Throughout October, the UoS community marked Black History Month with a variety of events that celebrated the achievements of Black individuals in our community and beyond, as well as raised awareness of issues faced by the Black community, and how to make a difference moving forward.
If you missed any of the events during the month but would like to be part of the conversation, we have put together a few highlight videos where the speakers from three events share with us some key learnings and inspiring thoughts for us to take away.
Black Women in Health – Wednesday 11 October
Specialist Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dr Ria Clarke and founder of ‘Go Beyond Bleeding’ Esmé Ara’resa discuss the disparities Black women currently experience in the healthcare system, and regarding health matters, while stressing the importance of advocating for oneself.
Talking about the importance of advocating for change in healthcare for Black women, Esmé Ara’resa says: “I think it’s fantastic that we have more people stepping up to the plate, and it’s even more empowering when there are people who look like us, who this is very important for. Every person that rises to that challenge is someone that I absolutely applaud and that I am going to champion all the way.”
Find out more about the areas the speakers focused on during the event – the NHS treatment disparities and menstrual cycle literacy – from the video below.
Black Talent in Business and Leadership – Wednesday 18 October
Co-founders of the coaching and mentoring project The Daughters United, Emily and Caroline Oduro, personal trainer and life coach Frank Mangna (also known as Mr Funkyfit), and What About the Ash founder Ashley Sealy talk about their individual journeys founding and running their businesses and give advice to Black entrepreneurs looking to get started or to make their next steps.
“Consistency outworks talent and luck every single time,” says Ashley Sealy, when asked for a piece of advice for new entrepreneurs. “It won’t always be this scary, it won’t always be this hard, you won’t always be new at everything, and one day you’ll look back and be so profoundly excited by how far you have come by just showing up every day.”
Find out more about the speakers, their businesses, advice, and how to get in touch in the video below.
Black Girl Detox with Toluwa Atilade – Thursday 26 October
Equality, Diversity, and Allyship Consultant Toluwa Atilade talks about Black Girl Detox, a workshop series she has founded, which creates a safe space for Black women and their allies to celebrate their achievements, their differences, and all aspects of Black womanhood.
“Allyship is everybody’s job, not only through words, but through actions and time as well,” Toluwa emphasises. Find out more about Black Girl Detox and the importance of challenging gendered racism in the highlights video below:
Keep the conversation going!
In keeping with the theme of this year’s Black History Month, ‘Saluting our Sisters’, we also asked speakers and event attendees to talk about Black women who have inspired them.
This is an important reminder to us all to keep amplifying the achievements of Black women and Black members of our community beyond this month and throughout the year.