with the same background as you thrive in an environment of acceptance. Onwards and up!
Nilay Dassani
Wonderfully wrote, Rioh and thank you for sharing. You are a great role model to many, keep it up!
Kate Dewey
A really eloquent and thought provoking piece of writing. It’s great to hear that Avanade are such a progressive company and that cultural diversity is at the heart of what they do. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for being at the forefront on speaking on such important matters such as this. So proud of you ❤️
Aishwarya Paliwal
It is great to be privy to your take on representation. Indeed an insightful read. Lovely to see a company actually working towards the positive.
Joanna Konyeha
Beautifully written Rioh.....Representation matters greatly in promoting D&;I in the workplace and the world at large. Like you I am proud to work for a company that recognises and upholds these values and provides a platform to make human impact.
Menisha Suthi
Thank you for sharing this. It was a great read! I’m proud of you ❤️
Sue Holly-Rodway
Proud to read your words Rioh because I have grown to know you far more meaningfully over the last year or so, and I knew you had something really powerful to say to others on this topic and many others. So glad you keep on keeping us aware and accountable!
Shweta Rikhye
Thank you for sharing your story, Rioh and it's not easy to scroll past the struggles or pain people have endured. It's up to all of us to take responsibility to eradicate such issues & spread awareness and you're doing an amazing work. I'm delighted to say that Avanade cultivate & foster D& I through improved engagements, by ensuring people are heard & providing support. I'm proud to be a part of D&I team.
Adam Halls
Thank you for sharing, your story really resonated with me and similar feelings when entering University after working so hard to get there. The commitment companies like Avanade are demonstrating in reducing that feeling is definitely a positive step towards reducing that anxiety in entering the industry.
Gabby Reid
Thank you for sharing your story, Rioh. I can empathise so much with this post, with the only difference that I am a woman. Great to hear that Avanade is such a progressive company. Very interested in a career in tech and very interested in having someone like you as a mentor. Gabby.
Saddaf Salman
Thank you Rioh for sharing with us, all the power to you, you are definitely making an impact being a co-chair!
Sarah Kane
Great article - thanks for sharing your story, Rioh, and for being you.
Scott Phillips
Thank you for sharing your experience Rioh. "How can I be what I can" is a fundamental message. We all need role models that we can identify with "if they can do it maybe I can do it too". I am proud to work alongside you as part of Beyond, and to continue to learn from you.
Samuel Smith
Brilliant read. Thank you for sharing your story and thank you for representing Birmingham unapologetically.
Laura Hall-Williams
Great read, well done Rioh. Representation is so important and its great to see that Avanade continues to lead by example with D&I efforts that make real impact for its people. As an ex-Avanader, this is something that will always make me proud to say I worked with the company.
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