Black History Month was first launched in London in the 1980s, where the aim was for the local community to challenge racism and educate themselves and others about the British history that was not taught in schools. It was originally founded to recognise the contributions that people of African and Caribbean backgrounds have made to this country over many generations. Now, Black History Month has expanded to include the history of not just Afro-Caribbean black people but all black people.
As part of the celebrations at Cygnet, members of our BAME Network Steering Group have recorded a series of short videos where they talk about their black icons.
Madam C.J. Walker
Leonard Kachingwe, Complaints Officer at Cygnet Hospital Bury tells us about Madam CJ Walker, American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist, and the first female self-made millionaire in America.
Nyatsimba Mutota
Agnes Tutani, Clinical Commissioning Nurse Assessor, tells us about Nyatsimba Mutota, founder of the Mutapa Empire in Southern Africa, in 1430.
Mary Seacole
Ros Mloyi, Regional Nurse Director for London and the South, and Chair of the Steering Group, talks about Mary Seacole, a pioneering nurse and heroine of the Crimean War.
Jesse Owens
Lewis Morgan, HR Business Partner – South East, and Chair of our Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, tells of Jesse Owens, 4 times Gold medalist at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games.
Diane Abbott MP
Beatrice Nyamande, Deputy Operations Director for the East of England & South East, Social Care Division talks about Diane Abbott MP, the first black woman ever elected to the House of Commons.
Chadwick Boseman
Michelle Thomas, Head of Psychology at Cygnet Hospital Maidstone and Regional Lead for Psychology South East, talks about Hollywood actor and star of Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman, who sadly passed away recently.