Black History Month - Local champions - Sandra gordon

In honor of Black History Month, we're celebrating local Black leaders whose work in Bristol is driving inclusion and making a real impact.

​Today, we spotlight Sandra Gordon, she is an Executive Coach and Consultancy specialising in inclusion, with an intersectional lens. She is also;

• Director of the Bristol Women in Business Charter
• Member of the Mayoral Women’s Commission and Business task group
• Commissioner and Co-Chair for the Mayoral Commission on Race Equality
• Magistrate and governor for City of Bristol College.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
My working career started as an admin assistant, and I worked my way up to running my own Call Centres which included managing over 350 staff across 3 sites which in a male dominated industry and one where there were not many senior managers from an ethnic background was quite an achievement.

​I was lucky enough to work with some great and trusted brands such as the BBC, Royal mail and Legal & General, who gave me the opportunity to develop, and continue studying and gain Operational experience within large Customer Service Organisations.

 I utilised the opportunity of a career break to undertake voluntary work in Africa, job coaching the homeless, and to become an accredited Life Coach. The trip to Africa reignited my creative side and led to me starting my own creative business where I work collectively with Artisans in Africa, which helps to support their sustainability.  

 Tell us about your community projects
My social involvement includes a few projects and enterprises that focus on supporting the underrepresented in the city to have the same opportunities to move forward in their lives.
My involvement as a director on a local Community radio station led me to become strategic lead partner for the Black and Green Ambassadors program – putting Black voices into Green spaces.

We know you have an interest in Women's equality, how did that come about?
The work for Women’s equality was supported through my time with Bristol Women’s voice, which is a powerful voice for making women’s equality in Bristol a reality, and as a member of the Women in Business task group. From this group a charter was formed to hold businesses accountable for making progress on gender equity within their organization, and I am currently one of the Directors on the Bristol Women in Business charter.

I also sit as one of the commissioners for the newly formed West of England Women’s Commission. I became a Commissioner and Co-Chair for the Mayoral Commission on Race Equality for the city.  

The vision was to create a city where equality of opportunity for Black and Brown people is a reality. Where all are valued and can fulfil their hopes and aspirations in an inclusive, safe and empowering environment. A city that rejects injustice and inequality and works collaboratively to build thriving, strong and cohesive communities.

My hope is that everyone in Bristol has an equal opportunity to benefit and enjoy the fruits of this prosperous vibrant city. It will be normal to see an all-inclusive diverse high street within the city centre. Ethnic role models and those in senior prominent positions of power will be easily visible and reflect the make-up of a changing Bristol.

At the heart of everything I do is about giving everyone a chance to be the best they can be and to bring balance and equality to those groups who are disadvantaged in our society. 

For our young women growing up, don’t feel less than you are, don’t accept less than you are, remember the great foundations you have come from and aspire to be the queen you are. If I can achieve half of the legacy left by some of the great black women of this City I will know my life journey was worthwhile, and for someone to feel inspired by me.

And you love travelling too?
I love learning about new cultures through my travels, recently came back from a trip to Japan which was amazing. Music- going to live performances and festivals, my favourite festivals are North Sea Jazz, St Lucia Jazz festival and Rebel Salute in Jamaica. I am also a big fan for going to the theatre

Tell us about your podcast.
In 2024 I started my own podcast. ‘I Can Represent’ available on Spotify and Apple podcast.
Black women are still underrepresented - not visible in so many sectors and in key positions that can influence and make the changes that are necessary to create a more equitable playing field. 

For our young black women growing up and women wanting to embark on a new direction in their lives, it is vital to see women who look like them in various positions in our society. 

ICR is a platform showcasing some of those women. In their own words you hear about their journey, understand their motivation/ inspiration and how they have overcome any obstacles. 
It is a demonstration of what is possible. You can see it, you can be it. 

What does good allyship look or sound like for you?
Good allyship is about being an active supporter and not a bystander and using your privilege to educate and make a difference.
This includes: 

• Using your platform to amplify the voices of marginalised groups to share their stories, ideas, and be heard.
• Step back/give space for those groups to lead.
• Listen and educate yourself – those marginalised cannot always be the ones who are teaching you.
• Show up, speak up and be consistent, and do the work, not just say the words
• Ask how you can help, don’t just assume.
• Addressing bias and uncomfortable conversations from those around you.
• Be open to learn and change

How can the men and women around you be better allies in Black History Month?
Black History is not just in October its 365 days of the year, allies can help to actively challenge and promote this to their wider circles.

It is an opportunity to learn about the history beyond what is taught in schools or the narrative of the media. You will be surprised by our contribution to science, inventions and the Arts. You can then armed with this knowledge, share it with others.

Acknowledging the past and the ongoing impact of the enslavement of African people. Don’t be afraid to start conversations or challenge racist behaviours.

• Amplify and support black voices through your social media, in person and attending events.
• Promote and financially support Black owned businesses.
• Celebrate our culture and contributions in Art, music, literature as well as STEM – support and promote the events.
• Black History is not just for October, continue with this work for the other 11 months.

What does the Black History Month theme 'reclaiming narratives' mean to you? 

"Reclaiming Narratives" show the importance of Black people being the centre of their own stories, and history. We have seen how these have often been erased, misrepresented, or ignored in the mainstream narratives.

It is an opportunity to challenge and question history, we are more than the slave trade and colonisation. Also, how we are continually stereotyped and depicted in the media. Reclaiming narratives means showcasing the diversity within Black communities and making room for stories of joy, success, creativity, and resilience. Empowering Black writers, artists, historians, and leaders to tell their stories in their own words.

It is also important to understand the diversity and difference within the Black community, including intersectionality and the lived experience as a result.

By reclaiming our narrative, the truth will be known, an opportunity to re-write history and challenge the structures that help to perpetuate how Black people are seen and treated, which helps racism to exist.

For the next Black generation to know the truth and help them to be empowered to be whoever they want to be. 

This Black History Month, is there a person or community group you'd like us to celebrate? 
I would like to recognise this group of amazing women who ensure our stories are told, about us by us. Black Women Let Loose Theatre Company a Bristol-based Community Interest Company created to highlight the experiences of women of African and Caribbean descent through devising and producing theatre.

Their inaugural show, titled Shades Of Our Lives, comprises inventive short pieces exploring topics such as identity, connection and belonging, examining issues familiar to all. Their performances portray stories that offer thought-provoking insight into the actors’ life experiences.

Our stories are sometimes raw, sometimes funny but always honest! www.bwlltheatre.co.uk