Reclaiming Narratives: Black History Month – Views from the Northern Circuit.
October 2024 is Black History Month, providing everyone with the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture. People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have played an important part in British history for centuries. 18 St John Street Chambers is delighted to celebrate the contribution that our Black members, our staff and our clients make to chambers and the legal community – striving to make our work environments stronger, more together, diverse and equal.
The Black History Month Website set out this year’s theme by saying:
“This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Reclaiming Narratives,” and marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture.
By emphasising “Reclaiming Narratives,” we shine a brighter light on our stories, allegories, and history.
This theme underscores a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage. It’s about taking control of our stories and honouring our heroes while challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and globally. #ReclaimingNarratives
18 St John Street Chambers wish to highlight the positive experiences our Black members, staff, clients and colleagues have had in their legal careers.
To this aim we interviewed a number of local prominent Black legal professionals. In line with the theme of Black History Month, we asked the following questions:
- What narrative do you feel requires reclaiming and why?
- Who inspires you and why?
- Please provide a brief synopsis of your own narrative
- Please provide a piece of advice to the younger generation trying to establish a legal career
Please see below a collection of experiences that showcase and highlight the contributions of Black individuals in our legal sector:
Nkumbe Ekaney KC – 18 St John Street Chambers:
Reclaiming narratives:
“I would reclaim the narrative around communication, as an African sub-group. The way that Black people often communicate and the tone of voice in African cultures is often described as aggressive. This is very often not the case. Black people do not speak quietly. It is not aggression”
“I would reclaim the narrative around some family court decisions around demeanour. In certain African cultures, looking directly at someone with authority can be seen as challenging, so when professionals say “they were not even looking at me” those people were not conscious of the fact that this might be a challenge of authority. This issue requires demystification.”
Advice:
“Do not be frightened to ask questions of people who are in the profession, people who have done well, want to help others. I would have not got to where I am without help.”
Her Honour Judge Leona Harrison – Family Circuit Judge sitting on the Northern Circuit:
Inspirations:
“Harry Harrison, my late father, he came here at the end of the Windrush generation. He worked in the NHS and he brought joy to the people he worked with. He was not well paid, but he was a fighter in his own quiet way. He was a very inspirational person.
From the Bar, Peter Herbert, who headed the British Society of Black Lawyers – he was driven with a passion to make the world a better place for Black lawyers’
HHJ Hernandez, when he moved onto the bench that made me realise that this was an option for me in the future and he was very supportive to me.
The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, one of the first Black female KC’s of her time.
Barrister Alexandra Wilson, who stood up and spoke about her experiences demonstrating her strength of her character and desire to make a difference.
Non-legal: Doreen Lawrence. What she has done in the name of her son is breathtaking; through the pain and loss she made something positive out of an horrific incident“
My journey into a legal career:
‘My mum was from Blackpool and my father from Jamaica. They always put me first, prioritising my education. In the early days of his career, my dad would work nights and get me to school, my mum was equally driven in her support for me. They gave me the belief that I could do whatever I wanted. At first this was to study medicine, and they were always behind me. My Mum passed away a week after I finished my bar school exams, then my father died in 2003 having enjoyed seeing me flourish at the Bar.
Advice to the younger generation:
“Do not give up. In the words of Hamilton (the play) “never give up your shot’.”
Lena Amartey – Barrister at 9 St John Street Chambers, who also sits as a Recorder in the County Court:
Reclaiming narratives:
“I have always been so frustrated by the common misconception that Black people and Black culture is somehow undeveloped or inferior to that of the western world. As a proud Ghanian my parents taught me of our ancestorial history which is rich with stories of wealthy monarchies, heroines, warriors and intellectual thinkers. Our stories are so much more than slavery and oppression. I hope the children in this generation will be taught about Africa beyond slavery and ancient Egypt.”
Synopsis of Lena’s journey to the bar:
“I always wanted to be a barrister and I am so grateful for having parents who made me believe I could do anything. I am lucky that my teachers encouraged me to chase my dreams too. I know that not all Black children get the same encouragement.“
“University was the first time I remember being faced with people in authority who discouraged me from pursuing my ambition of being a barrister. Every lecturer who had the chance told me it was too hard and to pursue an alternative career. When I first became a barrister, I felt such pressure to blend in. People commented on my braided hair and I felt pressure to look a certain way. Now I see pupil barristers with unmuted hair styles that reflect their Black heritage. It makes me so happy to see how things are changing.“
Vaughn John – Family Practice Manager 18 St John Street Chambers:
Reclaiming narratives:
“Assumptions about socioeconomic status can influence those from working class backgrounds to avoid even looking into a career in Law. Many assume that a degree or higher education is required to even be a clerk & subsequently dismiss the prospect of it being within their reach. In my eight-plus years of clerking, I cannot recall another clerk of Black origin.“
“Efforts to raise awareness, implement training, and promote diversity within the legal sector can help mitigate these biases.”
Inspirations:
Kobe Bryant inspires me for several reasons:
- Work Ethic: His “Mamba Mentality” emphasises relentless hard work, discipline, and dedication. Kobe’s commitment to improving his skills and pushing his limits serves as a powerful example.
- Competitive Spirit: Known for his fierce competitiveness, Kobe always aimed to be the best, which resonates with myself striving for excellence.
- Resilience: Throughout his career, Kobe faced injuries and setbacks but consistently returned stronger, demonstrating the importance of perseverance.
- Leadership: As a team player and a leader, he inspired teammates and younger players, showing the value of mentorship and collaboration.
- Passion for the Game: Kobe’s love for basketball was evident in his play. His enthusiasm inspires others to pursue their passions wholeheartedly.
- Legacy Beyond Basketball: After retiring, he continued to inspire through storytelling, coaching, and philanthropy, showing that influence extends beyond sports.
- Overcoming Adversity: Kobe’s journey from a young player to a basketball icon reflects the triumph over challenges, motivating others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles’
Advice:
“The moment you give up, is the moment you let someone else win.” – Kobe Bryant.
Leader of the Northern Circuit, Jaime Hamilton KC, Barrister at 9 St John Street, provides his insight into the importance of Black History Month:
“History is, by its very nature, vast. Even the most avid historian will only ever gain a snapshot of the centuries and centuries of human existence.
That’s why Black History Month is such a great initiative. It is a platform for people to tell their stories and the stories of others. And is a vessel which allows us to explore a different part of history.
I like to think I know a fair bit of the history of the Northern Circuit and its characters. It is only through Black History Month that I discovered the life of Edward Nelson and his remarkable contribution to life on this Circuit.
It is often through learning what has happened in the past that we learn more about what is happening now and what we can do to effect change.
Today is the history we learn tomorrow. I was interested to read the personal narratives in Olivia’s blog, learning something new about some people I have known for many years.
We should never stop learning and understanding.”
End note by Olivia Edwards, Barrister at 18 St John Street Chambers:
“I am immensely grateful to each of the contributors to this article, who all willingly gave up their time to be interviewed by me, with no hesitations. That to me reflects the richness of the contributions of my Black colleagues and I can honestly say that each and every one of the contributors to this article are all my inspirations.“
“Having been at the bar for seven years now, there are many groups and committees who work immensely hard in their own time towards encouraging diversity and inclusion. I have benefitted personally from this work towards diversity at the bar. For those reasons I would encourage everyone to think about the narratives raised in this article and, if possible, be willing help others coming up in the profession.“
Olivia Edwards
October 2024