Celebrating Black Excellence and the Power of Community

For Black History Month 2026, we want to amplify the voices of our colleagues.

While this month is a focal point for reflection and celebration globally, at Zalando, we are committed to empowering our diverse communities year-round. To capture the essence of what this month means to our team, Zalando’s Black Employee Connection (BEC) asked 13 of its members to complete one powerful sentence in their own words:

"For me, Black History Month is..."

This campaign wasn't just about marking a date on the calendar. It was designed to create a platform where our Black employees could share their backgrounds, their roles, and their perspectives in an authentic, informal way. By choosing a video interview format, the BEC wanted to let the genuine voices of our team shine through.

The resulting video reflects the profound breadth of experiences, perspectives and connections within the global Black diaspora here at Zalando. From legacy and heritage to community and celebration, their answers are as varied and dynamic as the individuals themselves.

Defining Excellence Through Journey and Impact

For us, Black excellence is defined by the unique journeys and resilience of our team. Navigating the complexities of the global diaspora and overcoming systemic obstacles, these team members have successfully carved out their own professional paths within the leading fashion and lifestyle e-commerce platform for Europe. Their expertise and presence in high-impact roles are not just a personal achievement, but a force that supports Zalando’s mission to be the ecosystem for fashion and lifestyle e-commerce that is welcoming to everyone.

Why the BEC Matters:

Central to this project is the Black Employee Connection (BEC). For many, an Employee Resource Group (ERG) is more than just a network; it is a vital safer space. In a global organisation, the importance of feeling represented, understood, and seen cannot be overstated.

The BEC is founded, organised, and led by Black employees. With over 100 members across the organisation, its purpose is crucial to our culture: to provide space for Black employees to celebrate and empower Zalando’s Black community through the amplification of Black voices, the advancement of Black excellence, and by driving inclusion and sustainable change within Zalando.

From Ideation to Impact

The magic of this project lies in the collaboration of the people who built it from the ground up. This wasn't a top-down initiative; it was born from the heart of the BEC core team, who handled everything from the initial spark of an idea to the final project management.

The Creative Minds Behind the Project:

Ideation: Akinyi Apondi, Bruna Frimpong, Lauren Johnson, Lola Owoyele, and Yussuf Abdi.

Project Manager: Bruna Frimpong

AD: Maru Cabrera

Creative Producer: Sofía Ruiz de Arcaute

Post-Producer: Cora Shanglin Ge

Videographer & Editor: Maiken Staak

Photographer: Celeste Fabbris

By sharing these snippets, the BEC hopes to foster a deeper understanding of what Black History Month represents: a time for reflection, a celebration of heritage, and a commitment to a more equitable future.

We invite you to watch the full video below to hear these powerful responses directly from our team.