Black History Month as a Tool to Engage With Our Future by Looking at Our Past and Our Present

myGwork spoke to Ashley Thomas from Enterprise about the importance of discussing Black LGBTQ+ history, the power of representation and how organizations can ensure they are leading the way.

Hi Ashley, thanks for chatting to us! To start with please tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m Ashley Thomas, a Talent Development Specialist at Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

I am responsible for the training and development of all the employees in our London and South East England region. I help our Management Trainees understand what is expected of them throughout their 12-month training scheme and continue to support them in their journey to becoming Assistant and Branch Managers. I facilitate the learning and development of all employees to help them reach their potential.

Were you taught about Black history in school?

I remember my school used to put up posters around the school about Black people in history, but our lessons did not center around Black history at all. There were no events and we were not celebrated. I believe that this is part of the reason I still experience imposter syndrome. If I had been given the opportunity to see how others that came before me, who looked like me, were able to be successful, I think I would believe in myself more, and I wouldn’t feel like some of the achievements I have made up to this point in my life have been through luck.

What does Black History Month mean to you and why do you find it important?

Black History Month is important to me because it’s a way to engage with our future by looking at our past and our present. In my personal present, I have a nephew looking to do work experience and get through secondary school, but using phrases like “I hope I can get to sixth form” because he doesn’t believe people with our background get the same opportunities. The higher up the educational ladder you go, the fewer people of colour you see, and representation matters for children aspiring to achieve their goals.

Our history has demonstrated how far we have come, but it has also paved the way for how far we can still go, to truly achieve balance in the world.

We have to keep pushing, we have to keep talking, and we have to keep believing in our children. That’s why Black History Month is important to me.

How can everyone show up for Black History Month?

Ask questions, learn how to be an ally for the people around you. Allyship takes a different form to different people. So, ask the people around you, how you can be a good ally for them. Use this information to shape your behavior, not only for Black History Month, but all year round. Sometimes it’s the littlest and subtle changes we can make, the make the biggest difference.

What does allyship to the Black LGBTQ+ community mean to you?

Allyship is important to the safety of the LGBTQ+ community. People are not numbers, and I hate referring to people as numbers, but it’s inconceivable to know that in the UK, one in five people in the LGBTQ+ community have experienced a hate crime for being who they are. It’s also inconceivable to know that Black children between the ages of 5-11 have the highest rate of suicide. We have to look after our community and our youth. Personally, allyship means taking accountability for your actions. How have you made the person beside you know and understand that you accept them for who they are? How have you helped the person across from you know that they are safe in your presence?

Who are some of your favorite Black LGBTQ+ people from throughout history?

Even though Drag Culture is not a topic I am well educated in, RuPaul is a Black man in our current history that empowers me to live my most authentic life. Having grown up in a world that was not accepting of his sexuality or race, he continued to be himself, and he denied others the ability to turn him into something he is not. RuPaul is my inspiration; in a world that shunned him, he turned his way of life into a culture that is now celebrated and viewed as an art. I believe that the message behind this is to believe in yourself, even when the world doesn’t see the beauty in who you are.

How about any recommendations for films or shows?

My favorite show is Sense 8 – It’s a Netflix series that centers around the lives of 8 characters. They are all connected to each other through a mutation in their brains that allows them to communicate and see what each other see. To me, the sentiment is beautiful because the show is demonstrating how, as cisgender, bisexual, homosexual, transgender and more, we are all the same. We experience the same highs, the same lows, and deserve the same love and respect we would give to anyone. Love is love.

What can we all do to make sure Black LGBTQ+ history is taught and highlighted all year long?

To ensure Black LGBTQ+ history is taught and highlighted all year long, we must celebrate the great stories and achievements of the people in our community.

Diversity, Equity and inclusion are so important in our current society. And while we have come a long way to giving everyone access to opportunities, it is still not balanced.

Large organizations have to understand the impact and influence they have on the world. Every person with influence should always be asking: Are my processes free from any bias? Am I creating a welcoming and inclusive environment? Do my employees know they’re safe?

In addition, reverse mentoring schemes, where Black LGBTQ+ employees can mentor senior leadership teams regarding their experiences, their ideas, and their feelings about specific topics would help companies have a more holistic approach to training, development, and policies to take all employee experiences into account.