New Month, and I'm Still Celebrating Black History: A Story of Breaking Barriers.
What do Black History Month, a 'black cab' and the first black examiner of 'The Knowledge', have in common?
My Dad.
Let me break it down:
- He always taught me and my siblings that our history should be celebrated daily and not restricted to just one month.
- After a personal tragedy, my dad turned to 'The Knowledge' - and became a London Black Taxi Cab driver.
- He mastered the streets of London and became the organisation's first black examiner in over 50 years of operation.
What is The Knowledge of London?
"There are thousands of streets and landmarks within a 6-mile radius of Charing Cross. Anyone who wants to drive an iconic London cab must memorise them all: the Knowledge of London."
TFL Website
Introduced as a requirement for taxi drivers in 1865, it typically takes students 3 to 4 years to complete.
Being first was never his goal.
Mastering a trade and going 'all in' daily was his message.
He succeeded on merit and eventually opened a school, teaching and inspiring many others who realised it was possible to 'make it' and be the best.
