This year, our efforts helped educate, celebrate, and reflect on the exceptional achievements of black figures in history with a specific focus on black women, giving a nod to this year's theme, 'Saluting Our Sisters'.

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At the beginning of the month, we featured personal stories from our colleagues, providing a platform to share and learn from each other's experiences. We found that sharing stories from colleagues helped foster connections and a deeper understanding of our shared experiences.

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In addition to personal stories, Goodman Masson shared a 'Black History Month: Fact of the day', raising awareness of key figures and periods throughout history, including Frederick Douglas, Hattie McDaniel, The Notting Hill Carnival, Black Soldiers during both world wars and many more.

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We also actively promoted local black-owned businesses, sharing recommendations for food and retail establishments owned by black entrepreneurs and encouraging each other to support these businesses. We welcomed the owner of CR1B into our office to showcase her gorgeous handmade candles, as well as organising a delicious company-wide lunch catered by local Caribbean restaurant Roger's Kitchen. The menu included Jerk chicken Roti Wraps, Curry Veg Roti Wraps, Plantain Fritters and Mac and Cheese!

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The Unity group also highlighted talented black artists and recommended our favourite songs, TV shows and movies that showcased the exceptional talent of black actors, writers, and directors. We shared educational resources to promote awareness, including copies of the Black History Month Magazine and 'Unconscious Bias' by Pamela Fuller, Anne Chow & Mark Murphy. Click here to find the book on Amazon.

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We also benefited from our partnership with Programme One, who hosted an inspirational webinar with guest speakers Jennine Gibbs CertRP and Lenna Cumberbatch, who touched on current challenges they face in the workplace, how they're achieving progress with D&I and ultimately what being Black means to them.

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Although the month is over, the celebration of black-owned businesses, black artists, and influential individuals past and present shouldn't be.

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To find out more information, visit the Black History Month website here.If you'd like to learn more about our D&I initiatives, click here.