Black History Month – Learning from the past has never been more important

Written by M. Suhail Mirza .

October marks Black History Month in the UK. Black History should be appreciated year-round outside the context of one month, but we still feel it is necessary to celebrate and recognise its themes.??

This year’s Black History Month theme, “Reclaiming Narratives,” marks a significant shift toward correcting the narratives of Black History and culture. By emphasising this theme, we shine a brighter light on stories, allegories, and histories that underscore our commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage.?

We spoke with senior black leaders within the healthcare industry and colleagues at Newcross to get their views and opinions on Black History Month.??

Firstly, we spoke with Karen Bonner MBE , Chief Nurse at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust . Karen has now been appointed as the new Chief Nurse for NHS England - London, which post she takes up at the end of this year. She says:?

“If the UK were a more inclusive place, we would not need a day to celebrate Black History as black Britons our history is the UK history. Until we level the playing field, I will continue to champion Black History Month as a way of celebrating black excellence and shining the light on the huge contribution made by Black people in the UK dating back to the 2nd & 3rd centuries.”?

When discussing some of her role models in Black History, Karen mentioned:?

“My Mum and Dad are my first black heroes, and I was lucky to have two great role models in my life. Another great icon was Mary Seacole, born in 1805 and died in 1881. She is buried in St Marys Church, Northwest London. She was lost to history for over 100 years, and thanks to a group of Caribbean nurses who campaigned for their local MP (now Lord Clive Soley), her grave was restored and in 2004 she was voted the greatest Black Briton. A campaign saw the erecting of her statue in the grounds of St Thomas Hospital, and I was proud to be part of the unveiling ceremony to help cement Mary’s place in history. This month and every month, let us not forget the contributions made which is felt throughout the culture of the UK, inspiring future generations.”?

If you are interested in finding out more about Karen and her work as a celebrated nurse leader within the NHS, you can view her full episode on our Voices of Care podcast. ?

Another Black leader we spoke with, whose episode will soon be released on our Voices of Care podcast, is Professor Joy Warmington , CEO of the Equalities and Human Rights Charity Brap and Non-Exec Director Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.?

“I’m afraid although I recognise the month’s significance – for me work on anti-racism is a year-round endeavour.? I would quote one of the wisest sayings from Toni Morrison – The very serious function of racism is distraction – it keeps you from doing your work.”??

Professor Warmington highlighted in her soon-to-be-released episode of Voices of Care how the blight of racism remains a real and present danger:?

“I also think, unfortunately, that the riots, that we’ve had recently, I serve as a reminder that what we’re dealing with is not just below the surface as we think”?

Joy has been involved in promoting the notion of “anti-racism” and the importance of moving to this way of thinking, and she discusses this in her forthcoming episode of Voices of Care. She also shares her insights about the role of racism across the NHS, its effects, and what can be done to tackle it.?

Cherelle Robinson-Curtiss Assoc CIPD , our culture and performance specialist, recently authored an article for us on black inclusion week?where she discusses its importance and The Kingsway Project, an enterprise run by her Mum which actively collaborates with schools, libraries, and other community organisations?to positively promote Black Caribbean and Black British history. We reached out to Cherelle again to ask what Black History Month means to her, she said:?

“Black History Month gives us a valuable opportunity to celebrate and honour the remarkable contributions of the Black community throughout history. These individuals, often referred to as Black heroes, have made a lasting impact in diverse fields such as the arts, literature, science, and the ongoing fight for equality. One Black hero who particularly inspires me is Sojourner Truth, a courageous advocate for the abolition of slavery, women’s rights, and temperance in the 19th century. Her unwavering courage and dedication helped not only to challenge racial and gender stereotypes but also to shape a more just world for women of all races.”?

During a year in which hate-filled riots in the summer led to healthcare professionals across the NHS and social care being fearful about their well-being, this warning remains timely.?It was the philosopher George Santayana who warned that “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

As Karen, Joy, and Cherelle so eloquently attest above, Black History Month allows us to honour, celebrate, and draw wisdom from the enormous contributions made by members of the black community throughout history. We hope this will help us all here in the UK to strive for a more just and inclusive society.