Black History Month in October 2023 is a momentous occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British society. Black people have always been at the forefront of social justice movements, fighting against oppression and paving the way for change. However, despite their countless contributions to society, the achievements of black women, in particular, have too often been overlooked or forgotten. That is why, this year, Black History Month is celebrating the exceptional achievements of black women. The theme of ‘Saluting our Sisters’ highlights the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. This year’s celebration showcases pioneering black women who have made remarkable contributions to literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more.

To mark Black History Month, Arif invited students, staff and a range of external guests – mainly drawn from partners Bloomsbury Institute work with – to talk about a black woman (mainly from the fields of fashion, business or academia) who inspires them and why, especially at this moment in time.

These were the guests:

• Stephanie Phillips, Bloomsbury Institute student
• Kike Oniwinde, Founder of BYP network and Black Business Association (BBA) Committee Vice Chair, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Anne Okello, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead for Employability, Bloomsbury Institute
• Josephine Ojambo, past Deputy Secretary General, Commonwealth Secretariat and past Ambassador from Kenya to UN
• Babita Devi, Board, Global Entrepreneurship Network UK
• Tlhogi Dube, Equity Research Analyst at Investec

Guests chose a range of black women, some well-known, others less so, and some very personal. The common denominator was the role that all played in inspiring them. Bloomsbury Radio joins in ‘Saluting our Sisters’ for Black History Month in 2023.

Useful links

• BYP Network
• London Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Black Business Association (BBA)
• Global Entrepreneurship Network UK
• Commonwealth Secretariat
• Bloomsbury Institute Employability