Black History Month 2023
Celebrating our Sisters
Staff from across the CPS reflect on this year's theme for Black History Month, 'celebrating our sisters', and tell us who they are inspired by
Tracy
Lead HR Investigations Specialist
"My mum has heavily influenced my life. She is the strongest woman I know, and her pearls of wisdom are worth more than their weight in gold. I must also mention Mary Seacole, who was born in Jamaica and nursed wounded soldiers in the Crimean War. Her perseverance in the face of adversity and incredible efforts were not only significant at the time, but they are also a reminder of the many contributions black Britons have made to this country throughout British history."
Katrina
District Crown Prosecutor
"Being a black woman in law empowers me because it allows me to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for justice from a perspective that is often underrepresented. It is an opportunity to inspire others and be a catalyst for change. Celebrating our sisters means recognising and honouring the achievements, struggles and contribution of black women in the legal profession. It is a chance to uplift and empower each other, forging a stronger path towards equality and justice for all."
Ashleigh
Crown Prosecutor
"I have more than one black female role model that has influenced my life, but my role model within law is a black female solicitor. Her name is Sabrina McKay and she was an old friend of my late father who I met when he passed away. She helped and encouraged me when I was at university studying law and was pivotal in getting a job within a law firm she was working for at the time. This set me on the path to qualifying as a solicitor and seeing how she works helped shape me into the kind of lawyer I wanted to become."
Cynthia
My name is Cynthia and I am a legal manager and race and ethnicity ambassador with the CPS.
I have always wanted to be a lawyer – even from childhood. I think watching LA Law on TV greatly influenced that. My desire to see justice prevail gave me the drive to pursue a career in criminal law.
There wouldn’t be enough space on this page to list all the sisters who have influenced me. It would be remiss of me not to mention some of the greats: Rosa Parks, Mary Seacole, Harriet Tubman and Yaa Asantewaa. They didn’t allow race or gender to stop them fighting for what was right, fair, equal and just.
I also look to modern influences. Michelle Obama is a huge one for me. She has worked tirelessly for causes that are dear to me so there’s a natural alignment and inspiration there. Seeing her become the first black First Lady was an immensely proud moment and the fact that she was an attorney too made her even more inspirational.
In ‘celebrating our sisters’ I must shout out my mum – my biggest ever inspiration, who taught me resilience and never to allow my colour or gender to define me. She was an assertive, articulate, wise and fearless lady – I think I have inherited a few of these traits!
I’d advise those starting out in their careers to be brave, have a focus and stay committed to their dreams and aspirations. I still have a lot to achieve in my career, and I will keep pushing myself. One of my biggest achievements so far is mentoring young girls from underprivileged backgrounds. I love seeing girls realise their potential.
It’s important for women to see racial diversity reflected at senior levels, representation is important. To foster inclusivity, the CPS must reflect the public it serves by giving opportunities for growth and development to women from diverse racial backgrounds. It’s important to show that that career progression is available to everyone on merit. Everyone needs role models who look like them. To quote Clive Myrie, “you can’t be, what you can’t see!”.
Black History Month, for me, is not a month, it’s every day. People of colour are continually achieving things that seemed impossible years or even centuries ago, for people who look like them. Black history is all our history – it’s not just for black people.
When I think of the NHS, I am reminded of the many black people that came over on the Empire Windrush and contributed towards what it is today. The UK was rebuilt by many of those immigrants. I think about the influences black people – especially our sisters – have had on music, film, entertainment, fashion, and even politics! I always feel a sense of pride when I see newsreaders who look like me – Charlene White, Moira Stewart, Trevor McDonald, Clive Myrie and many others.
Every sphere of life is a nod to the sacrifices, the creativity, ingenuity, and value of the contribution that black people have made. ‘Celebrating our sisters’ is an opportunity to remind, educate, empower, and showcase the enormous contribution black women have made to history – black history, which is everyone’s history.
I’m proud to be a mother, role model, mentor and lawyer.
Cynthia
Cynthia
Alex
Senior Crown Prosecutor
My name is Alex and I am a Senior Crown Prosecutor.
I’ve taken inspiration from many people in my life, some who I’ve known or worked with, and others who have inspired me.
The story of Harriet Tubman has shaped how I approach difficult times in my life. As a child in the US, Harriet was beaten and whipped - suffering a traumatic head injury at the hands of enslavers. Despite her circumstances, she escaped and was later instrumental in freeing up to 800 enslaved people in America, during the US Civil War. The courage and determination that Harriet showed in the face of adversity is something that stays with me and has driven me to live by the same ideals when times are tough.
Closer to home, my inspirations come from the women who surround me. My colleagues might be surprised to learn that I am related to Alison Hinds - one of the most popular singers in the world and the very first Queen of Soca – a true example of what you can achieve when you just keep going! Check her out!
Tolerance, love and compassion are key to creating an environment where people can thrive and equality can follow. Black History month reminds us to celebrate the great achievements of black people who have made our British society great. However, it is also a time to think on how we can improve access to opportunities for black people and foster the changemakers of the 21st century. It’s great that we are recognising the achievements of black women and I feel fortunate to work alongside some truly inspirational women in the CPS each day. This is their moment, and I am glad we are giving our sisters the time to shine.
I am proud to be British, of Bajan and Ghanian heritage, a lawyer.
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman
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