This year’s theme for Black History Month is Celebrating our Sisters, Saluting our Sisters, and Honouring Matriarchs of Movements. It is a landmark occasion to recognise and applaud the invaluable contributions of black women to British society, inspire future generations, and empower them.

We shared videos from colleagues throughout the month of October as they talk about what Black History Month means to them.

The Havering Emotional Support Team (HEST) interviewed colleagues and service users, discussing the topics of what Black History Month means to her, what barriers and challenges she’s faced, those who have inspired her, and advice she’d give to her younger self and other young people today.

Sedina Lewis, a Public Health Specialist for Havering Council was interviewed by Diana Daniel-Dawson, Clinical Lead/Service Manager for HEST.

When asked what advice she would give to young Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic people, Sedina said:

“Just be yourself and not to be fearful of being yourself… don’t be fearful about being in spaces where you are the minority”.

Watch below:

 

Marsha Martin, who is a former behavioural therapist, NELFT user of service, mum to three neurodivergent children, founder and CEO of Black SEN Mamas., was interviewed by Diana Daniel-Dawson, Clinical Lead/Service Manager for HEST.

When asked who her biggest inspiration was, Marsha praised her mother, saying:

“I think my mother was the first exposure to what being a mum was for me and I think she was probably one of the best versions of a mum that I could have hoped to have learned from, and on top of that she taught me resilience, being a mum of three neurodivergent children”.

Watch below:

 

Catherine Lund, Associate Director of Quality Governance at NELFT and Chair of NELFT’s Ethnic Minority Network, was interviewed by Diana Daniel-Dawson, Clinical Lead/Service Manager for HEST.

When asked what advice she has for young people today, Catherine said:

“Don’t limit yourself. If you dream it, know you can achieve it… Don’t give up on your dreams. Be kind to yourself. Learn to reflect.”

Watch below: