Naomi Owolabi, a Trainee Solicitor in our London office, talks about Black British history and what inspired her and her colleague to organise our upcoming Aspiring Black Lawyers Insights Day. 
 
"I was lucky enough to study Black British history and civil rights when I was in school, as well as Black history from a few different countries. This isn't something every generation is taught - it's only because of the work of those who have come before me, particularly the Windrush generation, that the importance of educating people on these subjects is now much more understood and accepted."
 
While Naomi acknowledged the work that's been done to raise awareness around Black history, she was equally mindful that there's still work left to do. "I remember when I first came into the workplace, I didn't necessarily feel like I fit in. The legal profession is still predominantly white and male, and so at times, I felt like I should either fade into the background or adapt my personality to fit in more with those around me. I don't feel like this anymore, and one of the main reasons for this is because I had the chance to work alongside a senior Black female colleague. This showed me that not only was it possible for people like me to succeed, but to succeed by being myself and bringing my whole personality with me to work."
 
Mindful of the impact that this experience had on her, Naomi, alongside another Black trainee and her friend Kehinde Oyebola, decided to organise an event for aspiring Black lawyers. "I want the next generation of Black lawyers to see what's possible. I want to be able to share my lived experiences with them and hear the experiences of others. I want them to understand that there's a strong community out there for them, and that by constantly driving forward, we're creating change for those who come after us."
 
"I've always felt that you have to be brave to create change. In the 1960s, my grandfather moved to the UK with barely a suitcase - he's someone I've always looked up to because of this. There was something in his life and his future that he wanted to change, and he made it happen. My parents, too, have always inspired me in this way." 
 
"Black History Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate Black culture - all Black cultures - but it shouldn't be confined to a single month." Naomi said it was a conscious choice to organise the upcoming Aspiring Black Lawyers Insight Day (“Strive and Thrive”) in November, after Black History Month. We wanted people, having engaged with Black History Month, to continue conversations, get involved in initiatives and raise awareness all year round – not just in October."