October 2024: Introducing Deborah Afolabi, an analyst in the Practice Technology team, Cheryl Ashman, a Senior Program Manager in the Business Intelligence Group and trainee Mofe Onuwaje. Read their reflections on Black History Month in the UK, get some tips on how to experience Black British culture for yourself and learn about the role of the Firm's affinity network.
There's no single Black British experience
Deborah Afolabi: To start with, you have people from an African background and those with a West Indian heritage. I'd say that the differences are generational too. As first-generation immigrants, my parents' identity was strongly Nigerian first. I identify as British-Nigerian. And of course, as a Londoner too!
Mofe Onuwaje: There's no single Black British experience – that's what makes it so rich. And even within a group as large as the Nigerian community in the UK, there are different languages, food and customs. I come from one of the smaller Nigerian tribes. I moved to the UK to study as a teenager.
Cheryl Ashman: I grew up in Canada, with Jamaican parents and family in the UK. My family here were part of the Windrush generation – that's a very different experience to coming to Britain from an African country, to study or work here.
The Firm's Black affinity network in London is a great focal point
MO: I'm looking forward to our Black History month networking event with one of our largest clients. Aside from the big events, there's a monthly network lunch, which I always try to go to.
CA: It's great to be in a room with people who share your identity and experience, but allies are always welcome too. Because we have so many nationalities and cultures here, there's a sense that you can ask about someone's story and learn more about their background. This month is a great time to do that.
You can celebrate your identity and heritage here
MO: I've been at the Firm for just over a year, and I don't think I've met two people yet who come from exactly the same background. Everyone is interested in getting to know everyone. You can ask questions about other people's backgrounds and expect to be asked some questions too. I really enjoy that side of working here.
DA: I definitely had some preconceptions of what kind of people might work at a City law firm before I started here, but that's not the case. Since joining, I've seen how truly diverse it is here. One thing that's been a pleasant surprise is the number of senior women here.
But first and foremost, I feel like a team member and that I am a valued person for my individuality and unique background. That's something that always feels celebrated here rather than feeling you need to dull down your cultural background to fit the status quo.
CA: Whether it's during Black History month or at any time of year, I think that this is a firm where you can feel comfortable participating in milestone events like Black History month. As one example, the EMEA Black Affinity Network hosted a West African style pop up this month called Puff Puff Ministry – that's an easy (and delicious) way to engage with this milestone month.
If you want to get a taste of Black British culture for yourself, you could ...
MO: Start with the food! Enish is a great Nigerian food chain in London. I'd also recommend Suyaar in Peckham. Or Chishuru in central London.
DA: No cooking is going to beat my mum's! I recommend anything run by Days Like This (DLT) or Recess, two Black-oriented events companies. They do brunches, day parties, club nights... they're a lot of fun and very friendly.
CA: I recommend a visit to Hope 93. It's an art space and an advisory company that champions diverse talent. There's always an interesting exhibition to enjoy and I like that the gallery is named for the founder's father's Nigerian Presidential campaign in 1993.
