3 minute read
I see light
To celebrate Black History Month, Rachel Robinson talks to Mersey Care's Freedom to Speak Up Guardian Justine Nakimuli about her vision for the future.
Nurse Justine Nakimuli recalls the day she came face to face with Nelson Mandela.
“He visited my school in Uganda. I sang in a choir and he shook my hand. I’ll never forget it.”
Now, as Freedom to Speak Up Guardian and Cultural Sensitivity Lead for Equality and Diversity, Justine feels Black History Month ensures we never forget black culture through time.
“Our rich contribution is marginalised. Black History Month is a chance to make sure it’s not erased.”
Justine came to England at 18, but not by choice. “I’d wanted to study accountancy but the British Government was offering incentives to Commonwealth countries. My strong minded mom said, ‘You’re going there to do mental health nursing’, so I did.” meaningful allies* now. Managers are more proactive in supporting staff. It’s involved difficult conversations but that’s how change comes about.
Justine Nakimuli says people like her hero Nelson Mandela should be celebrated through time.
She worries her children’s generation won’t have the same sense of belonging.
“Uganda is my identity. It’s my home. But my development, my growth, my momentum has all been here. Back home my kids aren’t seen as Ugandan, here they’re not seen as British.
After rising through the NHS ranks in London, she relocated to St. Helens – it was a world away from what she knew.
“I was the only black staff member. I didn’t see a black patient for four years. My daughter was the only black child in her school, she’d come home and cry.”
Justine is President of the Ugandan Nurses Association and returns annually to support her village hospital.
“After the tragic incident in Southport my daughter said, ‘Mom, where is home’? It made me sad. I say, ‘You live in Britain and you’re part of this country, but you have an identity, a history. You have grass roots and once you’re grounded into that, you feel pride, you belong.”
Has much changed since last Black History Month?
“If I’m honest I’d heard some dark stories that made me angry. You don’t forget but you need to forgive otherwise it becomes a barrier to everything you do.
“I feel my role as a Guardian and Cultural Sensitivity Lead has been a driver in people feeling safer to speak out. There are more
“There are still people though who have never sat at a table with a black person. How can they understand that person’s journey? This year I hope we look at what we’ve shaped, the difference it’s made and build on that with training and policies that challenge, support and educate people. It’s a journey for us all, but I can see light at the end of the tunnel.”
*An ally is someone who gives their backing and voice to the movement towards equality for all.
