Continuing our Black History Month series, here is the second of our email interviews. Today, we have the thoughts of businessman and professional speaker, David McQueen…

1. Can you please explain who you are and summarise your perspective of the aims and purpose of BHM?

My name is David McQueen and I am a businessman and professional speaker. For me the aims and purpose of BHM is to highlight the contributions to British society of people of Afro Caribbean descent.

2. Which black personality has had the greatest influence on your life and why?

Well outside of my Dad (who is a personality in our family!) it would be between Frantz Fanon and CLR James. I perceive them both as two of the most radical and empowering activists in 20th Century history.

3. Throughout the month there are numerous events running across the country, encapsulating various facets of black history and culture - what would your dream event be? No matter how impossible!

To be honest I don’t have one. I just think that a greater awareness of all the events that take place is sufficient.

4. Name one website that you would recommend to someone with an interest in black culture or black history (other than your own, of course!).

BlackHistoryMonth.co.uk

6. Although the influence of black culture on the modern music industry is obvious to most people, the same can not necessarily be said across other areas in the arts and culture umbrella. Why do you think this is and what how would you remedy this situation?

In all honesty we still have to realize we are a but a minority, and the powers that be still hold the influence. Although we are making more headway in this area.

Thank you David. To read more interviews and ArtsWom’s coverage of other happenings during Black History Month, peruse our archives by following this link…