"I have seized every opportunity to challenge unhealthy behaviours"
Onyinye Enwezor BEM is our International Recruitment Pastoral Support Lead, co-chair of the REACH network, and Honorary Assistant Professor in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham. She explains what Reclaiming Narratives means to her.
“Reclaiming Narratives was summarised many years ago by Chinua Achebe, who stated that ‘until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter ’. Therefore Reclaiming Narratives is an opportunity to share our lived experiences and stories of resilience which hold the power to inspire, empower and liberate.
“ Reclaiming narratives means celebrating the Black culture and my heritage while ensuring that misconceptions and stereotyping are challenged and corrected.
“My parents have been my rock. They were both teachers and always believed in supporting every child to be the best version of themselves. Reclaiming Narratives allows me to celebrate the sacrifices of my parents and their generation and how they paved the way for me.
“My journey as a Black nurse has not been smooth, however I have seized every opportunity to challenge unhealthy behaviours, educating by delivering allyship sessions and celebrating allies.
“I am dedicating this piece to my beloved mother Mrs Aureola Enwezor, who passed away on 8 June, to my dad Mr Richard Enwezor, my line manager Catherine Livingston, and Sharon Wilson, both of whom have been great allies.
“NUH is still on its journey to becoming an inclusive Trust and we all have a part to play. Happy Black History Month.”