The theme for this year's Black History Month is 'Reclaiming Narratives' and, throughout the month, we are delighted to be bringing you the personal stories of some fabulous Action Together members.
These people are paving the way for change and challenging the system in their communities. We want to ensure that their voices are heard, their experiences are acknowledged, and their contributions are celebrated. This week, we caught up with Rochdale based health and social care charity BHA to learn more about their organisation and also what Black History Month means to them.
Can you tell us a little about your group?
BHA is a health and social care charity which exists to challenge and address health and social care inequalities and support individuals, families and communities to improve their health and well-being. We offer a range of services delivered at local, regional and national level in the areas of HIV and sexual health, Cancer, TB, mental health, community health education and engaging and involving communities in health and social care decision making.
What prompted you to get involved and support your community?
I am fundamentally human, and it is inherent in my nature to offer assistance whenever possible. I derive great joy from collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and gaining insights into cultures that differ from my own.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Now is the ideal moment to embrace the principles of 'Ubuntu.' It is only through open hands and compassionate hearts that we can transform the narrative and cultivate vibrant multicultural communities that honour the distinctiveness of each person and the interrelatedness of human experiences. Ultimately, 'I am because we are.'
The theme this year is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. Is there a story you find particularly inspiring you’d like to share with us?
In 2012, Maud Chifamba (Zimbabwean) became the youngest university student in Africa at just 14 yeas of age. The same year, she was 5th on Forbes’ list of top 100 most powerful young women in Africa. She has received various accolades during the years and has curved a motivational speaking career out of her inspirational life story. Losing her parents at a young age, she overcame poverty and faced many challenges in her search for basic education. Now, Maud is a Chartered Accountant and a holder of an MBA from The London Business School. She also holds a master’s in Accounting and is currently working towards a Master of Business Administration at The Wharton School in the United States. Her narrative remains a source of inspiration for the African girl child, who aspires to succeed in life despite facing challenging circumstances.
What change would you like to see in your borough that would benefit the Black community?
It is essential to prioritise our sexual health with the same diligence we apply to our overall health and well-being. Engaging the community is crucial in developing a thorough framework for the prevention of HIV and STIs, ensuring that interventions are customised to meet the specific needs of the local population.
And finally, what would you say to Black people in Greater Manchester to inspire them to make a difference in the community or wider?
‘Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.' Albert Einstein.