Tarmac employees came together to showcase unity and diversity during a recent cultural awareness day. With a focus on honouring Black history, the event brought colleagues together in a celebration of culture, heritage and learning.
Led by members of Tarmac’s REACH (religious, ethnic and cultural heritage) employee community, the day began with an engaging session from guest speaker, Romain Muhammad, founder of Diversify – an agency specialising in bridging the diversity, equity, and inclusion gap in the professional world.
Romain focussed on the significance of Black history, relaying profound stories and pivotal moments that have shaped the narrative of the Black community. Tarmac employees Amarachi Ochieze, readymix graduate apprentice, and Clayton Davis, mechanical engineer, also presented and shared their lived experiences.
In addition, two tables were on display and filled with artefacts from both Caribbean and African cultures to showcase moments in history. As part of the day, attendees enjoyed traditional snacks, including plantain chips, a taste of Caribbean dishes like Jerk Chicken, patties, dumplings, as well as cupcakes.
This year in addition to the recent event, Tarmac provided Black History Month flags to its main operational sites across the UK.
Charlotte Letman, internal sales representative and co-chair of the Tarmac REACH employee network, said: “It was fulfilling to see our vison come to fruition. We wanted to create an event that not only brought awareness to our allies, but provided a platform for our community to come together and celebrate our cultures.
“The artefacts displayed were just a small part of some of the significant elements that contribute to our cultures. The Windrush table, in particular, held so much significance, as it featured some of the individuals that formed a part of the Great British Contribution.”
Aaron Flash, readymix supervisor and co-chair of the Tarmac REACH employee network, said: “Overall, it was a great day and a joy to watch colleagues filled with excitement about our cultural awareness day. We wanted to bring everyone together to raise awareness and educate colleagues about Black history, and from the immediate feedback we received, it was clear that we achieved our goal.”
Louise Houston, head of talent, resourcing and inclusion, added: “Black History Month and events like our cultural awareness day provide further opportunities for open, two-way discussion about race and ethnicity – enabling colleagues to gain a broader appreciation of the contributions of the Black community to our shared history.
“Following the success of the recent awareness day, I would like to extend a big thank you to members of our REACH employee community. Together, they have put significant energy and passion into delivering the event and into shaping how the business has marked Black History Month this year.”
Black History Month is observed in the UK every October, with events taking place nationwide to highlight the richness and importance of Black arts, culture and history. The 2023 theme is ‘Saluting Our Sisters’, recognising the vital role that Black women have played in shaping history and creating change.
