It’s not just Black History, it’s EVERYONE’S history!
Elaine King, Seetec Integrations Manager, Uxbridge
October is Black History Month – and it’s prompted lots of questions among colleagues.
Questions like; ‘Why do we only celebrate black history for one month of the year?’ and ‘Could Seetec do more to support colleagues of colour?’
It’s a topic close to the heart of Shay Abdul. Shay is a member of the marketing and communications team and wanted to do something a bit different to mark this particular awareness campaign.
“I think a lot of people tend to worry about putting their foot in it and saying the wrong things, when we talk to colleagues,” he says.
“Acceptable language and terminology is constantly changing, and I often have to think twice, myself, to make sure I’m not using words that could be deemed offensive to some people.”
The theme for Black History Month 2024 is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ and after speaking to other colleagues, Shay came up with the idea of recording a podcast.
“The aim was to throw around some discussion points to spark a wider conversation,” he says.
“It was a chance for us to address some of the topics and issues experienced on a regular basis, as well as considering how difficult it can be for allies not to feel like they’re saying the wrong thing, albeit unintentionally.”
And so Shay invited a small group of colleagues to join him for this short podcast, originally recorded for other colleagues, but which we’d now like to share with you, too.
A host of topics
Shay was joined in the recording by colleagues Elaine King, Integration Manager, Uxbridge and David Samuels, an employment adviser in our Bristol office.
In the podcast we also hear from Agery Dick, a senior HR consultant at Seetec.
In the thirty minute programme, colleagues discuss a host of different topics from name calling at school to preferred terminology.
This year’s race riots also sparked conversation and led to a discussion about Seetec’s diversity and inclusivity challenges.
As employee owners, this is just one of the many ways we can have a voice and help shape decision making in the business.
The freedom to share ideas and thoughts allows colleagues to speak out on issues that matter to them without fear of recrimination. Respect is one the five Seetec values.
We hope you enjoy the podcast and that it leaves you with plenty of thought-provoking questions.
