Although people from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries, many believe that their value and contribution to society is often overlooked, ignored, or distorted.
When they teach history in schools, they tend to focus on the success stories and achievements of white people, but Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.
The event was officially recognised by the US government in 1976, and first celebrated in the UK in 1987.
In recent years, attention has been paid to the importance of the Windrush generation and the Black Lives Matter movement, especially since the tragic deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in America last year.
This year, Black History Month UK has launched a new campaign called ‘Proud To Be’, which aims to encourage black and brown people to share what they are proud to be via social media.
We are encouraging PDA members to take part in this campaign by using the hashtags #ProudtoBe, #blackhistorymonth, and #PDAbame, when sharing their individual stories on social media.
Race and Ethnicity Terminology Factsheet
Last month, the PDA BAME Pharmacists’ Network published a Race and Ethnicity Terminology Factsheet to help PDA members and those in the pharmacy profession to further educate themselves on the appropriate terminology used when discussing issues and topics on race and ethnicity.
There are several words, phrases and acronyms that appear when talking about race and ethnicity that carry different connotations depending on the context of the conversation with patients or colleagues in the workplace.
PDA BAME Network members have put together this factsheet that includes terminologies and definitions as a starting point.
Elsy Gomez Campos, President of the BAME Network, said:
“I support the publication of this factsheet with terminology related to race and ethnicity. Understanding the correct definition of words used on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion discussions is an essential part of the education that must take place within our profession. In addition, the factsheet will contribute to safer and more meaningful conversations on EDI topics that can sometimes be challenging. Therefore, this factsheet is a crucial resource, and I would encourage PDA members to use it and share it widely within their teams.”
Download the factsheet here
About the BAME Pharmacists’ Network
The BAME Network was launched in April 2020 as part of the PDA’s work to meet the demands of their growing membership and advance their work on equality. The network concerns itself with issues of special relevance to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic pharmacists within the UK.
The network provides a structure through which members can work together to proactively address and campaign around racial discrimination and its causes and consequences. Learn more and join the BAME Network today!
Becoming an ally
Allyship is about working towards creating diverse and inclusive communities and by standing up for the rights of those who are marginalised. Those that are not part of the BAME community can support this group and make the effort to understand their struggle. Learn more about allyship here.
Learn more
Related Links
- Black Lives Matter – what can we do?
- Celebrating Black History Month 2020
- Black History Month: What is it and why does it matter?