With over 60,000 employees in over 30 countries around the world, Mizuho has long valued the importance of diversity. Encouraging colleagues to understand, respect and inspire each other.
As part of Mizuho EMEA’s Black History Month wider celebrations and activity, we caught up with three colleagues to ask them why Black History Month and the theme of Reclaiming Narratives is important to them.
Oba Adelaja,
Strategic Solutions Group
"Celebrating in both professional and personal spaces allows us to share these contributions with others, introducing them to aspects of Black culture they may not have previously known."
"To me, reclaiming narratives means sharing Black history from a more nuanced and authentic perspective that honours the true sequence of events. Growing up, I noticed that key details my Grandparents shared were often overlooked in the historical narratives taught at school. Reclaiming these stories provides an opportunity to address those omissions, bringing depth to our understanding of history.
Black History Month helps reshape and reclaim Black history by giving institutions and companies space to host engaging, educational events that focus specifically on Black experiences - opportunities that might not otherwise arise. This focus allows companies to allocate budgets and set measurable goals to raise awareness, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative workplace.
For me, Black History Month is essential because it brings recognition to a vital part of our collective identity. Black culture is extraordinary, filled with rich traditions of music, food and art. Celebrating in both professional and personal spaces allows us to share these contributions with others, introducing them to aspects of Black culture they may not have previously known."
"The theme of “reclaiming narratives” in Black History Month represents a commitment to restore and elevate Black stories that have been historically marginalised. It means taking control of Black history, culture and contributions to ensure that Black voices are accurately represented and valued. Reclaiming these narratives allows for a fuller, more truthful understanding of history, moving beyond stereotypical and incomplete portrayals.
Black History Month reshapes how history is told by spotlighting overlooked achievements and struggles of Black people often absent from mainstream narratives. Through celebrations, educational programmes, and events, it encourages society to engage with the depth of Black history including contributions in science, art, literature, and politics. It also empowers current generations to continue shaping the ongoing story of Black identity and contribution.
Celebrating Black history in both personal and professional spaces is essential to fostering understanding of the contributions and challenges Black individuals face. On a personal level, it helps build a stronger sense of identity and connection to my heritage, while professionally it promotes diversity and equity, encouraging the recognition of Black excellence and the dismantling of systemic inequalities. These reflections help create more informed, empathetic, and just communities.
This approach highlights the importance of narrative control, the role of Black History Month in reshaping public understanding, and the value of engaging with Black history across different spaces."
Maame Gyesi-Appiah,
Systems Development
"Through celebrations, educational programmes, and events, it encourages society to engage with the depth of Black history including contributions in science, art, literature, and politics. It also empowers current generations to continue shaping the ongoing story of Black identity and contribution."
Tobi Bello,
Talent Acquisition
"Honouring Black history is a step toward promoting diversity, addressing bias and creating equitable work environments. It can also inspire mentorship, leadership and support for Black colleagues, fostering a more inclusive an understanding professional atmosphere."
"The theme “Reclaiming Narratives” in Black History Month is powerful because it focuses on challenging and rewriting the stories that have historically been told about Black people. It means taking control of how Black experiences, struggles, and achievements are portrayed.
The history of Black people has often centred on oppression, colonialism, racism and white supremacy. Reclaiming these narratives involves celebrating stories of resilience, innovation, excellence, and contributions to society. When Black history is centred solely on struggle, it can perpetuate disempowerment. Instead, we aim to inspire pride and empowerment by showcasing role models who future generations can look up to.
For me, Black History Month is about representation and learning from the achievements, contributions, and trailblazing moments of Black individuals who have paved the way. It’s important that their efforts are recognised, appreciated and celebrated. Honouring Black history is a step toward promoting diversity, addressing bias and creating equitable work environments. It can also inspire mentorship, leadership and support for Black colleagues, fostering a more inclusive an understanding professional atmosphere.
For Black individuals, Black History Month is a source of pride and affirmation of identity; for non-Black individuals, it fosters allyship, learning and solidarity."
As part of Mizuho's scheduled events throughout October to celebrate Black History Month, local Black-owned vendors were invited to a pop-up event in the reception area where colleagues could learn more about the entrepreneurs journeys whilst sampling some favourites from Caribbean flavoured crisps to energising coffee from across the diaspora.
Colleagues also heard from David Olusoga - British-Nigerian historian, broadcaster and BAFTA award winning filmmaker - who gave a fascinating talk on the importance of Black History Month and the theme of Reclaiming Narratives, attendees were able to enjoy some great food and network with others in a relaxed informal setting.
