Black History Month 2024 - reclaiming narratives

Black History Month is celebrated annually, and every October in the UK.  It is a month that gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. 

At the RCVS, we are committed to supporting Black History Month, and have previously run campaigns with blogs, videos and social media posts which are typically aligned to an annual theme. 

This year, we are running a campaign focussed on the theme of ‘reclaiming narratives’, which aims to correct historical inaccuracies, showcase untold success stories, and challenge the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions of black individuals both in the UK and globally. 

As a part of this, we invited black veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, vet and vet nurse students, to take part in a short survey to share their views and experiences.

Chloe Mockett RVN 

What does reclaiming narratives mean to you?Reclaiming narratives means a lot to me, especially as an RVN. Growing up as someone of dual heritage (white and black Caribbean) when I looked in books or on the internet for people who worked in the veterinary industry, unsurprisingly, there were never people who looked like me pictured as vets or vet nurses. This changed when I was looking to apply for college to become an SVN and I saw a girl who looked like me in pictures on the college website. I felt excited to see someone with the same skin colour as me on a college website being an SVN. Someone that I was about to become too.

I shouldn’t have felt excited to see that image. It should have just been normal. There is a very tiny percentage of black people and other minorities working in the veterinary industry but more needs to be done for us to also be in images for the younger generation to look up to, see, and feel inspired to know what a vet or vet nurse looks like. It can be anybody, no matter what race you are.

Describe an aspect of black heritage that you are particularly proud of? 
My Caribbean culture is something I’m particularly proud of. In the Caribbean, people live life by what the earth has given to them and that’s their richness. Their food and music bring people from all races and religions together for the same reason which is love of Caribbean food, music and culture. 

Are there any specific inaccuracies of black history that you want people to be aware of? 
Black people have been in Britain for centuries not decades. The first black member of the RCVS graduated Dick Veterinary School in 1886. 

Tia Mcleish RVN 

What does reclaiming narratives mean to you?  
I am personally proud to be an RVN who is black British within the industry. I believe we are the minority within the industry which can feel very isolating. I was the only black British student nurse in my year at university. This suggests there are a lack of black/minority role models for aspiring nurses to look up to. I came into this industry for a passion to improve animal health and wellbeing. I still love being a veterinary nurse, however I do think the industry should promote more about diversity to encourage black and ethnic backgrounds.

Describe an aspect of black heritage that you are particularly proud of? 
I am really proud of my background. My father and granddad came from Jamaica. I was born and raised in the UK but still love to celebrate my heritage as a black woman. This includes cooking Jamaican food, enjoying reggae music and reading about the history of Jamaica.

What more do you think can be done by the industry as a whole? 
I think in general all companies should advertise more about black history month. The majority of companies include pride month. The RCVS also advocates for diversity; therefore, I think more places should advertise things for black and minorities to encourage more people to join the profession.

Monica Johnson RVN 

What does reclaiming narratives mean to you?  
For me it's not just about telling the stories of our ancestors but most definitely celebrating and empowering the achievements that reflect our ancestors.

Describe an aspect of black heritage that you are particularly proud of? 
The determination, strength and courage of my ancestors, especially my grandparents, in providing a better life for themselves and the future generation they created.