Black History Month: "A truly inspirational black woman that has impacted me is my mother."

As part of our Black History Month celebrations, we have been speaking with our staff to find out more about what Black History Month means to them, including what the theme ‘saluting our sisters’ brings to mind, and any black women in history that has inspired them.

This week, we had a catch up with Maureen Sango-Jackson, Learning and People Development Programme Lead to find out more.

Having previously worked in the banking and insurance sector since leaving college at the age of 18, Maureen decided to pursue a career in the NHS, after hearing so many positive things from friends and family. 

She started working in the NHS in 1994 as a band 2 Clerical Officer, and now currently works within the academy at CLCH, leading on several leadership programmes including the reverse mentoring programme.

What does Black History Month and this year’s theme of 'saluting our sisters' bring to mind?

Celebrating black champion women who helped to shape communities and highlighting the contributions they made to society in many areas including the NHS, the arts and film industry and within governments across the world. These individuals have left their mark by inspiring generations and individuals like myself, to take up the baton to continuing where they left off.

Have any black women in history inspired you?

There are so many to choose from however the person who stands out for me is Coretta Scott King (Martin Luther King’s widow) who campaigned not only for racial segregation to be eradicated from society, but for other groups in society including women and children rights. In a speech Coretta said: “Homophobia is like racism and anti-semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood.” She echoed these sentiments time and again until her passing.

Another truly inspirational black woman that has impacted me is my mother. My mother’s personal experience and her support really helped me to grow and be the person I am today.

My mother came from Dominica to train and qualify as a nurse and during her career, she worked at the Elizabeth Garratt Anderson Hospital and the German Hospital in Hackney. She later had to give up her career due to a lack of childcare support.

My mother shared with her children the positive and negative experiences of being a black person living and working in England during the height of racism. However, she continued to encourage and support her eight children by always telling us: “you were born here, try your best, do you best and be kind to people regardless of who they are”.

What reflections do you have on any challenges faced as a BAME staff?

I can honestly say while not having experienced dealing with bias, prejudice, or racism within the workplace, I have spoken with friends and family who have experienced these issues. With my background in HR, I have supported them in the best way possible by encouraging to building resilience and to make sure they continue pursuing their aspirations and goals. I believe that every individual is born with a gift but many will face barriers which can unfortunately deter them from their goals.

I always say we are fortunate not to have lived during the time of the civil rights issues, or in a country where segregation was the norm.

What would be your message to NHS leaders on their role in tackling racism in the service?

I would say to be authentic and not view tackling racism as a tick box exercise. 

Scrutinise data from the staff survey, grievance, and disciplinary cases to determine whether there are any underlying themes not aligned to the organisation’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy.

Finally, I feel really honoured to lead on the reverse mentoring programme. It is a real opportunity for junior colleagues to work closely with senior leaders to reflect on their practices and behaviour.

We have many staff from diverse backgrounds who can use this programme as a safe space to impart their lived experiences.

I hope that the programme can input in supporting our EDI work and the culture at CLCH.