Celebrating Black History Month

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our business. Whether it’s embracing diversity of thought or representing the diverse heritage of our colleagues and customers, we value the power that difference brings into our business and the inclusive culture that it fosters. This year, for Black History Month this year, we wanted to do things differently, and really show up for our community, our colleagues and our customers.

We were gold sponsors for the Leadership Conference and Careers Fair for BYP Network, supporting both their Careers Fair and Leadership Conference. We were not just sponsors; we were active participants. This year, two of our HR Directors Sharon Anderson FCIPD and Charlene Ryan, shared an insight into their own journeys and careers, transferable skills, and the steps we are taking as a business to support inclusion.

We were delighted to be joined by Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE for our monthly Bitesize session, as she shared her story, how to be all-embracing of diversity and inclusion and how to face diversity with a smile. We understand that embracing vulnerability is a skill that is not easy for everyone, yet it’s essential in making everyone feel welcome and heard - and we do this by being honest, openly communicating, and actively listening. Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE shared with us how to embrace this skill while speaking about the challenges and lived experiences of our Black colleagues and the wider Black community.

We hosted a Suppliers Fair for our Black-founded and Black-owned brands that we stock at Sainsbury’s. This event was the opportunity to bring together many young, exciting brands, giving them a place to share their stories, and where our colleagues could meet many of the inspiring people behind these brands. We support these brands as they navigate their retail journey, creating a nurturing environment and a platform to compete with established brands.

In the words of our Diversity & Inclusion Director Keith Black, its what happens from 1 Nov 2023 to 30 Sep 2024 that really counts. Black History Month is hugely important to us ....but it's how you show up all year round that really matters.