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Special event celebrated Black contributions, reclaimed stories, and aimed to create a future where all voices are valued

By Mr George Wigmore (Senior Communications Officer), Published

The School of Health and Psychological Sciences (SHPS) at City St George’s marked Black Futures Month with an impactful event titled “Reclaiming Narratives” on 29 October 2024. The gathering celebrated Black excellence, culture, and the community’s historical and ongoing contributions to society. This year’s theme, “Reclaiming Narratives,” brought together voices to explore and celebrate Black identity and the journey of reclaiming Black history from a Black-led perspective.

Michelle Ellis, Associate Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, opened the event with a warm welcome and a message about the importance of this celebration. “Black Futures Month is our perspective on Black History Month, designed to focus on Black joy and excellence,” Michelle said. “Our theme, ‘Reclaiming Narratives,’ aims to take ownership of Black history, celebrating Black culture and identity, as well as the vital contributions made by the Black community within our society.”

Looking at the past, present and future

The event’s programme showcased a journey from the past, celebrated through present achievements, and looked forward to future aspirations. It began with a presentation by Sally Morgan, Senior Lecturer in Speech and Language Therapy, who shared the inspiring life of Annie Brewster. Brewster, a City St George’s alumna from St Vincent, became one of Britain’s first African-Caribbean nurses in the Victorian era. Through Sally’s presentation, attendees learned more about Brewster’s pioneering role in nursing at the London Hospital and her kindness and skill in treating ophthalmic patients. Her legacy, honoured by a recent commemoration and entry in the Oxford National Dictionary, serves as a testament to the often-overlooked contributions of Black healthcare professionals.

Personal reflections

The event then transitioned to a panel discussion that brought together diverse voices from SHPS and beyond. Joining the discussion were Kristelle Jacobs, Student Experience Manager; Dr Jessica Jones Nielsen, Assistant Vice-President (EDI- Race Equality) at City St George’s; Oreoluwa Bademosi, City St George’s PhD student; Tumi Sotire, an external speaker from The Black Dyspraxic and Researcher; and Michelle Ellis herself.

Panellists shared their personal reflections on “Reclaiming Narratives”

Each panellist shared personal reflections on “Reclaiming Narratives”, offering perspectives on challenging stereotypes, celebrating Black heritage, and supporting each other within their fields. Michelle emphasised the importance of collective responsibility and mentorship in fostering Black professionals’ success. “Improving the experiences of all colleagues around race equity remains a priority. Reclaiming narratives is not just about revisiting history; it’s about enabling a more inclusive future,” she said.

Reflecting on their career paths, the panellists also highlighted how the support of family, mentors, and community shaped their journeys.

Intersectional challenges

The event concluded with a forward-looking presentation by researcher Tumi Sotire, who spoke about his experiences of navigating academia as a Black man with dyspraxia. Tumi’s insights underscored the intersectional challenges of Black neurodivergent individuals, amplifying the importance of spaces like Black Futures Month for both representation and advocacy. Tumi’s chapter ‘Race and neurodiversity: Understanding intersectionality and privilege – My story’ is also part of the book Reimagining Race in Psychology: Challenging Narratives and Widening Perspectives in Training and Practice, which is due to be released in December 2024. It was edited by Yetunde Ade-Serrano and Ohemaa Nkansa-Dwamena.

Overall, SHPS’s Black Futures Month event served as a vibrant platform for building connections and fostering inclusive dialogue. As Michelle noted in her closing remarks, “We are here to celebrate Black contributions, reclaim our stories, and create a future where all voices are valued.”

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