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.

Podcast: Dr Naa Adoley Addo's Psychiatric Journey from Ghana to the NHS

In this conversation, Dr Naa Adoley Addo shares her journey from psychiatric training in Ghana to her practice in the NHS.

She discusses the rigorous training she underwent, the challenges and rewards of working in the UK, and the cultural differences she encounters in mental health care.

Naa also reflects on her achievements as a psychiatrist, the balance between her career and motherhood, and the importance of cultural diversity in the psychiatric field.

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

This webinar was held on Thursday 10 October in partnership with the Association of Black Psychiatrists (ABP-UK). It was chaired by Dr Tim Ojo, general adult psychiatrist and former Associate Registrar (2017-2022).

This discussion took 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.

Speakers

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

Blog posts relating to Black History Month