Marking Black History Month
ICAS is celebrating Black History Month in the UK by sharing the stories of CAs within the global ICAS community, acknowledging their accomplishments and contributions to accountancy, finance and society.
Since 1987, October marks Black History Month in the UK. Black History Month is a time for people to come together and learn lessons for the present and for the future. It is also a time to honour the commitment to learning and standing united against racism.
Marking Black History Month
We are marking Black History Month by sharing stories from incredible CAs throughout the month. They will share the diverse experiences and perspectives they have gained from working to create a better and more inclusive accountancy profession and society.
Action Through Allyship
This year, the theme for Black History Month is ‘Time for Change: Action Not Words’. This theme acknowledges that for real change to happen, real support is needed from allies. Allyship means genuine, longer-term actions and not just momentary gestures and words.
In a video recorded to mark Black History Month, ICAS President Indy Singh Hothi CA highlights the role organisations like ICAS play in supporting an inclusive accountancy profession and society.
Indy said: “Each and every CA has the opportunity to support real action by upholding the values of inclusive leadership. And we must stand as champions of equality, diversity and inclusion in the worlds of business and finance, and beyond. To ensure that everyone in our organisations is comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work.
“For ally organisations like ICAS, supporting this real change means having strategies, initiatives and policies in place to achieve real, measurable outcomes. Practising what we preach.
“To create an accountancy profession which is open to all, it’s vital that we champion the voices of people from all backgrounds, cultures and walks of life. So I’m delighted that we’re sharing diverse experiences and perspectives, and hearing insights from some brilliant CAs as part of our Black History Month celebrations.”
ICAS prioritises equality, diversity and inclusion
The ICAS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee is dedicated to championing the voices of people from all backgrounds, cultures and walks of life. ICAS is taking this opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of some incredible CAs who are making an enormous contribution to ICAS, and to the wider accountancy profession, helping create a better and more inclusive society.
ICAS launched the Black Talent Action plan to identify and understand the barriers faced by Black Members so that action can be taken to improve experiences and outcomes.
ICAS recognises the different experiences of Black CAs and wants to understand what we can do better to support their career and professional development. This is why we are committed to setting up a Black Members Network, which will be led by Kudzai Zendera CA from our EDI Committee. The plan forms part of ICAS’ wider commitment to create a more inclusive accountancy profession and society.
Kudzai, on supporting the development of Black professionals, said: “The roles should be occupied by the best person for the job, irrespective of their race, but what organisations need to do is ensure they have created a culture where Black talent is recognised, valued, developed and progressed.”
Sharing the stories of Black Members
ICAS regularly features the voices, insights and stories of Black Members and leaders from the worlds of business and finance.
Catch up on past features: Championing Unique Perspectives
Temi Labor CA shares her experience of working in the Middle East as a black woman.
Diana Muendo CA talks about the diversity of art and big hair.
Marta Philips CA on what CAs can do to tackle racial inequality in the workplace.
Kudzai Zendera CA on being proud of his heritage, uniqueness and willingness to stand up for what he believes in.
Be part of the change
Join us on 31 October from 12:30 to 1:30pm for an insightful discussion with Clive Bellingham CA, Kudzai Zendera CA, Tosin Ajay CA and Temi Labor CA and Marta Philips CA. They will reveal insights that all CAs can action as allies and share the lessons they have learned as advocates for equality when building inclusive businesses and enterprises.
Speakers will also reveal details of the ICAS Black Member Network, launching this month, which will help deliver change by actioning the ambitions of ICAS’ Black Talent Action Plan.