I grew up with what I considered to be a relatively privileged background. Although my journey had its challenges, I was fortunate to have teachers and mentors who supported me during my formative years. Most importantly, they instilled in me the belief that any career is possible with the right work ethic. It’s made a huge impact on my life and career, and I appreciate the fact that not everyone has been so lucky.
I don’t want to detract from the struggles that many Black people have faced when trying to access the legal, or indeed, any corporate sector. There can be no doubt that Black people have had their ambitions impeded and even crushed due to societal obstacles. That is why it is so important for a young Black person, at any level of education, to see people that look like them in careers such as law. It allows them to believe it is a profession they could thrive in.
Seeing someone you can relate to in a leadership position encourages students to aspire for more. Role models also help improve social mobility. Black leaders have historically been less visible, and that absence creates a lack of motivation. Generationally, it becomes difficult for Black leaders to develop and emerge. Thankfully, this is changing and continues to exponentially improve. But it’s important for me to use my position as an example and demonstrate that law is a viable profession for Black people. I feel privileged to be able to offer the guidance and mentorship that was so critical to my professional development.
I sit within Sidley London’s restructuring team. The co-head of my group is a BAME male, and he has worked to build a diverse team. In London, the restructuring group is currently 23 per cent female, 54 per cent diverse, and 46 per cent ethnic minority. It takes work to create an environment where people can thrive. Recruiting diverse employees is useful, of course, but ultimately, if they don’t feel included, they will not stay. A critical component of employee retention and growth is seeing diversity at all levels of the business.
For me, UK Black History Month serves as a time of reflection and consideration. The history of Black people in Britain is as much a critical part of British history as of other groups. This month puts a much-needed spotlight on key parts of history that previously may have been overlooked. Black leaders and inspirational figures have always been a part of British history, so making sure that we celebrate them is essential to improving the aspirations of young Black people in the UK.
UK Black History Month also serves as a reminder that although there are still several challenges, the Black experience is getting better every year. I often think of the Martin Luther King quote (inspired by the abolitionist Theodore Parker) Barack Obama had woven into a rug in the oval office, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice”. So eloquently put, King correctly surmises that things for the Black community have continually improved and will continue to do so. The challenges faced by the Black community in 2020 were unforgivable and shocked the world. But seeing how so many people and institutions came together to lift Black communities, businesses and individuals during such a trying time serves as a pressing reminder to own my Black identity, continually seek to promote Black representation and strive for greatness so that I may serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Black leaders in Britain.
Ibrahim Babiker is an associate at Sidley Austin
