October is UK Black History Month. This year’s theme is ‘Proud to be…’. Throughout the month, we are asking colleagues of colour: What one moment, event or person stands out in your memory that makes you proud of your heritage?  Michael Perry, Area Rental Manager, North West England, tells his inspiring story in his own words.

There are several significant events and people that have affected me as a person of colour. To name a few: Stephen Lawrence, George Floyd, Rosa Parks.

Britain is becoming a fairer society than it was, although as recent events show, including the treatment of the Windrush generation, we still have more work to do.

Fast-forward twenty-seven years to today and many young people will not be familiar with the name Stephen Lawrence. Or the stories of Rosa Parks, and other role models.

Despite progress, 2021 has shown us that stories like Stephen’s racially motivated murder and legal injustice are unfortunately still relevant in communities across the world.

This historic event has made me even more determined to aid the world to become a better and more equal society. I want to be part of the solution and I feel Enterprise has given me the platform to make that difference.

During my time as an Area Rental Manager I have been given the opportunity to be a mentor to students from disadvantaged backgrounds for both Business in the Community and Bridge Builders programmes, both experiences were extremely rewarding. I have participated in employability events for Envision and the Open University, and most recently, I joined as a member of Enterprise’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion employee resource group that drives DE&I initiatives across the UK and Ireland. So, I am excited and honoured to use that platform to help others and to make a difference for a better tomorrow.

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