Welcome to the 291st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In this episode, I reflect on why Black History Month holds such deep significance for me as a South Asian person.

I explore the historical context of the term "Black" with a capital B, share my personal journey of organising Black History Month events, and much more.

In today’s show on My Black History Month Journey

• Understanding the historical significance of the term "Black" with a capital B. [01:43]
• My personal journey organising Black History Month events and learning from Black community leaders [03:13]
• Practical strategies for organisations to engage meaningfully when Black employees aren't available to lead [04:40]
• Confronting anti-Blackness within South Asian communities and the importance of coalition over allyship [07:18]
• Emma Dabiri's concept of coalition building and why it's more powerful than traditional allyship [11:17]

Quotes on My Black History Month Journey

• Capitalising the B signifies that black is more than a colour. It is an identifier of specific cultural and historical identity shaped by shared experiences of oppression and racism.
• There are still things that can always be done. It could be watching a recorded talk, sponsoring events, or providing space—these things are actually very simple but quite powerful.
• Coalition building is about identifying common ground that benefits all, rather than perpetuating power imbalances.
• Allyship appeals to your desire to help a victim and can perpetuate power imbalances.
• Anyone has the potential to organise Black History Month events alongside key partners from Black communities by giving space, money, time, and starting small.

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Resources for My Black History Month Journey

• Episode #110: Tackling Anti-Blackness in South Asian Communities
• Episode #113: Ensuring a Black History Month 365 Approach
• Emma Dabiri's book: What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to Coalition (2021)
• Unison's article: Defining Black
• Download the free 200-episode guide with clickable links HERE.
• Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here
• Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health
• Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe

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Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.