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Black History Month at TUI

Uncover all the info about Black History Month and how we celebrate it here at TUI.
Black History Month celebrations have been offering the UK’s dark-and-gloomy October days a dose of African and Caribbean colour for more than 30 years now. And, here at TUI, the celebrations were stepped up a gear or [four] two last year, all thanks to our Caribbean and African Employee Network Group – AKA TUI CAN. The celebrations included a first for TUI Airways and pop-up events everywhere from our head office to our retail stores and contact centres. So, with that in mind, we were struggling to imagine how the network group could make this year’s celebrations bigger and better than last year’s. We shouldn’t have doubted them. TUI CAN have taken the celebrations to the skies once again this year, leading an all-black crew on not one, but two TUI Airways flights. Ready to find out more about Black History Month and how we’ve celebrated it? Read on for all the details…

What is Black History Month?

Black History Month is all about celebrating black people’s history and achievements – past and present. It’s a time to dive into and celebrate black contributions to British society, and for everyone to gain a better understanding of black history and culture.
TUI cabin crew laughing and smiling together.

When is black history month?

The name’s a bit of a giveaway, but just in case you didn’t get the memo – Black History Month takes place over an entire month here in the UK and Ireland, from October 1st to October 31st. Last year’s theme – Saluting Our Sisters – played homage to black women who have had their voices silenced and contributions to society ignored. The theme for this year’s celebrations is Reclaiming Narratives, which is set to address historical inaccuracies through stories of black history told by black people.
Flight attendant walking down the plane aisle smiling.

How do TUI celebrate Black History Month?

TUI CAN has headed up our Black History Month celebrations for the past two years, pairing events and activities with the theme of #MakingBlackHistoryAtTUI. The team has led an impressive list of events – from lighting up our social channels with a special Black History Month logo to sorting steel-pan drum sessions in our head office. Last year, the team also took the celebrations to the skies, arranging for an all-black and mixed heritage crew to head up one of our flights to the Dominican Republic – a first for TUI Airways. And, just when we thought they couldn’t top things this year, they did the double, with two TUI Airways flights taking off with an all-black or mixed heritage crew. They took the celebrations north and south, with a flight from Manchester to Boa Vista in Cape Verde, and a flight from London Gatwick to Jamaica. The crew and TUI CAN team didn’t go it alone, though – they were joined by four black and mixed-heritage influencers, and together they spent four days exploring Jamaica. Want to see what they got up to? Head to their socials – @meetthethorpes, @alannanicolex and @demicolleen – to check it out.
TUI Black History Month bunting.

What’s TUI CAN all about?

TUI CAN led the way on authentic Black History Month celebrations here at TUI last year, but this lot are far from one-trick ponies. The group was created and is led by Wellbeing and Inclusion Lead, Miranda Simms and Editorial Manager, Lee Dasilva. And, together with a group of black and mixed-race employees and allies from around the company, they’ve helped shape TUI to become more inclusive. The team got off to a flying start at their launch event, with tasty Caribbean dishes and rum punch gaining them hundreds of fans in Live Happy HQ. Food’s the way to everyone’s heart, right? And, just before Notting Hill Carnival in 2023, the sound of steelpan drums replaced the usual lunchtime chatter and a tasty Caribbean-and-African menu offered up a change from the cafés usual menu. They also helped deliver our sponsorship of Luton International Carnival, and they’ve hosted everything from Q&As at our conferences to Zumba classes. Plus, they’ve kicked off conversations with colleagues of different backgrounds, allowing non-black colleagues and allies the chance to learn more about the experiences of black and brown colleagues. But, most importantly, the network offers a safe space for employees to discuss sensitive topics and talk about their own experiences – in and out of the workplace.
Steel drum band performing at London Gatwick Airport.
Want to find out more about TUI’s employee networks?

Check out the inside scoop on TUI’s LGBTQ+ employee network group.

Or, read about the best time to visit Jamaica, the best time to visit the Dominican Republic and the best hotels in Cape Verde.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles. 

Author: Karl Taylor

Last updated: 16.10.2024

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