My parents are my rock – and my Mama ranks no.1 in my journey of inspiration
In our third piece to mark Black History Month and celebrate our colleagues, Lovelyn Umeloh, matron for community engagement and innovation, explains what Reclaiming Narratives means to her.
“Reclaiming Narratives is an avenue to showcase our stories from the past and present, knowing that the roads of our lives have many detours. This helps to identify who we are by being more inclusive, refusing to be boxed in by our surroundings and circumstances, owning our destiny and meaningfully using our immense power in shaping our narratives and inspiring others to follow.
“Furthermore, it would help us challenge the power of oppression that has historically marginalised Black people. To correct, recognise and celebrate the great sacrifices of Black people in the world and society at large in the hope of uplifting and empowering future generations.
“My parents are my rock - after God - especially my Mama, who ranks number one in my journey of inspiration. My Mama was born in an era when women’s education was not important in my culture. She vowed to train all her children and was able to achieve this by working hard as a trader to support my late father with his meagre salary as a civil servant. True to her wish, six out of the nine children are university graduates. My late uncle’s wife - who was a nurse but now retired - also inspired me, having raised and educated all her children when my uncle died at a tender age. Some woman colleagues have also played a part in my journey at NUH.
“NUH is a fantastic organisation and I love my job and what I do. But not facing up to the truth on discrimination and racism within the system causes distress. Our executives and the Inclusion team are at the forefront in tackling this for our community - our staff, patients and their relatives. Silence is not a way forward.”