Throughout Black History Month, our employee-led network REACH is inviting everyone to join the conversation about the importance of black history and black culture. This year’s theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, which works to shine a light on black stories and the way they’re told.
We caught up with Myles Wilkinson from our Finance Control Team to hear his story:
“My experiences in England as a black, immigrant teenager can be summarised as ones of wonder and curiosity but, at times, moments of shock. I saw English cities as places of rich and diverse history influenced by the many cultures that walked through them. In contrast, early into meeting my new university flatmates, I was met with the odd comments inferring how poor the state of my hometown must be given it was predominantly black – once being told it must be nice to live outside of “shacks and huts” for once.
While these comments were far and few between compared to the overwhelmingly positive interactions I received, they were impressions that lasted, nonetheless. They outlined something I was naive of, being the extent or lack of cultural education received by those growing up in the UK. If all that is presented was negative, then those were the impressions to be expected.
The response to this? Educate. To me, ‘Reclaiming the Narrative’ means not allowing these negative impressions to dictate the story. The UK is filled with so many wonderful stories contributed to by people of all races and cultural backgrounds and it is important that the capabilities and accomplishments of black and brown people are shared just as loudly.
From army nurses such as Mary Seacole who left the Caribbean for England to tend to wounded British soldiers during the Crimea war, and the many Caribbean people who came to England to serve during World War 1 (such as Charles Wotten who ultimately lost his life to senseless race riots upon his return to England) to brilliant minds like neurologist Risien Russel whose work helped to advance the knowledge of cerebellar physiology and neuroanatomy in the late 19th to early 20th century, black and migrant history has been entwined with British history for many generations, longer than any of us have been alive, and should be celebrated rather than overlooked.”
Thanks Myles for sharing your story.
Want to learn more about black history and black culture? Remember, REACH is hosting several exciting events throughout Black History Month and everyone’s welcome! Here’s what’s coming up:
23 October: The Caribbean Store – 10:30 to 16:00 in the Atrium
Enjoy a taste of one of our most popular holiday destinations and get closer to a culture that’s had a huge impact on Britain. The Caribbean Store offers a variety of treats, from fiery hot sauce to handcrafted baskets, supporting Caribbean suppliers and their local economies. Add to your diary here.30 October: God’s House Tower Talk – 12:30 to 13:30 in New York meeting room
Join us for an illuminating talk hosted by Southampton’s God’s House Tower. This insightful session will explore black history in Southampton, spanning from the 15th to the 19th century. Add to your diary here.30 October: Callaloo Corner – 11:00 to 15:00 in the Atrium
Spice up your day with Callaloo Corner! Discover an array of Trinidad-style sauces and chutneys and get to know the flavours of this part of the world, celebrating a culture through its food. Add to your diary here.
Plus, check out these exciting events happening around Southampton:
- Throughout October: Colourism Exhibition at MAST Mayflower Studios
- 18 October: Lemn Sissay: Let the Light Pour In at MAST Mayflower Studios
- 19 October: Dancing in the Street: Motown’s Greatest Live at O2 Guildhall
- 19 October: Angeline Morrison + support from Clarke Camilleri at Turner Sims
- 21 October: Cappadonna (Wu Tang Clan) at The 1865
- 22 October: Floella Benjamin’s Coming to England at MAST Mayflower Studios
- 24 October: Aurie Styla: The Aurator Tour at The Attic
- 24 October: Seckou Keita at Turner Sims
- 31 October: Our Version Media: Reclaiming Narratives at MAST Mayflower Studios
- 31 October: Sultan Stevenson Trio at Turner Sims