Black History Month
We're celebrating Black History Month (BHM) and embracing the theme this year of Standing Firm in Power and Pride.
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.
Standing Firm in Power and Pride 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, colleagues from across the organisation have shared their stories and achievements about what Black History Month means to them. You can read them below.
Wendy Zhakata – Community Team Leader
This year's theme for Black History Month, "Standing Firm in Power and Pride," resonates deeply with me. It provides an invaluable opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black individuals who have positively impacted my life and the wider community. To me, "Standing Firm in Power and Pride" means inspiring my fellow Black colleagues to actively participate in shaping our future and that of our children, aiming for high-level positions such as senior management where we can effect real change.
As a Team Lead in a Community team within the Trust, I lead a diverse group of nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and healthcare assistants, ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients which is an incredibly rewarding role. My journey to this position has been challenging; I often found myself without visible representation of my fellow Black individuals at this level, which made success seem like an unattainable goal. It took an immense amount of hard work, support, and determination to overcome these obstacles.
I am originally from Zimbabwe and moved to the UK at 18 to pursue my nursing training at Nottingham University, supported by my hardworking mother. I secured a position with Nottinghamshire Healthcare and have remained with the Trust ever since. Balancing work, study, and life as an 18-year-old was not easy, and even after 25 years, I'm still adapting to the ways of the western world! However, I have encountered incredible individuals within the Trust who have supported me and helped me embrace my identity and heritage.
I am grateful for the opportunity to support student nurses from Black communities, junior nurses, and emerging leaders in achieving their aspirations, shaping society, and amplifying their voices. The journey can be tough, but we share strategies for resilience during challenging times. I am committed to uplifting Black individuals within our community, celebrating their successes through my own lived experiences.
As my favourite writer, Maya Angelou, once said, Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it! This mantra drives me to take action, advocate for improvement, and encourage Black communities to work toward a future where their voices are integral to shaping society.
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