Black History Month 2024: Reclaiming the narrative with Ticket Tailor Senior Developer Jacob Charles

Introducing Black History Month's 2024 theme

In the UK tech industry, 15.2% of the workforce is from ethnic minority groups, with Afro-Caribbean individuals making up 4% of the workforce in 2023. Despite the tech sector employing a higher proportion of minorities compared with most other industries, these groups remain significantly underrepresented. 

For Jacob Charles, one of our Senior Developers at Ticket Tailor, this stark reality highlights the importance of sharing his story—especially in light of recent riots and the significance of Black History Month. “Over the last few years, ethnic minorities have been a policy buck stop, described as the reason for all social ills, I believe it’s more important than ever to reclaim the narrative" Jacob shares. He hopes to challenge stereotypes, highlight the value of authentic diversity in the workplace, and inspire the next generation of talent in tech.

Key takeaways

1. Why Diversity Matters: diversity in the workplace brings fresh ideas and different perspectives. But it's not just about hiring—it's about making sure those voices are actually heard and can influence decisions.
2. Challenging Stereotypes: Jacob opens up about the stereotypes he's faced as a member of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora. And how prejudices affect ethnic minorities in the workplace.
3. Inspiring the Next Generation: By sharing his story, Jacob hopes to motivate young people from working-class backgrounds or ethnic minority groups in tech, emphasising the importance of having role models, mentorship, and believing in yourself to overcome barriers.
4. The Power of Conversations: One of the best ways to learn about narratives is through open and honest conversations. While there are many books and films out there, nothing is better than hearing real stories directly from individuals to gain a deeper, more authentic understanding.

1. Before we get started, are you comfortable sharing a bit about your cultural or ethnic background and its importance in your life?

Whenever someone asks about my background, I say I’m British. I was born in Hammersmith, and my culture, attitudes, and the way I carry myself were shaped by my experience of growing up in West London and going to school in South London. My mother is British, my grandmother is British, and so on.

My ethnicity feels like a secondary thing. And my ancestry is more complex than just being where my parents, grandparents are from. Mostly people from the Caribbean have a complex mixed heritage, this can be seen in everything from food to cultural norms.  Being ‘Black British’ or ‘Black Caribbean’ doesn’t entirely resonate with me. My identity is British, and it’s as simple as that.

2. Have you ever struggled with your identity or felt like you don’t fully belong to one specific community?

I don’t think that’s necessarily true, but I would say I’ve had to deal with stereotypes and prejudices being applied to me, and I’ve adapted who I am to fit into different environments. For example, at work, I am the only person of my particular background or ethnicity. As a result, I’ve learned to develop a layer of camouflage to be effective in the workplace. Microaggressions are very common, and when you’re physically big, any action that you do can be seen as aggressive.

There’s also often an association between people from the Caribbean and things like crime and laziness. That’s the kind of oppression that people from any diaspora have to deal with. I have dreadlocks, so people just assume I smoke weed! Negative perceptions like these shape your narrative and experiences throughout your life. It’s frustrating to feel judged every day. You feel the need to be this perfect individual, because you're constantly being judged based on the actions of others. You’re always trying to prove yourself, prove who you are, and that you’re ok. 

3. How do you feel the narrative of Black history has been shaped or distorted over time in the UK?

Firstly, I don’t think enough people appreciate that Black history in the UK is British history.  We have examples dating as far back as the Roman era! You’ve got all these key moments throughout history where Black people in the UK have played part of it. It’s not a recent thing. Multiple generations of your family could have lived in England for hundreds of years. In fact, the UK has the oldest Black community in Europe, with families whose roots trace back to the 1750s. Yet, these individuals are still considered ’Black British’, instead of ‘British’ or ‘English’.

Personally, I still get the 'But where are you really from?' question, even though I identify as British. That’s the kind of microaggression that’s all too common, and it’s exhausting. While society might not fully accept you as British, they’re happy to adopt aspects of different cultures. A prime example of this is Notting Hill Carnival—most people see it as a big street party, but few understand its origins and the struggles behind it. 

