Wednesday 2 October 2024
Rena, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in the Emergency Department, has shared her perspective of what Black History Month (BHM) means to her with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM). The College’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee will be sharing a series of these inspiring Q&A submissions from Black Emergency Medicine (EM) professionals throughout October.
Tell us about yourself and your background.
I’m mixed race; my Mum is white British and my Father Black Nigerian. I grew up in a very typical white British neighbourhood until I was thirteen when we moved to Trinidad & Tobago in the Caribbean. I returned after six years and trained to be a nurse in Manchester, and I’ve been here ever since. After starting off in oncology, I moved over to EM in 2017 and completed my MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice. I love the variety and autonomy I get working in ED, and when I’m not there, I love being active, watching sports, and hanging out with loved ones.
Can you think of an inspiring Black person who has influenced you in your current or younger life?
Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014) was a Black African American lady who overcame trauma, racism, and sexism. Aged eight, she was sexually abused and raped by her mother’s boyfriend. Her abuser was jailed for one day, then killed days later. Maya became mute for almost five years believing her voice killed him and would kill anyone. During this period of silence, she developed her love for books and literature, and her ability to observe the world around her. She went on to become a memoirist, poet, civil rights activist, dancer, actress, director, and producer.
She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. She lived through some of the worst oppression and inequality yet achieved so much. My favourite poem of hers, ‘Still I Rise’, proves that despite adversity, we can ensure the hatefulness of society does not determine our success. I find her story and words inspirational and use them to find strength.
A favourite quote of mine from Maya Angelou is: “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived – but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”
What advice would you give to your younger self?
How do you personally connect with or celebrate Black History Month and what is your Emergency Department doing to mark the occasion?
Personally, Black History Month is a time that inspires action. A time to reflect on and celebrate those who’ve paved the way and continue to shape our future. Fostering the opportunity to inspire the leaders yet to come with the hope of a more equitable future. This year’s theme, ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, is all about recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and Black culture. I’ll be taking time to read, learn and embrace the power of people’s stories. Top tip: search up BHM on Instagram for bite-size snippets and gems.
To mark the occasion, our hospital is holding two events. An afternoon filled with culture, vibrancy and music. Stalls will display posters showcasing the incredible achievements of Black people. Followed by an event showcasing some truly inspirational stories from Black colleagues with presentations, poetry readings, music and refreshments.
What challenges and opportunities do you see in Emergency Medicine for Black clinicians?
From my personal experience, being a person of colour working in EM can be challenging. I’ve experienced racism from patients, colleagues, the public and at an institutional level. It can often be subtle, especially if your workforce appears diverse. Whilst equality, diversity and inclusion are high on the general agenda throughout the NHS, I don’t feel equity is quite there yet. More is needed to recognise that individuals have different circumstances that require the allocation of specific resources and opportunities to allow them to reach an equal outcome.
Read about another of our BHM EM Champions: Associate Medical Director Dr Janos Baombe
