Recognising Black History Month

October marks Black History Month, a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of people with African and Caribbean heritage to our company, society and culture. It’s our mission to foster an inclusive work culture that fully embraces diversity every day, achieved by listening to each other, educating ourselves and amplifying black voices. Black History Month is an ongoing celebration here at Tokio Marine HCC International all year round with Diversity & Inclusion forming a key pillar of our charity programme.

This year’s theme ‘Saluting our Sisters’ pays homage to black women and their incredible achievements, the trailblazers shaping history, who inspire change every day. Throughout October, we held a series of events to educate and inform our colleagues and future generations. 

Sparking meaningful dialogue with future generations

Joining forces with East London Business Alliance, we invited students from a local sixth-form college to our 20 Fenchurch Street office for an afternoon filled with thought-provoking conversations. The group debated topics including the #OscarsSoWhite controversy and diversity in leadership positions. Our colleagues also helped the students to express and structure their ideas, providing them with invaluable feedback to develop their life skills.

Honouring black British female icons

Following this year’s ‘Saluting our Sisters’ theme, we learnt about some of the world’s most remarkable black British women from our charity partner, Facing History and Ourselves, while tasting delicious African cuisine catered by a local black owned business. We listened to the inspiring stories of activists and trailblazers past and present, including Dr Altheia Jones-Lecointe, Dame Jocelyn Barrow, Lady Phyll and Mary Prince. Their courage, activism and achievements ignited change and paved the way for generations to come.

Here at Tokio Marine HCC International, our commitment to being an inclusive and diverse workplace goes beyond Black History Month. As we reflect on this past month, it fuels our drive to continue this journey of awareness, education and celebration every day. Together, we are shaping a company culture where everyone belongs, feels valued and is empowered, so they can thrive and flourish. We have come a long way, but there’s still a lot of work to do.