Celebrating Black History with Nicole Francis

In recognition of Black History Month 2023, we are celebrating and sharing the stories of Black leaders and colleagues from across The SR Group and our networks. We are delighted to have been able to interview Nicole Francis, Recruiter at Taylor Root.

Tell us about your heritage?

I am first generation American. My mother was born in Bahamas but raised in Jamaica and my father is also from the beautiful island of Jamaica. I was raised in Crown Heights and Flatbush, Brooklyn. A very vibrant neighborhood with the largest concentration of Afro-Caribbean people. I’m very proud of my heritage and spent many of my adolescent years traveling to Jamaica and staying with my family in a small parish called St. Catherine.

How does having a multicultural background impact you?

Having a multicultural background has allowed me to have an appreciation for other people’s diversities and from a professional standpoint, has enabled me to be more relatable to other minority groups in the workplace. One of my favorite parts of my job is when I meet a candidate or client that is of Afro-Caribbean ancestry, and we immediately bond over shared experiences.

What would you like to see from allies to support Black History Month?

I think the best way everyone can support Black History Month is by getting educated on the issues that affects Blacks not only in America but around the world. There’s a lot more to our history than what mainstream media displays and it would be helpful if non-Blacks learned more. I also believe allies can show support by supporting more Black-owned business and aide in promoting these companies.

What do you think of the progress society has made so far?

Of course, as a society we’ve progressed tremendously, and we’ve broken through many glass ceilings. I’ve had opportunities that my ancestors could never fathom for themselves, but I do believe in many ways we still have a long way to go in terms of equity.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month for me is a time of reflection of how far as a people we have come. Blacks in the US overcame major adversaries to be the successful group of people that we are today and this time of year always highlights the achievements that used to only be a dream for Blacks – but now many of us are actually living it.