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Eghe Osifo
Happy Black History Month, everyone!
This October, the global team at Reward Gateway | Edenred is joining the UK celebration of Black history, culture, and contributions. This year’s theme, #ReclaimingNarratives, is all about taking control of the stories that shape our world and shining a spotlight on the countless achievements and voices that have too often been overlooked.
Did You Know?
Black history is everywhere—you just have to know where to look! From groundbreaking innovations to life-changing inventions, Black pioneers have been at the forefront of shaping our modern world.
- Dr. Mark Dean - a key figure behind the IBM personal computer—is the reason many of us can work, communicate, and create from our desktops and smartphones today.
- Garrett Morgan made our daily commutes safer by inventing the traffic light system we rely on every day.
- The humble lightbulb? It became a practical household item thanks to Lewis Latimer, who improved its carbon filament.
- And let's not forget Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician whose calculations helped NASA land humans on the moon!
These are just a few examples of the extraordinary contributions Black innovators have made—and continue to make—across all industries. This month and beyond, let's take the time to appreciate the impact Black history has on our daily lives and learn more about the voices and stories that need to be heard.
What Does Black History Month Mean to Our Team?
To truly appreciate what Black History Month represents, we reached out to some of our fellow RGERs to share their perspectives. Here's what they had to say:
"Black History Month is all about celebrating Black voices and amplifying them for everyone to hear. It’s a chance to highlight the incredible history and successes of Black people in society".
"For me, it’s a time to finally focus on Black history, which we didn’t often hear about in school—at least not where I went to school. It's an opportunity to celebrate stories that were missed or ignored".
"This month helps us appreciate icons like Katherine Johnson, who paved the way at NASA despite limitations and challenges".
Why Recognise Black History Month in the Workplace?
Creating a sense of belonging for everyone is at the heart of who we are, but it's especially crucial to uplift the voices of those who’ve been marginalised.
Recognising Black History Month isn’t just about looking back—it’s about taking action to create an inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Let’s use this opportunity to learn, engage, and appreciate our colleagues’ lived experiences.
"We want to create belonging for everybody, but it’s vital to highlight the voices of people who feel marginalised. It’s about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to share their lived experiences and helping us implement processes and policies that create a truly equitable experience."
"This is a time to learn more, to educate ourselves, and appreciate the incredible diversity of thought that exists within our organisation. We all come from different backgrounds, and understanding those histories helps us work better together."
Reclaiming Narratives: What Does It Mean?
The theme Reclaiming Narratives is about embracing and celebrating Black identity, culture, and history—past, present, and future. 🌟
"Reclaiming the narrative is about owning your Blackness. It’s about leaning into it and showing up as your true, authentic self. It’s about being proud of who you are and where you come from—and using that as a strength in all areas of life, both in and out of the workplace."
"To me, it’s about amplifying the voices of past, present, and future Black individuals and recognising contributions that have been overlooked—like the impact of Black musicians in genres like rock and roll."
"It’s about moving beyond survival mechanisms and feeling confident to call out things like microaggressions. It’s a step towards a workplace culture where everyone can feel seen, heard, and valued".
Follow Our Commitment to Fostering Belonging
At Reward Gateway | Edenred, our Multicultural Network is committed to creating a space where we can celebrate differences in race, ethnicity, and belief, fostering an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered to share their unique stories.
So whether you have a network set up within your organisation, or you're looking to start one, why not use this month as an opportunity to learn, grow, and appreciate the incredible contributions of our Black colleagues and communities?
Black history is all around us, and together, we can reclaim these narratives and celebrate the richness they bring to our world.
Thanks for reading and Happy Black History Month!