HISTORY SOUNDS GREAT

Black History Month is an important part of the Arriva Rail London calendar each year, and 2023 is no exception, with a full schedule of events and activities planned.

One of those will see service delivery manager Bentley Brooks entertain passengers and colleagues at our stations. Exchange Extra spoke to Bentley to find out more.

What’s your role at ARL?
I help look after our core route between Dalston Junction and Surrey Quays, ensure everything runs smoothly and dealing with any issues.

Tell us about what you’re doing for Black History Month
I’m DJing at four stations on our line – along with other DJ colleagues – to help raise awareness and appreciation of black music. I’ll be playing a variety of genres, reggae, R&B, soul, rap, and a mix of classic and modern stuff – as well as some original African music. It’s really about how music has evolved and how black artists have played an important part in that journey.

How did you get into being a DJ?
I’ve always been into music! I’m from Jamaica and music is part of life there. My dad was into his sound systems, so as I grew up, it just progressed naturally.

What sort of events do you play?
I’ve done weddings, parties, clubs, that kind of thing. I don’t do events as often any more, but I did a big outdoor BBQ for friends recently in Birmingham, which was great fun.

Do you have a DJ name?
I perform as Bentley B – you can’t go wrong with a first name and initial!

And you have a radio show?
I do! I’ve got two weekly shows on an independent online station. One is a mix of Christian music in different genres – feel-good music to lift people and help them deal with issues they might have, like depression or bereavement. I have a second show called Cherish the Love, which is about celebrating love, life and relationships. I’ve been doing them for a couple of years now.

Are there parallels between being a DJ and working at ARL?
Very much so. You rely on your voice and vocals on the radio to keep people engaged and interested. Working with customers at stations, your voice needs to be confident, clear and fluent. How you talk to people can help change the mood and turn a situation around.

Who is your main music role model?
The first name that comes to mind is Bob Marley. His music really is timeless. There are so many amazing songs. Reggae, and Bob Marley in particular, has had a huge influence on modern-day music and artists.

What does Black History Month mean to you?
I grew up in England in the 1970s and can see the advances we’ve made, the growing realisation that what may have happened in the past is wrong, and the recognition that we must move on from there. It’s important we keep moving that forward every day – not just once a year. I appreciate ARL taking the time to recognise and understand our culture each year.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

WHAT’S ON ACROSS OUR NETWORK?

Over the past three years, one of the key event organisers for Black History Month at Arriva has been Aliyah Abdulla, Head of Procurement.

She said: “It started during lockdown with us buying books to give away, covering black role models – everyone from Martin Luther King to Marcus Rashford – and their contribution to society.

“We still do that now, but each year, we’ve added more and more activities and events. It’s a very important part of the year for the company, particularly as many of our staff are from the black community.”

The theme this year is ‘saluting our sisters’, and we’d love for any female colleagues who are artistic or creative to get in touch and see how they can participate.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Every day on Viva Engage
31 Days of Black Voices: Profiles of famous figures who have impacted their community or globally.

2, 10 & 20 October
Book drop: Giveaway of books written by black authors to staff and customers. Various stations across the London Overground network.