We’re celebrating Black History Month this October.
This year’s theme is reclaiming narratives. It encourages Black communities across the UK to take ownership of the stories that define Black culture and asks everyone to make sure Black voices are heard.
We work hard at Network Rail to make sure all our staff – whatever their background – are heard. We take pride in being a diverse and inclusive organisation. This in turn serves you – our passengers – better by giving you a more accessible and inclusive experience on our railway.
Reclaiming Narratives
We spoke to some of our Black colleagues across the company to hear their thoughts on the importance of this month, their plans for it and more.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Keneefia Parker, a track technician: “Black History Month to me is a time where I can enjoy celebrating my people and my culture more than normal. It’s a time where other cultures and ethnicities can also learn more and further their understanding of how deep Black history goes.”
Adelaja Aladejobi, a railway maintenance tech officer: “Black history Month is a significant moment to showcase the achievement of the Black British people in the UK. It’s a time for us to continue remembering the achievements of Black people around the world.”
How will you be celebrating Black History Month?
Itunu Abolarinwa, a communications manager: “I’ll be reading Black literature from prominent voices such as Zadie Smith.”
Tonye Altraide, a project manager: “By engaging in conversations with colleagues, attending events, and raising awareness about the need for diverse perspectives in problem-solving and leadership roles. I will also take the opportunity to watch some movies and learn more about Black history and the contributions of Black individuals in society.”
What’s been your proudest achievement at work?
Adelaja: “My proudest achievement was finishing my apprenticeship, and successfully applying to study rail engineering at university while also landing a permanent job at Network Rail. The train depot where I worked had also just been marked as having a great maintenance standard within the region, which was an achievement I’m proud to have contributed towards.”
Keneefia: “I would say it was completing my apprenticeship as there was moments when I did feel like to throw in the rope – especially after covid. But I can now confidently say I’m reaping the benefits. I’m really enjoying my role.”
Why does an inclusive and diverse workforce matter on our railway?
Itunu: “Being diverse and inclusive creates a work environment with diversity of thought which creates the best ideas.”
Tonye: “Our railway serves a diverse range of customers and therefore it’s important to reflect that diversity in our workforce, so we’re delivering the best possible service for all our customers.
“People from diverse backgrounds bring unique insights that can lead to more effective and innovative solutions to complex problems and better serve our customers.”
National recognition
Our work on diversity and inclusion happens all year around. And we’re proud to be recognised for these efforts in this year’s Ethnicity Awards. We’re shortlisted as a Top 10 Employer in the Outstanding Employer category for the first time.
The Ethnicity Awards began in 2018 to celebrate individuals and organisations across the UK that support Black, Asian and diverse ethnic communities. Our place on this highly competitive list highlights our meaningful and impactful efforts to become a more open, diverse and inclusive organisation.
Faizza Rumani, an equity, diversity and inclusion specialist at Network Rail, said: “It’s great to see achievements like these. We remain committed to continuing our journey to remove the barriers that our ethnic minority colleagues face at all levels – especially frontline colleagues – in a way which is fair and equitable to everyone.”
