Robert Mooken - Shares his story

This year, Black History Month focuses on the theme “Reclaiming Narratives,” and Robert is sharing his own story.
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.
This year, Black History Month focuses on the theme “Reclaiming Narratives,” and Robert is sharing his own story.
Black History Month to me, means understanding Black history and learning about the contributions that many brilliant Black individuals have made to both British and global history, whilst celebrating and supporting Black achievements.
“About me” I was born on the African island of Mauritius and came to England at a young age when my father received a scholarship to study nursing in the UK. Transition was difficult for me; making new friends, going to a new school, learning a new language and yes, getting used to the cold climate...
Black history is important as it raises awareness and highlights the achievements of so many great people at a local and international level, celebrating past and present events. It is a time to remember the struggles, inequalities and negative perceptions and help turn those around but also celebrate the wins and embrace the positive changes that are happening.
I was born in Tooting, London spending a short span of my childhood there. Still young my mother, of Trinidadian origin returned with me to Trinidad where I spent many years with my father and sibling. While there, I followed numerous career paths, eventually becoming a Teacher/Head Teacher for over 10 years.