Inclusion Is More Than Celebration: Turning Black History Month into Meaningful Change

Inclusion is more than celebration.

If we define inclusion as behaviour – our choices – then it begins with recognising, valuing, and celebrating the diversity of others. But it must also challenge us to reflect on our own actions, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute, perform, innovate, and progress.

This Black History Month, I see inspiring celebrations and recognition. And they matter. But I also ask: how much reflection and change is truly happening in our workplaces?

When quiet voices still go unheard…
When ideas from underrepresented groups are still overlooked…
When access to the “club” remains difficult…
When those in the minority must prove themselves by taking the low-reward tasks no one else wants…

Celebration alone is not enough.

Unless the lived experiences of underrepresented people improve, we are not unlocking our full potential – and we are not creating workplaces where people can thrive.

Ultimately, without real change, people leave.

This month, let’s not just celebrate Black history – let’s reflect, listen, and act to ensure Black colleagues, and all underrepresented groups, have fair opportunity to contribute, innovate, and succeed.