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Celebrating Black History Month
Every October, Black History Month gives us all a chance to celebrate and reflect on Black history and culture. We had a chat with Enrico, a courier who delivers on our network, about what Black History Month means to him.
Q. How do you celebrate Black History Month?
So when it pops around and for me I think of it as a sign of recognition for Black people. It’s just nice to have that observation there at least once a year, and to be able to celebrate with your friends, whatever their own culture might be.
Q. Is there a Black historical figure or leader who has inspired you?
For me personally, being an Arsenal fan, the first person to inspire me was Ian Wright. He’s someone that is such a good leader and as a black player, he wasn’t ever worried about what anyone thought of him. He was someone I could look up to and think yeah – I really want to be like this guy.
Q. What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
I think it’s important to look back on history, especially for my parents’ generation, who came over to the UK in the Windrush years. I think about the things that they had to put up with and what they had to do to come over to England and establish their life here. So for the younger generation, it’s a way to celebrate how far we’ve come.
Q. Do you think Black History Month gets the attention and respect it deserves?
I think it does, especially in schools. As far as I can remember, my school always did something for it every October to educate the students on the history. There are still instances of racism so it’s important to teach the younger generation and spread awareness.
Q. Are there any events or activities around Black History Month that you’d recommend?
It’s great to celebrate with your community. I’m from Old Trafford, Manchester which is quite a multicultural area. So, weather permitting, there might be the odd barbeque or street party to celebrate in your community like we have in ours. It’s also good to shop or order from any local Black owned businesses to show some support.
Q. How do you feel about the role of food in Black culture? Are there any dishes that are meaningful to you?
Honestly the amount of dishes I could name….jerk chicken, simple rice and peas, things like that. These are my home foods. I made a dish for my partner’s family last year – it was around this time and they absolutely loved it to my surprise! It was what we call a bean stew with black-eyed beans, pureed tomato and plantain. Shoutout also to some great local Caribbean restaurants near me called Jerk Junction and Mama Flo’s in Manchester- their food is amazing.
Q. What’s one thing you wish people understood more about Black culture or history?
I wish people understood more about the history and what black people had to go through. Speaking of the Windrush generation, I think it’s important to realise how black people have suffered over the years. They are a part of Britain, they worked and helped to make Britain what it is, yet people can still be prejudiced.
Q. Are there any lessons for Black History Month that you think are particularly relevant for today?
I think racism is still unfortunately around us, so I think it’s important to teach people about the history and the culture – if more people were educated about it then it would definitely help to tackle racism in general.
Q. Are there any particular books, movies, or music that you recommend to understand Black history better?
I love listening to Hiplife which is a type of music from Ghana, my parents always listened to it so it got me interested. A great movie that symbolises black history and people also has to be Cool Runnings – I definitely recommend that!