The Importance of Black History Month: My Story, My Heritage, Our St Helens
Black History Month is more than a page in the calendar, says Councillor Bisi Osundeko, the borough's first black deputy Mayor. It is a time of reflection, celebration, and storytelling. It is a moment for us to pause and honour the contributions of African and Caribbean people who, for centuries, have been woven into the fabric of British life. Too often, their stories have been overlooked or left untold.
What Black History Means to Me
For me, Black History Month is deeply personal. It is about remembering the voices that shaped me, celebrating the opportunities I've been given, and sharing my journey so that the next generation in St Helens can see that no matter where you start, your dreams are valid, and your story matters.
When I think of Black History Month, I think of resilience. I remember arriving in Britain as a young woman — the sharp cold air of Heathrow hitting my face — carrying with me the hopes of my family, my heritage, and my faith. It has not been an easy road. There were challenges, setbacks, and moments of deep pain. But there has also been growth, joy, and milestones I never imagined possible.
My six-year-old daughter once told me: "Mummy, I want to be like you when I grow up." That is what Black History Month means to me — the chance to create a legacy of pride, possibility, and service. It reminds me that the stories we tell and the lives we live are not just for us but for those coming after us.
Growing up in Nigeria, I was surrounded by stories. My late mother, a woman of deep faith and wisdom, would sit with us under the shade of a tree and share tales of our ancestors — of courage, kindness, leadership, and service. Those stories, rooted in heritage, taught me that life is not about what you take but about what you give. Black History Month gives me a chance to pass on those lessons: that charity, community, and kindness are at the heart of our identity.
My Story and Heritage
I was born in Lagos in 1982 into a family that embodied both tradition and resilience. My maternal grandfather was a king in Ogun State, Nigeria, and my paternal grandparents were hardworking traders and artisans on Lagos Island. From them, I inherited a love of colour, textiles, and culture — and a deep respect for hard work and service.
Though I grew up in a royal household, life was never without challenges. My parents worked tirelessly — my mother as a nurse and midwife, my father as an engineer. They showed me that perseverance and faith can overcome adversity. They also taught me tolerance. My mother was a devout Christian prophetess, my father a Muslim. From an early age, I learnt that unity, kindness, and respect for others are more powerful than division.
Education opened doors for me. From primary school in Lagos, to the University of Lagos, and eventually to the UK on a Commonwealth Scholarship, my journey has been shaped by opportunities I never took for granted. And it was here, in St Helens, that I found not just a home but a calling.
What It Means to Be the First Black Deputy Mayor of St Helens
When I first walked into St Helens Town Hall for my citizenship ceremony, I looked at the portraits of past mayors and thought to myself, "One day, I would like to see someone who looks like me on these walls." Today, as the first Black Deputy Mayor of St Helens, that dream has come true.
But this role is not just about me. It is about service. It is about showing that even in the face of adversity — as a carer to children with complex disabilities, as a mother who has known both joy and grief — we can still stand, still serve, and still inspire. I often say: even broken crayons still colour.
Being Deputy Mayor is my way of giving back to the town that welcomed me with warmth and kindness. My husband and I have invested in our local community — from running businesses that create jobs, to supporting families, to working with charities and schools. I believe leadership is not about titles, but about lifting others.
There is a saying from my culture: "A good name is worth more than gold." My hope is that my story, my service, and my smile leave behind a good name in the history of St Helens — a name that speaks of courage, compassion, and commitment to community.
Beyond Black History Month
Black History Month is not just about looking back. It is about looking forward — to a future where every child in St Helens, regardless of background, knows they belong, knows they can achieve, and knows that their story matters.
As we celebrate this month together, I invite you to reflect not just on my journey, but on the shared values that unite us: kindness, resilience, service, and hope. That is the true meaning of Black History Month, and that is the gift I want to leave for St Helens.
Councillor Bisi Osundeko, Deputy Mayor of St Helens Borough Council