What does Black History Month mean to you? We invited MSV customers to share their reflections, celebrate their heritage and tell us about the people who inspire them.
Through written stories, video, audio and artwork, their contributions explore family journeys, cultural pride, the fight for equality and hopes for the next generation. From a grandmother’s courage to the lasting influence of those who challenged injustice, each offers a personal perspective on Black history and its meaning today.
Thank you to Samnun, Laura, Mumba, Georgia, Lincoln, Destiny and Jessica for sharing their voices and creativity with us.
Read, watch and listen to their contributions below.
Samnun: What Black History Month means to me
For Samnun Hossain, Black History Month is about remembering those who stood up to injustice and paved the way for others. He reflects on why Muhammad Ali’s courage and determination continue to inspire him, both inside and outside the boxing ring.
It is the remembrance of the people who stood up to injustice and became the voice of many. They paved the path for a better today. Someone who I look up to is Muhammad Ali. He, to me, is not only the greatest boxer to ever live — he transcended sports as a whole with all the things he campaigned for, from him refusing to join the Vietnam War to letting people know his name is Muhammad Ali instead of Cassius Clay. Transcending sports to a symbol of resilience, determination and justice is not associated with many athletes. But Muhammad Ali is and was different. His determination when blacklisted from the boxing confederation for not being involved in the Vietnam War resonated and still resonates with many people till this day, as he understood that to us he was a role model. The way he fought through injustice should not only be celebrated but also remembered, to never give up and let other people drag you down. Black History Month is not only about Muhammad Ali, it is about many who should be celebrated, remembered and who we should learn from. That be from Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Mo Farah and the list goes on.
Laura: Celebrating our culture, roots and future
For Laura Chidera, Black History Month is about celebrating culture, recognising those who paved the way and inspiring future generations. In her video, she reflects on the food, music, languages and traditions that connect her to her roots, and the pride she takes in her identity.
“We’re not just a history to be talked about, we’re still a legacy to be written.”
Georgia: Honouring my Nanny’s courage
For Georgia Williamson, Black History Month is a time to remember the strength and sacrifices of those who came before her. She shares the story of her Nanny, who travelled from Jamaica to Manchester aged just 21, and reflects on how her courage continues to inspire her today.
Black history means highlighting the strengths, sacrifices and determination of the people who came before us. It’s a time for me to remember all the amazing Black people who have been or are still in my life. My amazing Nanny came over to Manchester from Jamaica at age 21. Her courage and bravery is something I refer to whenever I feel like I need her guidance or feel unsure. She got on a boat not knowing what the outcome would be. She was travelling for weeks, being hopeful of what the new land would bring to her. I am physically here because of the awful journey she made. Black History Month is time to reflect on stories that people, just like my Nanny, had to overcome to create better opportunities for the people to come. My Nanny reminds me not to take things for granted and remembering the struggles that people went through. Making sure we share these stories — always celebrating our heritage and to be proud.
Lincoln: honouring the foundations, building the future
For Lincoln Bertam, Black History Month is about honouring those who laid the foundations for future generations.
In his poem Foundations, he celebrates three women whose determination helped create opportunities for Black businesses in Manchester, and reflects on how their legacy continues through his own involvement with Cariocca imPACT.
FoundationsIn the summer of 1981, Moss Side burned. |
Jessica: Expressing a message through art
Jessica Livert has shared an artwork titled Black person being silenced.
Created from individual handwritten words, it depicts a person with a hand covering their mouth. Words including “Black”, “human” and “person” form the portrait, bringing identity, voice and being heard into focus.
Destiny: Remembrance, gratitude and hope
For Destiny Osamudiamen, Black History Month is about honouring those who fought for opportunities, celebrating Black achievement and looking ahead with hope. Her reflection recognises the families, mentors and communities who help others succeed, and calls on us to keep opening doors for the next generation.
Black History Month means remembrance, gratitude and hope to me. It’s about remembering those who fought for opportunities they never got to experience themselves and celebrating how far we’ve come. Our people now leading in boardrooms, classrooms and more. Black people continue to make an impact, thanks to the sacrifices of families, the guidance of mentors and the strength of our communities. As Maya Angelou said, “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated” Let’s keep creating opportunities for the next generation, supporting one another and lifting as we climb.
Mumba: Recognising contributions, sharing inspiration
Mumba is also the author of Master Your Inner Confidence and has invited us to share her book with the MSV community.
For Mumba Kafula, Black History Month is about recognising the contributions, achievements and sacrifices of Black communities, including the stories that too often go untold. In her audio reflection, she shares why honouring these stories matters.
Mumba is also the author of Master Your Inner Confidence, which she has kindly shared with us as part of this celebration of our communities.
Listen to Mumba’s reflection below and find out more about her book on Amazon.
