Here at Virgin Atlantic, Black History Month is a time to celebrate all our Black people and their daily contribution to what we do. In this blog, you'll meet some truly inspiring people and hear their stories. You'll also get to hear about our VALUED network. Named by Otis, one of the founding members, VALUED stands for 'Virgin Atlantic Loves Unity & Ethnic Diversity'. It's a network that aims to help create an environment that champions and supports those previously underrepresented at Virgin Atlantic, where a culture of togetherness and inclusivity thrive.
The VALUED network welcomes everyone as allies and to explore and learn together. Embracing our differences through awareness and shared understanding.
In this blog, we meet some of the brilliant Black people of Virgin Atlantic. We discover their stories, their thoughts on Black History Month and talk about some of the barriers they've endured because of the colour of their skin. These people are, without exception, Virgin Atlantic legends, their stories a true inspiration. Yet, for all that, they all carry their own stories of prejudice and racism. Sulaimon getting stopped by the police on his way home from work. Salma applying for hundreds of jobs, Mandla struggling to find an education. As we reflect on Black History Month, on the black community's contribution to all our lives, and how they've been treated throughout history, we all have a chance to turn this around. It's up to be more aware of these critical issues. And make sure that the Black History Months of the future look back on our actions of today and say that we made a positive difference.