Black History Month, since its inception, aims to spread awareness of the impact that people of colour have had on our history and our culture for decades - something that activists of the movement believe schools and other educators fail to do. It’s important that we recognise the significant impact that people of all colours have had and continue to have on us as a society and a civilisation.

This years theme for Black History Month in the UK is Proud To Be. Inspired by the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement and the tremendously positive impacts we saw, culturally, across the world. As momentum begins to shift in the right direction when it comes to highlighting the significance of black and brown people in Western society across the ages, this year’s Black History Month campaign aims to encourage people involved to share what they are proud about.

What is Black History Month?

Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently has been observed in Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Read more on the origins of Black History Month here

Why is Black History Month Important?

‘Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.’ - Barrack Obama.

‘People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. However, campaigners believe their value and contribution to society is often overlooked, ignored or distorted. Most schools still teach a history curriculum that focuses on traditional events and the achievements of white figures. Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.’

Read more on why Black History Month, in an article written by the BBC here

So, we’ve covered why Black History Month is celebrated and why it’s important to do so, now let’s look into the positive impact that black businesspeople have had on the business world over the last few years, and why it’s important to recognise these people and remember that diversity - in every respect - is not just good, it is key for success.

#3 Real Examples of Successful Black Business Owners

Highlighting some of the most successful young, black entrepreneurs allows us to start the conversation on what it means to be truly diverse and inclusive. Black History Month allows for a spotlight to be placed on the achievements of black people, giving them the recognition they deserve.

Here are some examples of the UK’s most successful young, black entrepreneurs:

Reece Wabara

Reece Wabara is an ex-footballer from Birmingham, England. The ex-player turned businessman is the Founder of successful fashion label Maniere De Voir. Having never attended University, Wabara has built his brand to more than £30m in revenue, without any outside capital.

He has also been mentioned in Forbes 30 under 30 list for the Retail & E-commerce industry in Europe.

Steven Bartlett

Steven founded Social Chain (a world-leading social media company) at 21 years old, built it into a global business with $220m annual revenue by 27 years old.

Having not attended University either, and going on to become the youngest Dragon on Dragons’ Den there’s ever been, Steven is a prime example of Black excellence and the success that can be found in business for everyone. If you are willing to work for it.

Timothy Armoo

After starting and selling a media company at just 17 years old, Timothy Armoo founded multi-award-winning influencer marketing agency Fanbytes just five years later.

Fanbytes helps creators and brands reach GenZ audiences, and the agency’s previous clients include Nike and Mcdonald’s. The number of employees at the agency more than doubled during the pandemic, from 27 to 57, which helped Armoo to get on the cover of the Forbes 30 under 30 list 2021.

See the full list, in this brilliant article written by Business Leader.

Black History Month and all that it stands for should be celebrated by all in the business world. The waves that some of these young entrepreneurs are making in their respective industries can’t go unnoticed, and it’s more prevalent now than ever that recognition for successful minorities will be the future.

Above all else, irrespective of how much you - as a business leader, colleague, friend, family member, part of society - already celebrate ad recognise Black History Month, it is the perfect time to reflect on the impact that diverse culture has on our businesses and the way we work and progress.

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What is Black History Month and Why Should Businesses Celebrate it