Herbert Smith Freehills marks Black History Month with new anthology

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International firm Herbert Smith Freehills LLP published an anthology of thoughts and experiences shared by Black colleagues across the firm and leading external commentators to mark Black History Month this October.

The firm’s Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Committee partnered with the London Multiculturalism Network to put the anthology ‘Onwards and Upwards’ together. The publication is designed to explore themes relating to Black Lives Matter, community and belonging, and hope and growth. Contributors also considered the impact of the covid-19 pandemic, offering insights into the experiences of the Black community. Issues including racism in the workplace and what it means to be anti-racist are also focal points of the publication.

Alison Brown, the firm’s executive partner said: "Making the time and effort to understand each other's lived experiences is an important part of our commitment to building a more inclusive culture in which everyone can thrive.

"That the past year has been challenging is not in doubt – but the social, political and economic uncertainties presented to us have, in many cases, revealed a resilience in the face of adversity and a determination to tackle challenges to look forward to a more positive future. Capturing this through the eyes of colleagues enables us to collectively take another step towards a society built on greater understanding and respect."

The anthology is part of the firm’s 10 Actions for Change on ethnic diversity and is available to download now.

‘Onwards and Upwards’ follows the success of the firm’s ‘Reflections of a Community’, which was published in October 2020.

Visit LawCareers.Net’s Diversity Hub to find out more about diversity in the legal profession.