“Black History Month is an opportunity for celebration, but also serves as a platform for education and positive progression" - Gurpreet Gill, RCVS.

Dr Mandisa Greene and Nadidah Adamu RVN will share their paths into the veterinary field. 

As Black History Month celebrations get underway, the RCVS is marking this special occasion with a series of blogs, podcasts and videos highlighting the diversity of experiences represented within the professions.

Black History Month (October) is an annual celebration of the history and achievements of black people in the UK. This year’s theme is ‘Time for Change: Action not words’, which aims to educate people about Black History and looks towards the future to help people take a stand against racism.

Through the RCVS Leadership Stories Initiative, veterinary leaders from under-represented backgrounds - including past RCVS president Dr Mandisa Greene and Bristol-based head veterinary nurse Nadidah Adamu RVN - will share their stories and paths into the veterinary field. 

The project aims to increase the variety of viewpoints and experiences represented within the professions and ensure that underrepresented groups can see themselves represented in content. This will entail showcasing individuals at all professional levels, including students and recent graduates. 

Dr Tshidi Gardiner, chair of the RCVS Diversity and Inclusion Group, said: “People of colour and those from other minority groups can often have a different experience of working in the veterinary sector from other colleagues and so it is important that we can speak openly about our experiences and our journeys into veterinary work.

“This is why projects such as RCVS Leadership Stories are so important, as they allow us all not only to have a better awareness of each other’s experiences but to actively celebrate each other’s achievements as well.”

As part of Black History Month, Dr Gardiner will also be chairing an RCVS Mind Matters panel discussion entitled ‘Translating words into action: What could the future look like for BAME veterinary students and professionals?’ Within this, she will discuss the joint RCVS and Vets Schools Council BAME Student Support Working Group Report and its key recommendations, as well as specific issues highlighted in the report.

Gurpreet Gill, RCVS leadership and inclusion manager, commented: “Black History Month is a brilliant way of celebrating the contributions and achievements of black colleagues within the veterinary professions. 

"However, it is important that we continue to do this important work throughout the year – not only for October. This is why we are keen to highlight the importance of ongoing initiatives which will help to ensure a more inclusive future for the entire veterinary profession.

“We have added a new video to our Leadership Library highlighting the importance of inclusive leadership and are continuing our partnership with the official Black History Month website, the content for which we will continue to update throughout the year. It is important to showcase leaders from diverse backgrounds as well as promoting inclusive leadership to inspire future generations and shape the future of our profession. 

“Black History Month is an opportunity for celebration, but also serves as a platform for education and positive progression.”

The leadership stories will be available to view through the RCVS YouTube channel.