Black History Month

Every October, we celebrate Black History Month. As part of this, it's important to recognise and celebrate the diverse past, present and future of the College. 

Throughout the month, we mark the contribution of some of our Black psychiatrists to mental health services and use the occasion to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people to society.

2024

In 2024, the theme is Reclaiming Narratives and this year we have particular focus on Being Visible – highlighting the contribution of some of our Black psychiatrists, the experiences of people using mental health services and celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black people to society.

Blog post: Reclaiming a positive narrative about Black people navigating mental health services

Read this powerful blog from Dr Uju Ugochukwu, Consultant Psychiatrist, considering how we reclaim a positive narrative about Black people navigating mental health services and our role, both individually and collectively, in improving equity of access, experience, and outcomes.

Dr Ugochukwu is a hugely talented female psychiatrist with extensive experience in leadership and research. She is a fellow of the College and trained Quality Improvement Coach and leading the AMHE aimed at improving access, experience and outcomes for Black men and refugees and asylum seekers.

Free Members' Webinar: ‘I See You’ – Leading Cultural Change in Healthcare (Thursday 10 Oct, 4-5pm)

We are delighted to bring you this webinar, in partnership with the Association of Black Psychiatrists (ABP-UK).

Chaired by Dr Tim Ojo, general adult psychiatrist and former Associate Registrar (2017-2022), this discussion will take us on a journey of navigating the healthcare system through the eyes of leaders both in and outside of the healthcare system, who are trying to bring about cultural change to better serve our patients and create a more enabling and inclusive space for our workforce.

Chair

  • Dr Tim Ojo, Consultant Psychiatrist, Coach, Leadership Mentor, Accredited mediator and Organisational Consultant Speakers:

Speakers

  • Ashiedu Joel, NED and Councillor in Leicester
  • Jennifer Izekor, Cultural Intelligence & Inclusive Leadership Trainer, CEO Above Difference Ltd
  • Dr Buki Adeyemo, CEO of North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS FT

Previous BHM events and activities

The College celebrated Black History Month 2023 by exploring the relationship between mental health and the arts.

Podcasts

Listen to an in-depth conversation between Oluwatunmise Oladapo Kuku, podcaster and life coach and Ms Praise Ogabi in which they shared stories of dealing with mental illness, as well as their relationship with using art as a form of therapy.

You can also hear about the extraordinary contributions of black female psychiatrists, in our podcast delving deep into the vital issues of racism and equity within the field of psychiatry. Host Dr Uju Ugochukwu was joined Dr Itai Matumbike and Dr Mona-Lisa Kwentoh sharing their experiences, knowledge, and perspectives.

Blog posts

Throughout Black History Month 2023 we published a number of blog posts:

Webinar

We also held a special free Black History Month webinar for members on 12 October on 'Improving mental health through creativity'. In the webinar (included below), Dr Chinwe Obinwa led a discussion with members of the Culture Club of the UK's Association of Black Psychiatrists.

They discussed how the arts has an important role in celebrating and representing Black culture and as a form of therapy, bringing benefits professionally and personally.

Blog posts relating to Black History Month