Bloom in Colour: Standing Firm in Power and Pride for Black History Month
October was Black History month. We spoke to two of Bloom in Colour’s co-leads, Lynne Jarrett and Shola Mapp to find out more about their backgrounds and the importance of this year’s theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride.
First, tell us more about you!
Lynne Jarrett: I’m one of the co-leads for Bloom in Colour. Professionally, I’m a Senior Strategic insight leader, recognised in 2024 as an IPA iList Honouree for championing equitable practices and inclusive methods in media.
Outside of work, I’m someone who loves travel, music and sports. I’m also a season ticket holder for the best (red) side of London!
Shola Mapp: I am ⅓ of the Bloom in Colour Co-leads and a brand marketing specialist, currently freelancing. I have had the privilege of working in the US, Caribbean, LATAM and UK over the years client-side with a global companies in energy, finance, apparel and entertainment.
In my spare time, I love anything that includes music, food and good conversation.
Can you share a bit about your heritage and what it means to you?
LJ: I’m of Sierra Leonean heritage and that culture was always been intertwined into my upbringing. When I was younger, weekends often meant being surrounded by a big extended Sierra Leonean “family”. We’d visit different “aunties” , “uncles” and “cousins” houses, eat our ‘home’ food, celebrate at parties and weddings.
That experience gave me an early sense of belonging. It taught me the value of community and helped shape my cultural identity. I grew up knowing where I came from and that I’m part of a wonderful community.
SM: As a descendent of the Windrush generation and growing up in a West-Indian household, I learned about the experiences of my family and many people in my community who migrated from the Caribbean to the UK. Hearing about the not-so-good experiences has always given me the motivation to respect their efforts and represent them in the best way possible as I acknowledge the obstacles they had to face whilst adjusting to life in a new country.
In what ways has your background influenced your professional journey?
LJ: My dad was a Consultant Surgeon and my mother was a lawyer and somehow, I ended up in media so, you could say that on the surface, there’s no direct link!
But actually, there is. I was brought up to believe that I need to ensure that whatever space you’re in, you need to show up as your best self. You need to work hard and stay aware that you are visible. I was also taught that inequity exists and that I would feel it at times. Because of that, I’ve always had a mindset that if you’re in a position to help someone, you help them. If you can open a door, you open it. That’s shaped how I lead and how I show up.
SM: Growing up, there were not many black people on television and my late grandad always used to say, “You could be on TV, like Moira Stuart.” LOL! Whilst I am not on television, it did spark my interest in the media and I believe inspired me to study media and then later go into marketing.
Are there any Black figures, historical or contemporary, whose lives or work deeply resonate with you?
SM: I really admire Issa Rae and Quinta Brunson. Two creative ladies who used YouTube to create their content and now have created prime-time television shows. They didn’t wait to be accepted by the industry and found a way to share their creativity via other platforms, which caught the eye of mainstream media execs who wanted to work with them after they gained their own following. It reminds me of the saying - “Don’t wait for a seat at the table, build your own table”
What insights or encouragement would you offer to young Black individuals coming of age in today's world?
SM: I would encourage them to keep a “Brag Bag” document. As a person of colour, it is unfortunate, however likely in corporate spaces, that your achievements may not get the recognition they deserve. Therefore, I would say to keep your own document with your wins, so you know what value you have contributed throughout your career.
LJ: First, track your achievements. Write them down. Save the emails. Keep the receipts. You’ll need them when you’re going for that promotion, asking for that raise or simply reminding yourself of who you are and your contribution.
Second, find your tribes. Find the people who’ll back you no matter what, but will be honest with you, even when it’s uncomfortable. You also need the ones that will advocate for you in the rooms you’re not in.
And finally, stay true to yourself and know your worth. Do not negotiate your value down to make, stand firm in your worth
If this year's Black History Month theme is Standing Firm in Power and Pride, what does that mean to you?
SM: The theme this year, for me, means to have pride in your heritage and understand how our culture has made a positive impact on diversity within the UK. Once you stand firm in this pride it will naturally evolve into your power.
LJ: To me, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride” is about honouring where we come from and recognising what we bring to the world. We should be proud of our heritage and the contribution we make every single day, in every space we step into. Our presence adds richness, depth and perspective.
It’s also about refusing to shrink ourselves. When we feel that sense of power, hold on to it. Use your voice and take up the space that’s yours. Standing firm means knowing that you belong and never feeling the need to apologise for it
A must-listen Black history or culture podcast?
LJ: It was Kelechi Okafor’s podcast - Say your Mind but that ceased some time ago.
I now listen to Native Land podcast – however, this is an American black culture podcast
SM: The Blackwash by Kayne Kawasaki
Your favorite cultural tradition?
LJ: The Asoebei at weddings
SM: Carnival (In any country lol)
A dish that truly embodies your heritage?
LJ: Okra and ground rice
A piece of media (book, film, show) that authentically portrays your cultural experience?
SM: Sinners
