The theme for this year’s US Black History Month (BHM), celebrated annually in February, is “Black Resistance”. It explores how “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings,” since the nation’s earliest days.
BYP Network stands as a platform to help combat and resist against the historic and ongoing oppression of Black people. Resistance, needless to say, is hard; it is a continuous battle requiring persistent strength and determination. It is a resistance against not only racism, cultural bias and inequity, but also against the negative thoughts and lack of confidence that one might harbor as a result of systemic oppression. Take a look at our values and a mission statement from our founder and CEO, Kike Oniwinde.
It’s a sad fact that many of the pledges made around the time of Black Lives Matter and the George Floyd protests in 2020 have still not materialized. Black professionals in corporate America and beyond are still very much struggling to gain and maintain their space at the table.
For instance, according to a 2022 McKinsey report, Black women leaders are reportedly more ambitious than the average women at their level, however one in three Black women leaders say they’ve been denied or passed over for opportunities due to factors like their race or gender.
At BYP we are proud of each person – be it Black individual, conscientious ally and/or corporate partner – who endeavors to make a stand and resist. Hearing the stories of others can be truly motivational, both as examples of ongoing issues that need to be dismantled and success stories that show how progress is being made.
How you can continue to get involved and resist against racial oppression
+ Share your insights and engagement
We invite you to share one of our BYP “I resist” or “we resist” images on your website or social media to highlight the persisting struggle and/or to celebrate the wins. Add a caption about your related personal experience, initiatives or insights. Then make sure to tag us @bypnetwork and share with the hashtag #BYPresistance so we can feature you.
+ Learn about biases and lived experiences
Take our online CPD-accredited Black Experience Course, packed with trainer-led videos, written articles, downloadable guides and mini-podcasts. Discover how to attract, engage and retain Black talent whilst opening up the conversation on the Black experience. Quote code BHM10 to get an exclusive 10% off, valid until the end of February.
+ Based in the US? Join one of our BY-Peers groups
Our BY-Peers groups are a space for you to connect with other Black professionals in your industry or area. Our New York BY-Peers group is led by Robert Newman, and you can follow their activity and events on Instagram at @bypeersnyc.
Our BY-Peers Chicago group is coming soon in Spring 2023, for which we are currently recruiting for a Chief Activator. If you are interested and you think you have got what it takes, apply to lead now.
+ Check out our US events
We have a regular programme of networking events, masterclasses, webinars and more – and we’re holding more and more in the US. We recently held a Leading Systemic Change networking mixer with Multiverse, in New York, in honor of Black History Month. Next up, we have:
BY-Peers x Beazley: Celebrating Diversity in the Insurance Industry. 22 Feb, 6-8PM EST, Atlanta, GA
Join us for our second event in Atlanta as we give you an insight into the world of the insurance. In this free event you will get the opportunity to attend Beazley’s offices in Atlanta and hear from three leaders across the industry with backgrounds in claims, underwriting and cybersecurity functions amongst a few.
Plus, we are due to host a much-anticipated US BYP Summit this year, and other exciting events in America. Click below to be the first to hear about early bird discounts, updates and announced speakers, and more.
+ Follow our newsletter and social content
We’ll be sharing more content focused around Black History Month and other news and insights in the coming weeks, including what initiatives our partners have been actioning. Make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter to hear all about it – and if you want to share your own plans, get in touch.
As mentioned, we are active on Instagram and want you to be too. We are hosting a special bi-weekly IG live series with conversations with influential Black figures – do make sure you’re following us at @bypnetwork to see the guests talk 1:1 with our founder, Kike.
