Bell’s ongoing support of Black History Month continues with events hosted by the Black Professionals at Bell (BPB) network, an employee resource group created to help make a work environment where everyone has the opportunity and support to achieve their full potential. All Bell team members are encouraged to join BPB and help raise cultural awareness across the company, engage talent in Black communities, and support the professional development of Black team members across Canada.
This month, network members share why they joined BPB, how they recognize Black History Month, and how allies can educate themselves and get involved.
Tiffany Donaldson
HR Project Manager and Membership Committee Lead for Black Professionals at Bell
Why did you get involved in Black Professionals at Bell?
I got involved in 2018 in preparation for Black History Month because in the past, I haven’t experienced my culture being celebrated at work. I was impressed with the enthusiasm and support for the inception of Black Professionals at Bell from Black employees and allies. To me, it spoke volumes about the culture at Bell and the positive working relationships that existed throughout the organization, and I wanted to be part of bringing people together!
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is so valuable to me. Every year I learn something new, it could be about a trailblazer, inventor or humanitarian, the list goes on! What’s most exciting to me is the opportunity to learn about history and how we are all connected. When you understand your roots and where you are came from, then you know where you are going.
This year I am recognizing Black History Month by celebrating those around me and their contributions. Through networking introductions, supporting Black businesses and sharing with others, as well as expanding my palette and exploring traditional recipes and why they are important, from ingredients to preparation. Truly, there’s so many ways BHM can be recognized and I recognize it every day.
Education is important to me. I have registered and attended the Black History Month events, and not because I am a member of BPB. There have been phenomenal forward moving conversations, sharing of experiences and perspectives, not to mention tips on guiding children of different backgrounds through difficult conversations around racism.
Every month is Black History Month for me because it’s my reality, and it feels amazing to share all the greatness that comes with it with those around me.
What are your favourite projects or initiatives at Black Professionals at Bell?
One of my personal favourites is the BPB collaboration tool that recently launched. Various sub-committee members of BPB and I have been working on creating a space for our Black team members and allies to connect and share. It’s a place where we can come to meet people in the network and take part in events put on by BPB and other D&I groups! There is also access to internal and external resources including education, entertainment, mental health, career development and more!
How would you suggest allies get involved and educate themselves throughout the year?
There are so many things that team members can do to learn and get involved. First thing is be open to listening and learning about the experience of those around you. Take part in BPB and D&I events and begin to immerse yourself in what’s out there. Read articles and books, watch documentaries, and join BPB for more resources to learn and connect. My suggestions may not be for everyone but what I do know that compassion, empathy and an open-mind is needed in order for others to feel heard and to allow for connection.
Why should team members join Black Professionals at Bell?
Team members should join because it’s a feel good place to be! Inclusion and diversity are important, and we encourage everyone to show up as their authentic self! We have created a community of inclusion, recognition, self-development, joy and exploration. It’s another reason why we are proud to work at Bell!
Join BPB if you are passionate about learning, being a change maker or even interested in meeting new people, there is still so much for us to offer our employees as our membership continues to grow!
Kevin Gooden
Senior Finance Manager and Treasurer for Black Professionals at Bell
Why did you get involved in Black Professionals at Bell?
BPB presents the perfect opportunity for me to utilize and share my skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to the advancement of Black team members at Bell.
How did you recognize Black History Month this year?
This is a period where society as a whole recognizes the ongoing efforts of Blacks to rise above the struggles and oppression and be treated equally and fairly, adding to the gains made by forerunners and partnering with stakeholders to achieve these objectives.
For me, it was twofold. First, through the BPB employee resource group and working with fellow steering committee members to plan and execute our Black History Month events, including co-chairing the Personal Finance session for our members on Budgeting and Savings. Second, on a personal level, viewing historical weekly Jamaican cultural events on YouTube as well as participating in various sessions hosted by Black professionals online.
What are your favourite projects or initiatives at Black Professionals at Bell?
Definitely the Personal Finance sessions. We are planning to make it a series because of the overwhelming response and demand for additional topics to be covered.
How would you suggest allies get involved and educate themselves throughout the year?
I would borrow from statements made recently by 2 colleagues: Lead – i.e. listen (and be respectful to the average Black person that you meet), as well as engage, acknowledge and do (the right thing every time you have the opportunity).
Why should team members join Black Professionals at Bell?
In my opinion there is not much value to standing on the sidelines and being a spectator, you have to get involved and serve in whatever way you can, thereby following in the footsteps of forerunners so that we can achieve the change that we all deserve and desire.
Aliah McCalla
DevOps Engineer and Learning Committee Member for Black Professionals at Bell
Why did you get involved in Black Professionals at Bell?
I got involved because I understood the importance of having a collaborative corporate group where Black professionals and allies can network, support each other, learn and discuss methods of increasing representation at all levels.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a chance to highlight and celebrate the contributions of Black people. This year, I believe it is not only a celebration of the ground-breaking contributions, but an opportunity to find methods for addressing ever present racism through legislation, community support programs, and education. I celebrated Black History Month by attending events and talks, as well as various virtual conferences.
What are your favourite projects or initiatives at Black Professionals at Bell?
My favourite project is the BPB collaboration web page. It is interactive and provides resources like LinkedIn Learning and LifeSpeak that address unconscious bias in the workplace and increasing cultural competence and inclusion. There is also a section dedicated to Black culture and anti-racism with resources for addressing racism individually, collaboratively and systemically.
As a parent and someone who is dedicated to working with diverse children, I am thrilled we held the “Talking to kids about Racism ” workshop. I feel this topic is too important to delay because kids are sometimes getting inappropriate and inaccurate information from peers even before kindergarten.
How would you suggest allies get involved and educate themselves throughout the year?
I would suggest that allies educate themselves by reading materials by Black people about their life and work experiences. I have heard many non-Black individuals assert that racism does not exist in Canada or that it is more prevalent in the USA. That is not necessarily the case as everyone’s experience is different. Allies should learn about Canada and world history regarding slavery and the oppression of Black people. The Black Professionals at Bell’s page provides a number of excellent resources.
Why should team members join Black Professionals at Bell?
Team members should join because it is imperative that Black people and allies network, support each other and ensure individuals feel safe and comfortable in the workplace, and to help increase representation of Black people in all levels of management at Bell.
Axel Ntakaburimvo-Ndayiragije
Control Centre Manager and Project Manager & ERG Liaison Lead for Black Professionals at Bell
Why did you get involved in Black Professionals at Bell?
I wanted to help people grow and feel that they belong as far as their dreams and efforts can bring them.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
For me, Black History Month is a time of celebration, recognition and learning for all.
What are your favourite projects or initiatives at Black Professionals at Bell?
My favourite project is the collaboration page that we just launched. It’s a safe space in which Bell team members can exchange experiences, learn and share their thoughts.
How would you suggest allies get involved and educate themselves throughout the year?
I would suggest allies ask questions, tackle uncomfortable conversations and make sure diversity is celebrated within their groups and organizations.
Why should team members join Black Professionals at Bell?
Any team member is invited to join BPB in order to participate in a workplace focused on diversity in all its facets.
To learn more about Bell’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, read our Corporate Social Responsibility report. Interested in joining #TeamBell? Check out the available opportunities at bell.ca/careers today!
