CJ'ers Celebrate Black History Month 2020

Black History Month is celebrated in the UK and parts of Europe in October. During the month, we celebrate the history, achievements, significance and impact of members of the Black community, especially here in the UK.

At CJ, we believe it is vital to shine a light on all the ways in which the Black community have helped shape the society and culture we live in. As such, we invited CJ employees to tell us more about their views and values around Black History Month, as well as share some interesting stories, wishes, and pieces of advice.

Tasha Manzella, Client Development Manager

What do you do at CJ? I manage a portfolio of advertisers’ affiliate programmes and I have worked at CJ for a year.

Who inspires you?

My Mother as she has never made me feel different to anyone else, she has always lead me to believe I belong. My mother always tried to protect who I am also – one thought that comes to mind is when I was younger I wanted to have hair like the other girls in my class, so I used to try straighten my hair every day. That was until my mum started hiding the straighteners and explaining why I should embrace my curls. It was not till I got older that I appreciated her for doing this, and I will most definitely do this to my future kids (assuming they have the curly hair I have). I think in the past curly hair was not on trend and of course we didn’t see any curly haired women on the TV/adverts – so I love that now I am going through my curly hair journey where I celebrate my natural hair I feel so empowered and I thank my mum for getting me here.

Thinking about your culture, what one aspect are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the food culture we have; I am half Italian and half Guyanese – our traditions are that we all come together as a family to eat together. The food is amazing too.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a month-long celebration of diversity, where we can celebrate achievements and progressions in the Black community.

When do you feel like your most authentic self?

When I am with my family, I feel like I don’t even need to think about what my true self is as it comes naturally. I don’t need to explain why I do the things I do, like wearing a bonnet to sleep because my family already understand everything, and it doesn’t feel abnormal.

Any books, films, TV shows, Instagram accounts, etc. you'd like to recommend?

@Rachelama_ she incorporates her Black culture in her food despite being an 'on trend' vegan, it might be wrong of me to assume but I feel like a lot of the vegan options out there are very similar in types of foods. I am interested in food as I like to work out in the gym and sometimes look for vegan options (despite not being a vegan) but I love how this woman gives vegans the option to enjoy foods you would typically see in Caribbean households e.g. plantain, rice and peas but still makes them vegan.

What keeps you focused and/or resilient during a challenging moment?

The gym, I am very consistent with my workouts. If I ever have a bad day, I'll be in the gym running it out or trying to lift as heavy as I can. I like the progression of the gym, how when I started I could barely lift anything above my shoulders and now I am a lot stronger and there are always ways for me to improve. It's all under my control and it's about pushing myself to achieve what I want to achieve. I also like passing this on to people around me - over the pandemic I was running fitness classes for my friends to help keep them motivated and exercising over a difficult period, exercise is a perfect way to improving mental health and giving yourself a focus.

How do you think we can continue messages of inclusion and equality in our own lives?

I know recently there was a trend about sharing Black owned businesses and supporting Black communities, I think this is a great way of continuing feelings on inclusions and making sure we have a mix of influences over the products and services we use.

If you could be 'President of the World' for one day, what changes would you make?

Making products for people of colour more accessible and of equal cost to other products for example, hair care. For me, it’s very difficult for me to find the correct products for my hair – although granted it has become a lot better. I can now find my products in Boots and Superdrug, but they are still a lot more expensive than ‘non-curly’ hair products. I spend around £30 on shampoo and conditioner, I wish this were cheaper.

Making services for people of colour more accessible for example, having hairdressers that can work with all kinds of hair types not just concentrated in the London area. I feel like I am constantly talking about my hair – but this is where I struggle the most I guess. 

Lastly, on trend with the hair conversation I would make relaxing hair illegal. Extreme I know. But it makes me so sad to see girls relaxing their hair instead of embracing the natural beauty that is their hair. I think there is still a lot of stigma around afro hair and I would love more than anything to see this change, to see girls walking to interviews with their afro/curly hair out instead of trying to conceal it to appear to look a certain way to secure a job role. All in all, whilst damaging their beautiful hair.

Is there anything you would like your allies to know?

My culture is a massive part of me, but it does not solely define me. I do not mind you asking me about my culture, because I am so proud of it. I just do not appreciate assumptions made off the back of it.

What are some ways in which people can become anti-racist, not just non-racist?

