October is Black History Month in the UK, which has been celebrated nationwide for over 30 years. The theme for this year is ‘Reclaiming narratives’, which is around sharing and recognising the contributions of Black individuals and their stories. As part of recognising and celebrating Black History Month, today we are sharing available support and Black people living with cancer who have shared their story on the Online Community. We’re also sharing reflections on Black History Month from Francesca Okosi, Macmillan’s Chief People & Culture Officer.
The first Black History Month in the UK took place in 1987 and was arranged by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who came to the UK from Ghana as a refugee in 1984. 1987 marked the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean. Black History Month was intended to challenge racism and celebrate the history of Black people.
While everyone can be affected by cancer, it’s important to recognise everyone may have different needs and experiences. Research has indicated that Black people are less likely to go for a cancer screening and that there are some types of cancer which are more common in Black people. Sharing awareness and support is crucial to help everyone access the help they may need. Here at Macmillan, we want everyone to feel you have support that feels right for you.
Hear Francesca’s perspective on what Black History Month means to her at Macmillan:
Reflections on Black History Month - A Month of Cultural Immersion
The end of UK Black History Month marks a time for reflection. For me, this month has been a time of learning, celebration, and empowerment. As a person of colour, Black History Month holds a special place in my heart, as it provides a platform to amplify black voices, celebrate black achievements, and shine a light on the rich history and culture of the diverse black communities in the UK.
One of the key aspects of Black History Month that resonates with me is the emphasis on education and awareness. Throughout the month, there have been numerous events, discussions, and initiatives aimed at educating people about the history and contributions of black individuals in the UK. I have taken this opportunity to learn more about key figures such as Mary Seacole, Olaudah Equiano, and Claudia Jones. This has been eye-opening and inspiring, highlighting the resilience, creativity, and determination of the black community.
Personally, Black History Month has been a time of reflection and empowerment. It has given me the opportunity to celebrate my heritage and embrace my identity. One thing that particularly moved me was a book given to me by my cousin that included stories about my grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-uncle who was the first Governor General of an independent Nigeria. It told of their roles in leading their area and providing leadership to an independent Nigeria at the end of British rule. It left me with a profound connection to those who came before me, their courage, and their leadership. The sense of community and solidarity that comes with Black History Month is truly heartwarming and reaffirms the importance of diversity, representation, and inclusivity in society.
I am reminded of the power of storytelling and representation. By sharing our stories, experiences, and struggles, we not only educate those around us but also inspire change and create a more inclusive society. Perhaps the most crucial lesson has been the importance of ongoing education. Black history isn't confined to a single month, as it should be a living, breathing part of our national story that deserves year-round recognition. Through celebrating black history and culture, we honour the past, strengthen the present, and pave the way for a more equitable and diverse future.
In conclusion, Black History Month is a time to honour, celebrate, and reflect on the contributions and achievements of the black community. It is a time to educate, inspire, and unite in the pursuit of equity and inclusion for all. As we bid farewell to this month, let us carry forward the lessons learned, the stories shared, and the spirit of resilience and hope that Black History Month embodies.
Here are some ways we can all continue to support Black history and culture beyond October:
Francesca Okosi
Chief People and Culture Officer
Sharing support on the Online Community
Here on the Online Community, our Living with cancer as a Black person forum is intended as a safe place for you to talk anonymously about your emotions and experiences with other people who may be going through a similar situation. We also have lots of different forums to help you find a forum which best suits your situation. These include forums based on different types of cancer, such as our breast cancer forum, our prostate cancer forum and our bowel cancer forum. We also have forums for many different experiences, such as our family and friends forum.
On the Online Community, we’ve shared personal experiences from Black people who have been diagnosed with cancer. Many people say things like that it can be helpful to talk about your feelings and what you’re going through. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
“I still cannot explain how hearing those words actually felt. You say that if you heard those words you would feel like this or that, but in reality, nothing prepares you for the range of emotions that you feel and the thoughts that you have when you hear those words “I’m sorry but you have cancer”.”
Dimple shared her cancer diagnosis story and how telling her children about her cancer was the hardest thing she has ever done. Dimple was diagnosed with cancer in 2015. As a single parent, she was especially worried about talking to her children about cancer and coping with treatment. Dimple has shared her story on Community News.
