Staff celebrate the Trust's diversity at Black History Month event

Thursday 20 October 2016


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The Trust held a special event in Central Hall on Wednesday 19 October to celebrate Black History Month and the international diversity of its workforce.

Hundreds of staff, as well as members of the public, attended the celebration. There was a marketplace of black culture including food and music for visitors to enjoy. Several of the Trust’s black and minority ethnic (BME) champions also spoke at the event.

Staynton Brown, Associate Director of Equality and Human Rights, said: “We’re delighted to celebrate the international diversity of our Trust during this year’s Black History Month. This is an important moment to celebrate the enormous contribution of black culture to our society, as well as reflect and commit to act on the challenges facing BME communities.”

Douglas Kalisa, Deputy Head of Security Services, also spoke at the event. He said: “There are still many challenges ahead, but I have a very firm belief that we have a platform in this Trust and in this community to continue to grow, learn and fight against inequality while remaining role models to our children and their children.

“This very diverse community, and the way we work within it, should be the envy of the rest of the world. You only have to look at the statue of Mary Seacole in the gardens of St Thomas’ if you ever have any doubt.”

Vice-Chair of the Trust Board Sheila Shribman, Chair of Staffside Dino Williams, Vice-Chair of Staffside Eddyna Danso and former Vice-Chair of the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal Professor Elizabeth Anionwu also spoke at the event.

Photos from the event are on the Trust’s Facebook page.

Events to mark Black History Month continue throughout October, including a photographic gallery of influential black Britons in Central Hall at St Thomas’ and a screening of a Nollywood film at 5pm-7pm on Friday 28 October at St Thomas’ MediCinema. The event will include a Q&A with the film’s producer – all staff and patients are welcome to attend.

If you need any further information about events taking place, please contact Staynton Brown.

Last updated: March 2022

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