This year’s theme for Black History Month UK 2025 is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”. I’m focusing this piece on Black founders. Being one myself, I’m deeply aware of the resilience it takes to build something of your own while carrying the weight of representation.
Black History Month is more than reflection. It’s a reminder that Black founders are not just participants in business, they’re leaders shaping culture, economy and the future.
Power and pride don’t come from waiting for validation. They come from owning the story and amplifying it with conviction.
Leading With Pride and Power
Building a name that carries weight doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not about one campaign or a quick win. It’s about being seen, respected and remembered. Black founders do this every day by showing up, showing out and refusing to shrink.
Think about your first hire. Your first investment. That first client who took a chance. These aren’t just milestones. They’re power moves. Markers that say you didn’t wait for permission. You built something on your own terms.
Make it known. Speak on the challenges. Share the receipts. Your journey isn’t just yours; it’s proof. Someone out there needs to see what’s possible before they believe it for themselves.
That’s why I stay active in mentoring and offering support to younger Black professionals. Not just because of legacy, but because power is meant to be passed on. If what I’ve learned can help someone move quickly, then that’s an influence that multiplies.
Owning Your Authority
Titles don’t grant authority. Presence does. And in spaces where Black founders are often expected to prove themselves twice over, compared to our counterparts, how you show up matters even more.
Lead the conversation, don’t wait to be included in it. Share results, not just opinions. Post the wins, the stats, the proof. Whether it’s a podcast appearance, an article, or a viral post on LinkedIn, make sure your name stays in the mix.
Real authority shows when you say what you mean and stick to it. Even if it costs short-term applause. People remember conviction. That’s how you earn respect and respect opens doors that clout can’t.
Protecting Your Power Through Authenticity
Authenticity gets thrown around too much. But for Black founders, it’s not branding, it’s strategy. Diluting who you are to fit the room won’t get you far. Owning your story, your accent, your background, that’s where the power is.
When you talk about raising funds with limited access, dealing with bias or entering industries where you were never the default—that’s not oversharing. That’s differentiation. It’s how people connect. And how you build trust faster than any polished press release.
But being authentic doesn’t mean giving it all away. Protect what matters. Choose what you reveal. Set boundaries. Authority means you get to define the story, not anyone else.
Power Thrives in Visibility
You can’t lead in silence. Power needs a platform. Black founders have to be visible by design, not by accident.
Use the media. Choose platforms that amplify your voice, not water it down. Speak where your expertise is valued. Say no to the panels that want you for optics. Say yes to the ones that centre your thinking.
Build your digital name. Own your domain. Make your thought leadership searchable. If your name isn’t showing up in the rooms you’re trying to enter, it’s time to shift that.
And when you get through the door? Don’t stand alone. Bring others with you. Partnership, mentorship, and collaboration aren’t just good deeds. They’re power strategies. Each move makes it harder for the gate to close behind you.
Moving Forward
Standing firm in power and pride, this Black History Month isn’t about seeking permission. It’s about claiming space, shaping narratives and leading with authority rooted in authenticity. Legacy isn’t built in whispers; it’s built in visibility.
For Black founders, every move, every word and every platform is a chance to amplify leadership that will outlast the moment.
See you next week!
