Black History Month 2023 is an opportunity to celebrate the ‘ Sheroes among us ’ in the field of occupational therapy , highlighting the contributions and experiences of Black women who continue to make a significant impact in various domains .”
Black History Month 2023 is an opportunity to celebrate the ‘ Sheroes among us ’ in the field of occupational therapy , highlighting the contributions and experiences of Black women who continue to make a significant impact in various domains .”
Jennie Alexander shares something about her own route into occupational therapy as a second career , with some inspirational words of advice on page 17 .
On other themes , Leah Berry looks at horticulture and the importance of Black farming as an occupation in history on pages 24-25 , while Roxanne Mitchell- Nembhard focuses on returning to practice on pages 26-27 . On the same pages , Elizabeth Glace reflects on her experience of migrating twice in one lifetime .
Eden Samuels-Coke examines reading as a means of connecting to Black identity , history and consciousness , on page 16 , and Odeth Richardson looks towards a Caribbean perspective of occupational engagement on pages 14-16 .
Finally for this focus , Sherrille Adwoa Tayson talks about operating in multiple roles as an OT , research assistant , and occupational activist on pages 34-35 . Thank you to Tracey Samuels for the generous invitation to become guest editors for this historical Black History Month edition . Historical because this is the first time that so many practitioners and scholars have come together to create a legacy of contemporary and critical discourse .
In conclusion , Black History Month 2023 is an opportunity to celebrate the ‘ Sheroes among us ’ in the field of occupational therapy , highlighting the contributions and experiences of Black women who continue to make a significant impact in various domains .
It serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for diversity and inclusion in the profession to better serve the diverse healthcare landscape . Please make every effort to celebrate on social media to promote positive achievements .
Words KALIMAH IBRAHIIM and DR BLAINE ROBIN
What it means to work as an educator in Britain today at the vibrant intersection of culture and identity
In a longer feature on being an occupational therapy lecturer at the vibrant intersection of culture and identity , published online , Aicha Djalo Balde talks about her cultural heritage , which stems from the Fulani tribe , Aicha Djalo Balde a community of nomadic pastoral folk who can be found in Guinea Bissau , on the West coast of Africa and in many other countries in West Africa .
Born in Lisbon , Portugal , at the age of two , Aicha ’ s family made the choice to migrate to London . Now , many years later , she works in Yorkshire – which , she says ‘ let ’ s be honest , is practically its own country !’ – as an occupational therapy lecturer at the University of Huddersfield .
Aicha ’ s cultural identity ‘ is a complex story of migration , retracing roots and finding home in new places ’ and the article reflects on the tapestry of values that celebrate community , family , and interconnectedness , and how these have become the cornerstone of her teaching philosophy .
She goes on to talk about how her heritage has also taught her the art of storytelling and how narratives can be powerful tools for understanding and healing , and why her lectures often weave real-life stories and case studies of individuals from diverse backgrounds , to illustrate the complexities of working with diverse populations in practice .
Being an occupational therapy lecturer of African descent in Britain has compelled Aicha to address issues of cultural competency and cultural humility within the healthcare system . And you can read more about Aicha ’ s story and what it means to work as an educator in Britain today at rcot . co . uk / bhm-2023 .
Words AICHA DJALO BALDE
October 2023 OTnews 13