Celebrating Black History Month at Lanes Group: Honouring Our Communities
Throughout October, colleagues across Lanes Group came together to celebrate Black history, share their experiences and recognise the people and stories that make our communities so special. This year’s theme, Honouring our Communities, reflected both who we are and what we do. As a business that works at the heart of communities across the UK, we understand the importance of bringing people together, valuing different perspectives and creating a sense of belonging. Throughout our Black History Month celebrations, colleagues did exactly that by sharing experiences, celebrating Black voices and recognising the contributions of individuals who have shaped communities for generations.
Celebrating community through our colleagues’ stories
Mame and Bufweme shared their stories with the team through a video, talking about what Black History Month means to them.
They spoke about celebrating their history, culture and identity, and recognising how far they have come. They also talked about recognising our differences and what makes each of us unique, as everyone has their own background and experiences.
Bufweme was born in the UK but lived in Zambia as a baby and loves exploring more about her background and culture.
Mame was born in Senegal in Africa and has lived in the UK for the past eight years. English is not her first language, and moving to a different country has come with its challenges. However, she is proud of her journey and wants to celebrate how far she has come.
The overall message they shared was that our differences are something to celebrate and we could not agree more.
A huge thank you to Mame and Bufweme for sharing their amazing stories, and to Hannah Belcher for supporting them in creating the video.
Learning together through our Black History Month quiz series
Celebrating Black history is also about learning more about the people, events and achievements that have shaped the world around us.
Throughout October, Dixie-Ann Myers, CSC Engagement and Support Manager, launched a series of four Black History Month quizzes, giving colleagues the chance to get involved and test their knowledge.
The quizzes covered a wide range of topics, from the civil rights movement and sporting achievements to music, science and the ongoing fight for freedom and equality.
Colleagues were challenged with questions about inspiring figures such as Nelson Mandela, Mae Jemison, Jackie Robinson and Harriet Tubman.
We also explored the legacy of Motown Records, the achievements of Black pioneers and the stories behind some of history’s most significant movements.
It was a fun and engaging way to learn together, celebrate important achievements and recognise the people whose contributions continue to inspire generations.
Sharing the spotlight: Celebrating the people who inspire us
Another highlight of our celebrations was our Share the Spotlight campaign.
We asked colleagues to nominate Black individuals who have inspired them, whether through their achievements, courage, creativity or the difference they have made to the world around them. The response was fantastic, with colleagues sharing stories of influential figures from across history, sport, entertainment, science and beyond.
One of the individuals highlighted was Muhammad Ali, whose influence reached far beyond the boxing ring. Born Cassius Clay, Ali became an Olympic gold medallist and a three-time world heavyweight champion. But it was his willingness to stand up for what he believed in, even when it came at a personal cost, that made him such an influential figure.
His refusal to be drafted into the US military during the Vietnam War cost him several years of his boxing career, but demonstrated just how strongly he stood by his principles. Ali went on to become a powerful voice for civil rights, peace and humanitarian causes, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire people around the world.
Colleagues also shared their admiration for individuals including Nelson Mandela, Harriet Tubman, Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, Charles Drew, Khadijah Mellah and Lewis Hamilton. It was lovely to see the different people who inspired our colleagues and hear why they mean so much to them.
Spotlight on Dixie-Ann Myers: A champion of our community
As part of our celebrations, we also took the opportunity to shine a spotlight on one of our own: Dixie-Ann Myers, CSC Engagement and Support Manager.
With more than 11 years at Lanes Group, Dixie-Ann has become a real champion of people and culture. Always looking out for others, she goes above and beyond to bring people together, support colleagues and help make Lanes Group a better place to work.
From leading engagement activities and events to stepping outside her own comfort zone, Dixie-Ann played a huge part in bringing this year’s Black History Month celebrations to life. Her commitment to creating opportunities for people to connect, feel supported and celebrate who they are reflects exactly what this year’s theme of Community was all about.
Thank you, Dixie-Ann, for everything you do and for helping make our celebrations so meaningful.
Continuing the conversation beyond Black History Month
Black History Month gives us an important opportunity to celebrate but the conversations it starts shouldn't stop when October comes to an end.
At Lanes Group, we want everyone to feel valued, respected and able to be themselves at work. By listening to one another, celebrating our differences and recognising the contributions of our colleagues, we can continue to build a stronger, more inclusive community.
This year’s celebrations reminded us that community can be found in so many different ways. It might be a shared experience, a story that inspires us, a colleague who offers their support or simply a moment when we feel that we truly belong.
A big thank you to everyone who shared their stories, took part in our quizzes, nominated inspiring individuals and helped celebrate Black History Month across Lanes Group.
Together, we can continue to champion one another, bring people together and make a positive difference.