We’re celebrating Black History Month (BHM) and embracing the theme this year of Reclaiming Narratives.
Since 1987 BHM has been celebrated in the United Kingdom each October. BHM provides opportunities for people from all of our diverse communities to promote knowledge of Black history, culture and heritage; share positive Black contributions to British society and heighten Black people’s confidence in and awareness of their own cultural heritage. The term ‘Black’ includes anyone who identifies as part of the African diaspora.
Reclaiming Narratives is more than just a theme it’s an invitation to every member of the Black community to take part in shaping how their stories are told. It’s about ensuring that their voices are heard, their experiences acknowledged, and their contributions celebrated.
As part of this, staff from across the organisation have shared their narratives about what Black History Month means to them. You can read them below. More will be added throughout the month.
From an early age, I remember, that I wanted to work in healthcare, and to help people. I grew up in Zimbabwe and not the capital city Harare. In school, me and my friends would fight over who would have what role when they grew up, vying with the boys to become an ambulance driver!
“My morning starts here getting ready for the job that I have loved and have been grateful for for the past 21 years. I have worked as a mental health nurse in many different roles with Notts Healthcare since 2003 and seen it transform in many different ways. Although this has been rewarding it has become increasingly difficult doing this job, especially in the midst of a pandemic where I’m taking part in treating people with mental health difficulties as well as coping with my own anxieties.
“Black history month is important for all it’s a time period of education, for myself it gives me chills to hear the struggles, achievements, progression and beauty black people have gone through. It makes me immensely proud.
Let’s start with a bit about me and my career…I am Black British, of Caribbean descent, originating from Nottingham. I have worked in the NHS now for over 38 years.
I was born in Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone. As a Black African being raised in England has had its ups and downs because of the colour of my skin. When I was in school, I never imagined I could have a successful career in healthcare.