Another issue is diversity in mainstream media. While ethnic diversity has increased, it often feels like a tactic or a tick-box exercise to make money rather than a genuine representation of Black stories. And it allows these larger corporations to shape Black narratives. The term ‘woke’ is another example where mainstream media and politics have distorted its original meaning. It originated in 1940 African American culture, meaning becoming awakened up or sensitised to issues of justice, but today it’s often commercialised or misunderstood. 

4. Can you share a historical Black figure whose story has been overlooked or misunderstood?

There are countless untapped stories. One historical figure whose legacy is often misunderstood is Martin Luther King Jr. While he’s primarily remembered for his "I Have a Dream" speech, that moment only represents a fraction of his broader activism. His later work focused heavily on economic justice and workers' rights, particularly through his Poor People's Campaign. He connected civil rights with the need for systemic economic reform, but this aspect of his message is often overshadowed by his more popular speech. As a result, his legacy is frequently oversimplified, emphasising racial harmony while overlooking his more radical stances on poverty, inequality, and opposition to the Vietnam War.

5. What does 'Reclaiming Narratives' mean to you personally, and how can it contribute to a broader understanding of Black history?

I’m not a fan of social media and don’t enjoy being in the spotlight, but I realize that if I don’t tell my story, particularly during Black History Month, someone else will—and they’ll likely distort it. It’s important for someone like me, working in tech, to share my experiences because otherwise, people will continue to pigeonhole or reinforce limiting stereotypes.

I’ve always known my potential, and I’ve been able to take what I learned and apply it. Unfortunately, not everyone I went to school with had that same opportunity. This comes down to having a strong foundation.

Someone once told me I’d never go to university because of my working-class background. That kind of limiting belief can be one of the biggest barriers to success. It’s so important to have teachers and people who believe in your potential. I was fortunate to have a teacher called Miss Henry in primary school. She truly believed in her students and taught us that anything was possible. Her belief in us gave me the confidence to prove that person wrong. Thanks to people like Miss Henry, I understood what I was capable of achieving.

Black role models who have 'been there and done that' can inspire others, though the self-belief that you’re capable of anything is often more important.

6.  What role do you believe companies play in helping employees amplify diverse voices?

Too often, everyone in an organisation thinks and works in the same way. So you get the same repeated ideas and the same results. The solution is to hire for diversity—whether it’s Black people, women in leadership, or other underrepresented groups. Diversity brings creativity and new ways of thinking, especially in fields like computing. But it’s not enough to just hire diverse talent—companies need to include marginalised groups in decision-making processes, rather than assuming their stories or perspectives.

Companies need to create room for people to try new things and take risks. Authentic action is about providing opportunities for diverse voices to truly influence decisions and projects.

7. What steps can tech companies and educational institutions take to address the underrepresentation of Black people in the tech industry and create more opportunities?

I believe traditional education models don’t work for tech—the high cost of university courses is often a barrier to many communities, plus the fast pace of tech advancements means the curriculum can’t keep up. We need mentorships, sponsorships, and more hands-on opportunities, not specifically for Black kids, but for underprivileged kids, to help them learn computing skills.

8. What resources—such as books, films, or organisations—would you recommend for individuals looking to educate themselves and take part in 'Reclaiming Narratives'?

One of the most valuable ways to learn is by having genuine conversations with Black individuals who are willing to share their experiences. Be honest, open, and approach these discussions with a willingness to learn. That’s more valuable than any book or film. I’d also recommend seeking out podcasts or content from people within the Black community, as they often provide a more authentic perspective than mainstream media.

9. What do you hope the next generation learns about reclaiming narratives from Black History Month initiatives today?

I hope the next generation gains a true sense of identity—to steal from Maya Angelou: ‘if you don't know where you've come from, you don't know where you're going’. This understanding contributes to a feeling of self-worth and gives future generations a strong sense of purpose that they can continue to pass down.

Closing thoughts

As Black History Month encourages reflection and celebration of Black contributions, Jacob reminds us of the power in reclaiming personal narratives. By sharing his experiences, he hopes to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and inspire greater diversity in the tech industry. His story serves as a reminder that authentic representation and inclusion are not just goals, but necessary steps toward a more equitable future.