The theme for Black History Month 2023 is ‘Saluting our Sisters’. It highlights the crucial role Black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change and building communities. This month is about paying homage to the thousands of Black women who had their intellect ignored, ideas appropriated, and voices silenced. Despite their countless contributions to society- from the Heater by Alice H. Parker and home security by Marie Van Brittan Brown, to the rise of Rock and roll by pioneer Rosetta Tharpe all the way to Tina Turner- their achievements have too often been overlooked or forgotten.

This Black History Month is the perfect opportunity to recognise the Black women who dedicated their lives to the frontlines of social justice movements and paved the way for a better world. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the women embodying those lessons today.

As a young Black woman taking my first steps into what I call ‘the real world’ - which loosely translates to the terror of entering the workforce - these are just some of the women whose careers inspire me, whose words comfort and stir me and whose lives and legacies I’d like to celebrate this month. From the past to the present and into the future, here are six women to salute this Black History Month.

Jessica Huntley

A prominent race and women’s equality campaigner, Jessica, alongside her husband Eric, reshaped the face of Publishing in Britain with the pioneering, London-based Bogle-L'Ouverture Publications (BLP). She was instrumental in the publication of Black and Asian literature in Britain, and her mission was to feature and give a voice to Black activists and writers. She also played vast and varied roles in movements like the Black Parents Movement, stood up against police brutality with the New Cross Massacre Action Committee, and supported the formation of the Keskidee Centre, Britain's first arts centre for the black community.

Audre Lorde

Self-described "Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet", Audre Lorde was a writer, professor, philosopher, intersectional feminist, poet and civil rights activist who used her writing to shine a light on her experience of the world as a Black lesbian woman and later, as a mother and person suffering from cancer. A prominent member of the women’s and LGBTQ rights movements, her writings called attention to the multifaceted nature of identity and the ways in which people from different walks of life could grow stronger together. Her work, controversial in its daring authenticity, continues to resonate to this day within the black and LGBTQ community.

Baroness Young of Hornsey

Margaret Omolola Young, or colloquially, Lola Young, is a figure woven throughout many sectors of Britain. Her career spans from acting to academia to politics. She uses her voice in the House of Lords to speak out on many issues, particularly against injustices facing the victims of modern slavery in supply chains. She is coined as a leading force in the arts and culture and her dedication to public service can be seen in her first speech in the Lord's Chamber, on 25 November 2004 “It is indeed a privilege to be admitted into this chamber and to be given the opportunity to work for the citizens of this country. It is also, of course, a great responsibility, of which I am keenly aware.”

Jamelia Donaldson

The founder and CEO of TreasureTress, a monthly product subscription service for girls and women with kinky-curly hair. Donaldson’s mission is revolutionising the Black beauty industry, an industry worth millions, and putting Black founders in control. Now in its seventh year, TreasureTress is continuing to reframe the narrative around natural hair care in the UK and the way Black consumers view and reflect on their natural beauty, all whilst propelling the culture and Black haircare revolution forward. In a recent interview, Donaldson stated “TreasureTress is about making Black women and girls feel seen, carving out spaces that truly celebrate them and encouraging them to embrace how they look and take pride in their appearance.”

Jennifer Ogunyemi

Jennifer is the founder of Sisters in Business, a network of women who inspire, connect and elevate each other in business. Jennifer is passionate about representation, religious diversity and Inclusion and changing the narrative of the Muslim businesswoman. It was in 2017 whilst 6 months pregnant that Jennifer set up “Sisters in Business” as a reaction to her feeling lonely and isolated after a business venture of hers failed. She wanted to connect with women who understood her faith as well as the reality of business, and as a result, created a strong female network within the community. Sisters In Business has become the largest platform for Muslim businesswomen in Europe! Jennifer famously stated, “No one wanted to give us a seat, so I created a whole new table.” Earlier this year, at our Bright List Awards Jennifer received AllBright’s Madeleine Sisterhood Works Award which honours an extraordinary woman who embodies sisterhood throughout their personal and professional life.

Izzy Obeng

Izzy Obeng is the Founder, entrepreneur and coach helping founders from underrepresented groups get a leg up in the predominantly white and male tech industry. Her startup accelerator, Foundervine, provides mentorship, training and financial support to early-stage companies. She is a passionate diversity campaigner and is committed to supporting small business creation across the UK and Africa.