BHM is important to us at Energyz Black because we get to bring our community together to recognise those powering the energy transition, giving credit to whom it’s due and having candid discussions about our future as ethnic minority within the UK energy sector.
Here’s a look back.
Who Really Invented That? Recognising Black Inventors in Energy and Tech
Damini Onifade kicked things off for us at Stratkraft and Equinor, with a session about Black inventors whose work shaped energy and the technology we rely on today. Think of the devices in your pockets and the systems keeping the energy grid humming. For example, it was interesting to learn that a Black inventor, Lewis Latimer, is the reason we can use our light bulbs for many hours without it going off.
We also talked about whitewashing, i.e how Black innovators’ contributions have been overlooked, minimised or quietly credited to someone else. When we don’t know the full story of who built our industry, we limit who feels they can build its future. Representation starts from the history books.
It was an insightful presentation. If you missed the live session, please check out the recap on YouTube
But the conversation didn’t end there! Our Co-Founder, Jesusoorefunmi Olaoye, and Board Member, Jinmi Macaulay, joined a follow-up virtual session to reflect on what we learned at Statkraft, share their thoughts and discuss where we go from here.
Taking the Conversation on the Road: Statkraft, OVO, Equinor and NESO
We went out into the industry with events at Statkraft, OVO and Equinor. It was incredible having many professionals in the same place connecting and forming potential career-progressing relationships.
We also delivered a talk at an ERG session at NESO, led by Edwin Ehiorobo, our Co-Founder. Employee resource groups can drive real change inside organisations, and we loved seeing that conversation in the room.
Spotlight on Black Founders in Energy
We shone a light on Black founders building the future of energy, sharing their journeys, their wins and the obstacles they’ve had to navigate. The spotlight was also published by Utility Week, which is a proud moment for us and, more importantly, for the founders featured. You can read the full article here
Brussels, Bound: Women in Energy
Energyz Black went international! Members of our Board, Jinmi Macaulay and Maureen Paul were in attendance at the Women in Energy event in Brussels, flying the flag for Black women in the sector and bringing unique perspectives to European energy conversations. A big thank you to colleagues at Eurogas, Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) and UK Mission to the European Union, particularly Natasha Sogol, for bringing us together.
Our Co-founder got Nominated!
Massive congratulations to Jesusoorefunmi, our Co-founder, who has been nominated for a Community Champion Award by The ALETO Foundation. This award reflects the value of work and care he puts into this community. Go, Jesusoorefunmi!
So, How can we Create Inclusive Workspaces?
Black History Month, 2026 is definitely one to remember. We are all about inclusivity and representation. And while we’ve celebrated Black History and the progress we’ve made, it doesn’t stop there. Celebration is great, but action is better. Here’s our starter pack:
- Look beyond one month. Make inclusion part of your year-round calendar, not just October.
- Back employee resource groups. Give ERGs budget, executive sponsorship and protected time.
- Rethink recruitment. Widen where you advertise, review your job specs for needless barriers and diversify your interview panels.
- Invest in sponsorship, not just mentorship. Mentors give advice, but sponsors open doors.
- Tell the full story. Acknowledge the contributions of Black innovators and leaders in your industry’s history.
- Measure and share progress. Set targets, track them and be transparent about the results.
- Create psychological safety. People do their best work when they can show up as themselves
Fresh Look, New Chapter: Our New Website
We’ve given our website a new look! Our website is a one stop for everything Energyz Black. It’s the home for our events, resources and community. Do us a solid and check it out at www.energyzblack.co.uk to see who we are and what we stand for.
Partner With Us
We can’t do this alone. We’re looking for partners; organisations that want to sponsor, host, collaborate or simply get involved. If you’re serious about building a more inclusive energy sector, let’s talk. Get in touch at here.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up and lit up BHM. This is just the beginning!
Media Contact
For enquiries, please email info@energyzblack.co.uk
Phone: +44 749 486 2650, +44 742 548 3933