“In Africa, when we hear of breast cancer, the fear makes people think you are going to die. But I don’t let the fear get to me. I went somewhere where I could get support from people who had cancer before. People that make up a support group. I think, “you survived then I will survive”. But we mustn’t be scared. We have to talk when we feel it, because if we don’t talk then the doctor cannot help.”
Della was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and was later also diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her family were scared to come to Della’s house, as they were worried they may catch cancer from her. Della took part in Macmillan’s Mother Tongue project, where she talks about her experience in her native language, Yorùbá. Della talked about the importance of speaking up about how you feel and getting yourself checked. Find out more on Community News.
“They have a worldwide web where they search for any donors on that registry. They couldn't find the match there. One of the reasons why they couldn't find a match is because not enough people of colour are going on to that register.”
Wilfred was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. He spoke to Macmillan about the challenges he faced as a Black person who needed a stem cell transplant. It was very difficult to find a match. Wilfred shared his perspective on his experience of diagnosis and treatment, and the support he received from Macmillan. Wilfred also talked about the emotional impact of cancer. You can read about Wilfred’s experiences in his own words on Community News.
Support from Macmillan
Macmillan provides support and information from our teams of experts, including our nurse specialists, welfare rights advisers and more. Find out about our Support Line and available teams online. Our support team are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat. They are here to listen and help you find the right support. There is also a translator service available if this would be helpful. To access this, when you call you can just state in English, which language you would like to use. Macmillan’s website explains how you can get help and support from Macmillan in different languages.
The Beauty Of Support project is an initiative in South East London which aims to start conversations about cancer between Black women and their hairdressers to break down taboos and help people access support. As part of this project, there’s lots of support and information available. This includes a booklet on breast cancer support which is tailored to Black women.
Macmillan’s Raising Your Voice toolkit is designed to help you get the cancer care and treatment you need. It was put together to ensure ethnic minorities, marginalised communities and other seldom-heard groups can create a change in their treatment or care without facing discrimination or inequality. This toolkit was co-produced by a group of mainly Black, Asian and minority ethnic people experiencing issues accessing healthcare.
Reclaiming narratives
As part of Black History Month, we also want to shine a light on Black individuals who have been instrumental in healthcare and medical research in the UK. These are only a few of the many Black people who have saved lives, conducted research and provided invaluable support across hospitals and universities in the UK.
Professor Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu
Anionwu was born in Birmingham, UK and experienced a turbulent childhood, spending several years in a Catholic children’s home. Despite experiencing many challenges, Anionwu began training as a nurse at just 16 years old.
To gain experience that wasn’t available in the UK at the time, Anionwu studied counselling for sickle-cell and thalassemia centres in the USA. In 1979, she worked with Dr. Milica Brozovic to establish the UK’s first sickle-cell and thalassemia counselling centre in London, a pioneering initiative that would serve as a model for over 30 more centres across the UK.
Anionwu later worked as a lecturer, including teaching courses aimed at NHS staff members working with communities at risk or affected by sickle-cell disease, cystic fibrosis and more. She becamse the dean of the School of Adult Nursing Studies and Professor of Nursing at the University of West London.
Anionwu has been honoured with many awards for her contributions to nursing. This includes being appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2001. In 2017, she was honoured as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to nursing.
Read more about Professor Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu.
Dr John Alcindor
Born in Trinidad, Dr John Alcindor studied medicine in Edinburgh and graduated in 1899. After working in London hospitals for several years, Alcindor established his own practice.
Alcindor wanted to use his skills in the military when the First World War broke out in 1914, but the Royal Army Medical Corps rejected him. After this rejection, he instead signed up as a British Red Cross volunteer and helped countless wounded soldiers. Alcindor was rewarded with a Red Cross Medal for his efforts.
Alcindor became a senior district medical officer for Paddington, London, where he was a long term resident. He was renowned for his devotion to patients, being affectionately dubbed “The Black Doctor of Paddington.” He contributed to research on influenza, tuberculosis and the correlation between poverty and cancer by studying the effects of poor diet in impoverished communities.
Read more about Dr John Alcindor.
Find support and share your experience
There’s lots of support available through Macmillan and here on the Online Community. If you ever need help accessing support that feels right for you, reach out to the Community team over email to community@macmillan.org.uk.
We hope this Black History Month and throughout the year, you feel encouraged and supported to find out more about Black individuals and culture both today and across history. If there’s a person you’d like to share or if you’d like to share your experience, let us know in the comments below!
