Celebrated every October since 1987, Black History Month is an annual recognition and celebration of the history, achievements and experiences of Black people across the world.
This October, the marketing team produced three films, in which Alethea (Leeya) Balbuena, Deputy CEO and Director of Operations (pictured page right), and Gift Mussa, Team Leader for the Young Black Men Project (pictured right), discuss what Black History Month means to them.
In the first film, Leeya and Gift talk about the importance of Black History Month, who their Black heroes are and how they celebrate with others. Leeya then expands on this in the second film, where she discusses her experience as a Black woman in leadership and why it’s important to have more Black people in leadership roles.
In the final film, Gift continues the theme of Black heroes by reading his self-penned poem, Golden Heroes. The words reflect the inspiration Black role models have on younger generations and how their achievements should be respected and celebrated by everyone.
In November, Leeya was awarded an honorary doctorate from Arden University in recognition of her dedication to mental health and ongoing volunteering. Upon receiving the award, Leeya said, ‘I’m thrilled to have been awarded this honorary doctorate – it’s an amazing piece of recognition for all the work that I have put in throughout my career.’ Congratulations to Leeya on this amazing achievement!