I think it all comes down to education, educate yourselves on the things you do not know. I think once building a strong foundation you can pass this education down to the future generations. After all we know racism isn’t innate – its learned behaviour and the future generations are key. I also think being brave and not afraid to speak out or ask questions.

Eugene Amoono, Sales Manager

What do you do at CJ? I've been working in the business development team for three-and-a-half years.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

A celebration of all the greatness that has come before and is yet to come!

I saw a quote that I really liked which summed up my thoughts on BHM: “Black History Month is a time to look forward and celebrate the here and now – and the future possibilities. In years gone by, October has been the only time of year when the UK talks about the achievements of Black people in Britain.”

This year of all years, we need some joy and celebration!

How do you think we can continue messages of inclusion and equality in our own lives?

Have the awkward conversations - you never know who you can convince to join the good fight!

Progress tends to come from discomfort, people feel the need to change things before they have to go through the discomfort again. It can be a powerful tool for change!

What are some ways in which people can become anti-racist, not just non-racist?

Listen, learn and act on what's absorbed. Nobody has all the answers, but the more people that are willing to embrace change the better!

All-time favourite song, book or artwork from a Black artist?

Bob Marley - Redemption Song. I remember hearing the line “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery none but ourselves can free our minds.” It has had profound effect on the way I view every situation.

Anessa Aibout, Business Development Director

What do you do at CJ? Expanding new business in France at CJ. I've been at CJ for three-and-a-half years.

Who or what inspires you? My grandmothers

Thinking about your culture, what one aspect are you most proud of? The humility and resilience.

What does Black History Month mean to you? It's an opportunity to change, make things better, educate and ask questions.

When do you feel like your most authentic self? When I'm with my closest friends and my family.

Who or what inspires you? The hope in general for better things in life.

Any books, films, TV shows, Instagram accounts, etc. you'd like to recommend? Malorie Blackman / Noughts and Crosses. She uses science fiction to deliver strong messages and values.

What keeps you focused and/or resilient during a challenging moment? I have a positive mindset and I believe that if we are trying to achieve anything it's possible with the right people and mind.

How do you think we can continue messages of inclusion and equality in our own lives? We need to keep communicating about it and never stop.

If you could be 'President of the World' for one day, what changes would you make? I'd erase inequalities of all sorts.

Is there anything you would like your allies to know? Yes, I'd like them to know that they can ask questions.

What are some ways in which people can become anti-racist, not just non-racist? It's only being empathetic.

Raman Gill, Business Development Executive

What do you do at CJ? I have been here for almost a full year in which I reach out to brands on a daily basis and tell them of the magic of a CJ affiliate program!

Who or what inspires you?

I'm going to probably deviate from the norm by saying a celebrity: Rihanna. She has come from humble background and has worked so hard and constantly outdone herself to become the worldwide name she is now! I've been a fan for 15+ years and I’m not stopping now!

What does Black History Month mean to you?

To me, it means a celebration of Black people and Black culture and all the great things they have done to help the world as well as everything they have endured. Historically, some societies have essentially ignored Black people, their triumphs and their struggles, so to me this month is of huge importance as we come together to highlight an amazing array of people. Black people have been integral to the evolution of our world, societies and much more so this month of celebration, I believe, is necessary.

What keeps you focused and/or resilient during a challenging moment?

Remembering that “this, too, shall pass”, and reminding myself of the hope that if I overcome this then I will have first and foremost, overcome it and secondly, I have learnt something new to help prevent it from happening again/ help me overcome it should the issue arise again. I’m a very hopeful person!

If you could be 'President of the World' for one day, what changes would you make?

Fair pay and fair work conditions for everyone! We spend so many years of our life working so it is important for people to feel safe, calm and rewarded.

Is there anything you would like your allies to know?

Speak up when you see or face an injustice, even if it’s simply telling the person/people that their behaviour is not right and no good can truly come from it. Also, to know when to apologise but when to be unapologetic.

What are some ways in which people can become anti-racist, not just non-racist?

Rejecting stereotypes is a great place to start. Unfortunately, there are countless stereotypes around specific races, religions, genders, ages, and more, and by rejecting such you become more open and compassionate to others. Educating yourself and others is also a very good way to see what others experience, how they feel about it, whether it’s right or wrong, and prevent yourself from making any mistakes. These two points seem like a good start in which you can learn more about the world, other people… and hopefully make some more friends!