Black History Month is marked every October.
It is an opportunity to celebrate our local Black community and their contributions to society and healthcare. It also gives people the opportunity to ask questions, sharing information about different cultures.
Three members of our team have reflected on their Black identity and things they’d like the local community to know. See what they had to say, below.
Shelly, Specialist Nurse
What do you like about being Black?
I think for me, personally, being a Black woman, is a matter of pride through adversity. No matter what is thrown in our direction, we will always rise to the challenge and we will always strive to do better for ourselves and our community.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
I think it’s an opportunity to showcase our pride in our community and an opportunity to share our culture with all the other communities here in Leicester and in the UK. It’s an opportunity to stand up and say “we are here, we contribute, we belong”, and hopefully share and expand people’s knowledge about Black communities which they live with.
This year’s theme is “Standing Firm in Pride and Power” – what makes you feel proud and powerful?
I’ve been working for the NHS for nearly 40 years. I’m very proud of my contribution to the NHS, I’m very proud of how far I’ve come with my career, and my contribution towards the healthcare of the people of Leicester. I followed in my mother’s footsteps who came in the 1960s, and she came into nursing and supported the NHS when it was first flourishing, so it’s a legacy thing for me. My daughter is also following in our footsteps in the NHS, so we’re very proud of our contributions and we’re very proud that we’re continuing to strengthen and support the NHS.
What would you like Leicester’s Black community to know about sexual health?
It’s important for the Black communities in Leicester to know that we are here, that we offer a non-judgemental, confidential service, that we will take the service to you. We will provide the service that will address the imbalance of health inequalities within our communities, and help ourselves to achieve better health.
Dr Ndoro, Consultant
What do you like about being Black?
Culturally we’re a very vibrant and non-apologetic community, we have deep cultural roots and a strong sense of community and kindness.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month historically was a celebration of past achievements of members of the Black community, which we still continue to celebrate today, but more recently Black History Month to me, means celebrating the current achievements of people in the Black community now. Also, celebrating the identity of being Black, which wasn’t as prominent to me in the past. It makes me very proud to be part of the Black community and also to help and mentor other members of the Black community. So I think it’s just a celebration and a commitment to further the Black community and its health and other aspects of the community.
This year’s theme is “Standing Firm in Pride and Power” – what makes you feel proud and powerful?
I feel that we’ve been given opportunities to be part of management and leadership, also we’ve been encourage to be involved and to lead in various quality improvement projects, for example improving the duration of coil appointment times for patients and staff.
What would you like Leicester’s Black community to know about sexual health?
Taking care of your sexual health is a form of self care. It should be seen as no different than going to your GP for any other health need. It’s not a reflection of anyone’s character or perceived “bad choices” or behaviour.
Esther, Specialist Nurse
What do you like about being Black?
I’m proud to be Black because of our cultural inheritance, we are happy people, we have the ability to persevere and thrive in adverse circumstances.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is the month that makes me proud of who I am, where I’m from, the community, the food and the love we share we each other.
This year’s theme is “Standing Firm in Pride and Power” – what makes you feel proud and powerful?
I feel proud because having come to work for the NHS, I’ve been able to rise in my career and become part of the education team. I’m proud to be a role model and mentor for Black staff, supporting and educating my colleagues. I’m proud to be a staff member in MPFT, because it’s a Trust that understands what diversity is, because they look after us and want everyone to feel included.
What would you like Leicester’s Black community to know about sexual health?
We are just like going to see your GP. We are here to help you but will talk to you about your sexual life more because the health problems you are having may be starting from sexual health. It’s always good for you to take the time off to get tested, and the earlier infections are picked up the better. There is nothing to be embarrassed about because we are not judging anyone. Everyone is welcome, and we want our Black community to be healthy and safe.