Diversity Marketplace (Est 2005)

What might it feel like to have your history and achievements wiped from existence? Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the 2024 UK Black History Month theme, “Reclaiming Narratives”, feels so significant. There is a common axiom that ‘History is written from the perspective of the victor’. From a colonial perspective, history might say something like, ‘We civilised the barbarians.’ We know that, in many West African communities, prior to the transatlantic slave trade that, Art, learning and technology flourished, and those communities were especially skilled in subjects like medicine, mathematics and astronomy (Source: National Museums, Liverpool, link in the comments below). When we can look back on the achievements of people from our own cultural heritages, it can serve to inspire us to bring our best self to work. For example, when I, as a disabled person think about the achievements of Stephen Hawking and for example Daniel Radcliffe who has dyspraxia which can often be under discussed as it is a non-visual disability I feel an immensely deal of inspiration to stride forward in life and challenge myself to achieve beyond my physical limitations. As we come to the end of UK Black History Month, what might this mean for you as an ally and a leader? It may be worth thinking about how we can use our structural privilege to better empower people who have long suffered the indignity of having had their historical achievements deleted. Here are a couple of tips: Actively listening to and promoting diverse Black perspectives. This fosters a deeper, richer understanding of Black History beyond the mainstream narrative. Self Educate yourself about the gaps that traditional history books created. This will allow you to Champion and disseminate Black stories and experiences to consciously create a culture inclusion. #blackhistorymonth2024 #bla #reclamingnarratives Gamiel Yafai Jiten Patel

What might it feel like to have your history and achievements wiped from existence? Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the 2024 UK Black History Month theme, “Reclaiming Narratives”, feels so significant. There is a common axiom that ‘History is written from the perspective of the victor’. From a colonial perspective, history might say something like, ‘We civilised the barbarians.’ We know that, in many West African communities, prior to the transatlantic slave trade that, Art, learning and technology flourished, and those communities were especially skilled in subjects like medicine, mathematics and astronomy (Source: National Museums, Liverpool, link in the comments below). When we can look back on the achievements of people from our own cultural heritages, it can serve to inspire us to bring our best self to work. For example, when I, as a disabled person think about the achievements of Stephen Hawking and for example Daniel Radcliffe who has dyspraxia which can often be under discussed as it is a non-visual disability I feel an immensely deal of inspiration to stride forward in life and challenge myself to achieve beyond my physical limitations. As we come to the end of UK Black History Month, what might this mean for you as an ally and a leader? It may be worth thinking about how we can use our structural privilege to better empower people who have long suffered the indignity of having had their historical achievements deleted. Here are a couple of tips: Actively listening to and promoting diverse Black perspectives. This fosters a deeper, richer understanding of Black History beyond the mainstream narrative. Self Educate yourself about the gaps that traditional history books created. This will allow you to Champion and disseminate Black stories and experiences to consciously create a culture inclusion. #blackhistorymonth2024 #bla #reclamingnarratives Gamiel Yafai Jiten Patel

Racism is difficult to talk about, but why? Racism forces people to confront uncomfortable truths about privilege, inequality, and systemic oppression. What is my privilege despite my disability? Personally I lack fear and racism has never been a factor that has hurt me. I, and others can support through understanding and support, but there are those with far greater experiences than myself.   Dolapo Ogundimu, Senior Learning and Development professional and Former Deputy Lead of CHORD adds weight and context writing directly about her experience as a person of colour and why Black History Month is important to her. We must do more to tackle racism! The statistics show this. The key points are these 1. Racially motivated Hate Crimes are the highest reported type of Hate Crime in the UK. A total of 109,843 racially aggravated offences were recorded in 2021/2022 – an increase by19%. 2. In our yearly reports, Racism is the highest reported motivation for Hate Crimes, 43% of Hate Crimes reported to our helpline were related to race. Some tips on how to address and prevent racism: Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding the historical and current impact of racism is key to recognising and addressing it. Challenge Biases and Stereotypes: Everyone has unconscious biases. Actively questioning and challenging them in your daily interactions helps to break down harmful stereotypes. Speak Up Against Racism: Whether it's in the workplace, social circles, or online, confronting racist behaviour or comments is essential. Advocate for Systemic Change: Racism is not just an individual issue—it’s embedded in systems like education, law enforcement, and healthcare. How are you, as a leader, supporting people in your team who are from an African - Caribbean backgrounds? Not just for Black History month, but everyday? Jiten Patel Gamiel Yafai

What a wonderful evening, at the Houses of Parliament surrounded by change makers and educators including the talented Justin Maroy who has been doing great work in this space. Thank you to Lord Simon Woolley and Susanne Mugalu for the invite. Looking forward to seeing great things happening.

Today we celebrate World Suicide Prevention Day by spreading hope, support, and love to those who may be struggling. Let's keep the conversation going and continue to break the stigma surrounding mental health. You are not alone, and there is always help available. Samaritans are available for support - call 116 123. The NHS has launched a new mental health helpline - just call 111 and press 2 if you need urgent help. BLACK MINDS MATTER have access to free mental health resources and therapy. #WSPD #YouMatter #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #BlackMentalHealth

It was a pleasure working with the British Association of Landscape Industries's inclusion and Diversity forum earlier today sharing the results of a recent industry webinar and launching a sector Allyship programme. Thank to Adrian Wickham the new Chair of BALI for the invitation and the rest of the forum for their hospitalty and interest in creating world class teams across the sector

Fantastic to catch up with my special friend Gamiel Yafai to discuss his magnificent Diversity Marketplace (Est 2005) and his pioneering work in promoting the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion agenda 🙏❤️ He has been a leading advocate for change and I salute you my friend ❤️🙏See you soon for a further catch up ❤️🙏 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) DWP Digital Jiten Patel Jeremy Crook OBE Barbara Bennett (formerly Bradley) Preeta Ramachandran CBE Helga Swidenbank Katie Farrington Allison Francis Sandie Tracey BEM FCIPD Brian Mc Keown Jenny Driscoll Deborah Woodcock Dave Barrow David Steeds Kam Patel Omobola Odutayo MBE Dufie Opare Djenaba Baldé Rania Marlene Lutete Nanna S Soenya Hayley Downing-Gale Wayne Howe Charles Eales Duro Oye Azzees Minott John Spraggett Indra Nauth Keisha York Tolu A. Kennie Bukky Jacqui Dobson Deborah Loko Ceyda Cesur Arsema Fessehazion CertRP Catherine Park Craig Derbyshire Rakesh (Rax) Kalia

Some welcome news from the BBC as it strives to boost creative diversity across the organisation. https://lnkd.in/eaj6ZSge

Exciting times here at Diversity Marketplace (Est 2005) as we welcome Jiten Patel Patel. The whole team looks forward to working with Jiten to help make Diversity Marketplace even better! #Diversity #Equality #Equity #Inclusion