Black History Month provides a great opportunity to learn more about black heritage and culture as well as building awareness of historical and current experiences of ethnic minority colleagues.
Following a suggestion from Race & Ethnicity Network member, Akintunde Idowu, DWF have launched a new initiatives to collect and share stories, experiences and career journey-examples from black colleagues across the global organisation.
Over the next three months, DWF will work with volunteers to gather their stories, either by video or in written format, with a view to publishing the collection during US Black History Month in February.
DWF are encouraging black colleagues across all role types, divisions and grades to take part to showcase diverse talent within the organisation.
Throughout Black History Month UK, DWF colleagues have also undertaken the following:
Celebrating black pioneers in the legal profession: For Black History Month DWF shared details of influencial black pioneers in the legal profession and asked colleagues to share details of black leaders in law that have inspired them.
Building early careers networks and allyship: Early in October, DWF's LINK (Early Careers) Network collaborated with a client on a D&I event to help early career colleagues build their networks. Diversity & inclusion was chosen as the event theme and, in recognition of Black History Month, referenced the importance of ethnic diversity as part of the icebreaker activities. Attendees were challenged to work in small groups to discuss how we can all show active allyship toward diverse colleagues and then share their ideas back with the group.
Find out more about the LINK network for professionals at the early stages of their careers.
Celebrations on site at DWF: Colleagues at the DWF office in Liverpool came together for a special Black History Month lunch time gathering including food from a local Caribbean caterer, Raggas. This informal lunch time gave colleagues an opportunity to connect face to face, celebrate Black History Month, learn more about elements of black culture and sample Caribbean cuisine.
At DWF we are proud of our diverse and inclusive culture and understand the value that a diverse workforce brings.