Black History Month

We’ve been honoured to host some incredible speakers and leaders to help mark Black History Month (BHM) across our global studios.

No matter where in the world we are, BHM is an opportunity to understand Black history, spotlight Black achievement, and celebrate the diverse perspectives that our talented colleagues bring to their work and to us at DNEG.

In North America, BHM takes place in February, with this year’s theme being “Black Health and Wellness” – and we were proud to invite Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson to host a virtual talk for us: Leading From Resonance.

It showcased the power of saying ‘yes’ to the urgent social change issues of our times, and how we can use the transformative power of our own personal stories to sustain our journeys towards change, even when the going gets tough. You can find further insight from Yabome in her TEDx Talk: ‘How to get past disconnection to social change’.

Yabome is a noted social scientist and certified executive coach with experience in systematic organising for social change and transformation. She’s been named International African Woman of the Year by the UK-based Women4Africa, was the first recipient of the US-based Development Network’s Emerging Organization Development Practitioner award, and has also received the Harry Jerome Professional Excellence award in Canada. We couldn’t be prouder to have her share her knowledge with our teams.

As a global business, we also marked Black History Month in the UK, where it takes place in October. We invited Tony Warner – co-founder and chair of the African Odysseys programme at the British Film Institute, published author, and the founder of Black History Walks (featured on the BBC, CNN, and in the Guardian) – for a unique insight into Bridgerton’s Real Black History.

Tony gave us an incredible insight into the truth behind the stories and characters of Bridgerton, including several real figures who inspired the character of ‘Simon, Duke of Hastings’ in 1700s and 1800s England, famous Black boxers of the 19th century, and the classical music of numerous Black composers of the period.

Thanks again to both Tony and Yabome for sharing their perspectives and insight with us all.