Black History Month – Embracing Our Stories: ‘Being Black means celebrating my rich heritage’

October is Black History Month in the UK, widely regarded as one of the most prominent cultural celebrations of the year.

This year’s theme is Reclaiming Narratives, a call to take control of the stories of Black history, and a reminder to take the time to honour our heroes and shine a light on the profound impact of Black individuals.

Young people and UK Youth staff members have been Embracing their Stories, by sharing what it means to be Black to them, their proudest achievments – as well as their biggest barriers.

Oby Bamidele, UK Youth interim chief operating officer, describes herself as real, resilient and resourceful​. She says: “Being a Black individual has been an evolving journey for me. Growing up in Nigeria, my identity was rooted in my ethnic tribe – I am Igbo. I was never referred to as ‘Black’ until I moved to the UK at age 15. That’s when I began to understand what it meant to be racialised and the biases that came with it. In the UK, I encountered a negative bias toward Africa and I struggled to fit in. I changed how I pronounced my name, hid my accent and altered my appearance to conform to Western ideals of beauty, especially when it came to my hair.

“In my late twenties, I began reclaiming my identity, learning to fully embrace my name, accent, hair, and heritage. My formative years in Nigeria instilled the strength and pride to stand confidently in who I am.  Being Black means celebrating my rich heritage and acknowledging the depth and complexity of my identity, which is both powerful and affirming. It’s about honouring the duality of my experiences as a proud Black British Nigerian Igbo woman navigating life in the UK.

“I’m proud of how I’ve used my passion, identity, and faith to create a meaningful intersection between my personal and professional journeys. This has allowed me to do many things that perhaps a linear career path would have prevented. My significant achievements include founding BARE Life Class, a mental health platform for women of Colour to support their self-development and create a space where women can heal, learn, and grow. During the pandemic, I supported Black women’s mental health by offering free classes, a cause that is particularly close to my heart.

“However, systemic racism and sexism have been the most significant barriers in my career. As a Black woman in predominantly white spaces, I’ve often had to work twice as hard just to be seen, which can be exhausting and damaging. It forces us to hide vulnerability, as any sign of weakness is often misinterpreted.

“I recall being asked why I wasn’t already a COO, despite performing the role for years without the title, pay or recognition. This highlights the subtle, systemic barriers many of us face. It took years to find the confidence to push through these barriers, but with the support of champions who believed in me, I have learned to advocate for myself and create spaces for others facing similar challenges​.

“I want people to see me as someone who leads with integrity, passion, and empathy. I strive to be a changemaker who uses her voice and influence to uplift marginalised groups. I want to be remembered as a leader committed to creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.”

Christine Holdbrook, a project officer with UK Youth, says: “Being a Black individual means embracing a rich heritage, culture, and history filled with resilience, strength, and pride. It’s about recognising and honouring the contributions of those who came before us, while navigating the ongoing challenges and systemic barriers that still exist today.

“For me, it’s a balancing act between advocating for equality and justice, and maintaining a strong sense of identity and self-worth. I draw empowerment from my community, my culture, and our shared history, while celebrating the beauty, creativity, and diversity within the Black experience.

“This year’s Black History Month theme, Reclaiming Narratives, feels especially personal to me. I am incredibly proud to be the child of Black West Africans who fought hard to make a name for themselves in this country, carving out a path for me and my siblings. Their perseverance and determination didn’t just shape their lives, but laid the foundations for us to succeed.

“Reclaiming the narrative, for me, is about honouring their struggles, celebrating their victories, and making sure our stories are told with authenticity, strength, and pride. It’s about claiming our rightful place in history, while continuing the legacy of resilience and empowerment that they began.”

Melvin Riley has been part of UK Youth’s Young Changemakers programme, in partnership with The Diana Award and Centre for Mental Health.

The economics and politics graduate describes himself as an “aspiring political leader, international speaker and social-tech entrepreneur, as well as an activist and advocate for technology, sustainable development goals, international development, politics & policy reform and racial equity”.

For the past 10 years, Melvin, from Wolverhampton, has been a leading voice for young people across the UK, addressing some of the most pressing socio-economic challenges facing society. Through his work, he has campaigned, implemented solutions, and influenced policy engaging with policy makers, business and political leaders on both a national and international stage.

He said: “To me, being a Black individual is about navigating a world that often views me through a biased lens, yet finding ways to rise above those challenges. It means using my voice to advocate for change, not just for myself, but for those who may not have the same platform.

“Being Black is about pride in my roots, my culture, and the legacy of those who came before me. It’s a reminder to uplift others, to create spaces where everyone feels valued, and to inspire the next generation to embrace their identity unapologetically. Ultimately, it’s about striving for a future where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive and contribute to a better world.

“I would describe myself as a leader, resilient, and an innovator. These qualities reflect my commitment to driving positive change, my ability to adapt and overcome challenges, and my passion for creating and implementing new ideas that can make a meaningful impact.

“I want people to see me as a trailblazer, innovator, and future thought leader – someone who is unafraid to push boundaries and challenge norms. I aspire to lead with a vision that encourages others to think differently and embrace change. Ultimately, I hope to be recognised as a catalyst for transformational change at the intersection of tech, politics and international development, fostering a holistic approach that empowers communities and promotes sustainable progress.”

UK Youth is a leading charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. With an open network of more than 9,000 youth organisations and nation partners; UK Youth reaches more than four million young people across the UK and is focused on unlocking youth work as the catalyst of change that is needed now more than ever. To find out more, visit ukyouth.org 

UK Youth is involved in a range of programmes designed to help young people thrive, such as outdoor learning, physical literacy, social action and employability. For more on UK Youth’s programmes, see ukyouth.org/what-we-do/programmes