Celebrating Black History Month UK with Leonie Worrell and Doneh Stappleton

October marks Black History Month in the UK and this year's theme is "Time for Change: Action Not Words". A great opportunity to celebrate the continued achievements and contributions of people of Black heritage and their communities to the UK and around the world.

Leonie Worrell (Multiverse Leadership Coach based in London) and Doneh Sappleton (Digital Marketing Apprentice at GroupM based in London) discuss their experiences around being of Black heritage and getting into the digital and tech space.

What was it like growing up in the UK as a person of Black heritage?

Leonie - I always say to people that I had many lives growing up because the situations that I got into when I was a child mean that I shouldn’t even be here today. Being black has shaped my experience growing up and has also blessed me with many facets of my upbringing into adulthood (which I'm still figuring out).

I always had an awareness I was black and I grew up in an area where there were a lot of black children around me, so I suppose I should be grateful to be around people like me, but until a teacher said to me “...not many black children can spell or count…” as a reason for my bad behaviour at the time, I later realised that my skin colour was going to be a barrier to opportunity in the future. I then became hyper-aware of my environment and the people around me. Children's whispers about my natural hair (before it became cool to have natural hair) became louder and negative comments about my Jamaican heritage became more constant.

Thankfully, around age 10 I had this strong sense of self-belief that regardless of the barriers to learning and opportunities that I deserved being ripped from under me, I had confidence that my career would take shape. Growing up in “Dirty South London” Croydon, Thornton Heath, and Norwood Junction, being black was definitely dangerous but was a lot of fun.

Doneh - The area I grew up in was predominantly white so it was very evident that I was different. I found it quite difficult to fit in with the few other black girls at my school because they were brought up in more diverse and predominantly black areas. Being darker skinned especially really did affect my confidence; from being called ‘blick’ to not being seen in a photo filter. To put it simply, it was challenging to say the least. 

What has been your experience of getting into the digital and tech space/professional world as a person of Black heritage?

Leonie - Navigating the workplace has come with its challenges. Before joining Multiverse, I had to take huge risks compared to other leaders in order to advance. I felt I had to work twice as hard and accomplish twice as much to be seen on the same level as my colleagues. This was a feeling, but was backed up by the lived experience of doing all the work but still being overlooked for opportunities. Oftentimes, a result of doing twice as much (in other words doing the most!) meant I was given harder projects and tasks, as I had shown that I am good at my role. But, at the same time, I was not able to progress up the career ladder in the direction that I wanted. 

I have been responsible for the infrastructure and the operations of many ideas in the past. Barely being recognised for it was not great, but I know that I would take my value with me wherever I go. Being black has meant that I have brought nuance after nuance and have problem-solved my way out of situations that I don't think I would have been able to do if doors were not shut in the face way back when.

Doneh - To be honest, it hasn’t been that difficult for me personally as I came through an apprenticeship. When I hear other people's stories on how they have tried to make it and have not been taken seriously is appalling. I am quite lucky in the fact that I have black peers at my workplace that I can talk to and a community where we can share experiences.

If you could give your younger some self-advice, knowing what you know now, what would you say?

Leonie - “Don’t worry that your hair doesn't lay flat, it's just defying gravity!” But on a serious note, I would say the same thing that I will say to my children when the time is right. And that is “Set your sights above people's negative opinions, judgments, and negative beliefs when it comes to your hair, skin colour, culture, and your heritage. Just be you. They will soon catch up and realise that you were worth it all along.” It's cheesy… but true.

Doneh - I would tell my younger self to just be yourself!  I know that sounds weird, but for most of my younger years, I felt I was performing for other people. I would constantly make myself the subject of the joke because it was easier than people making a joke about me. I would voluntarily go last because it was easier than being picked last. I have always been a people pleaser but trying to do what you think everyone else wants makes you never realise what you truly want.

This year's theme of Black History Month UK is 'Time for Change: Actions Not Words. What does this mean to you and how can those who aren't of Black Heritage become active allies?

Leonie - Normalising the fact that Black History Month isn't siloed, it's part of everyone's history, whether you realise it or not. People should be open to having more conversations that challenge, educate, and inspire change for the next generation; allowing them to see opportunity as something that is attainable. 

Doneh - It means more than just attending a few virtual events on Zoom. It’s about speaking up when you see something that isn't quite right. Also, not being afraid to ask questions if you want to understand something more.