E N D S T I G M A O N C E A N D F O R A L L
Shabariesha Ketheeswaran Link to the Magazine : https :// mcusercontent . com / 18b ee6e4b78622bbd8cccd76c / file s / 75e23707-6111-4e34-cfbb fff2292e5919 / Neurozette _ 2021 _ Publication _ 28th _ May . pdf
The Making of the Neurozette BLM
“… But if we ever hope to move past it , it can ’ t just be on people of colour to deal with it . It is up to all of us … to do the honest , uncomfortable work of rooting it out ” – Michelle Obama on Racism .
I have always been passionate about equality as the concept of division between human beings based on race is something I cannot fathom . We are not defined by our race , our culture , our gender and so on but rather , we are complex human beings . As Marian Anderson said , " None of us is responsible for the complexion of his skin . This fact of nature offers no clue to the character or quality of the person
underneath ."
So why did I create this magazine ? It was the pandemic and the actions of the BLM movement in 2020 that sparked an inspiration to create the Neurozette BLM Edition 2021 . The purpose of this magazine was to “ End Stigma Once For All ” and to inspire healthcare professionals to make a difference . I wanted this magazine to help those who feel they have lost themselves , who feel alone and for those who need a reminder of their strengths . Writing this , I realised that there were so many things that I did not know , and have yet to learn , and I felt I had to share the my journey of growth and
learning .
It was a very tough project as myriad challenges were faced due to the nature of the edition . I had many doubts about releasing the magazine as it was stepping on areas that may make some feel uncomfortable and I did not want to offend anyone . However , many years ago , someone once told me that there could be one person out there who might just be in need of something like this , and it was this notion that pushed me to released it . Although a one-woman job , it was a collective work . I could not have done it without the authors , the support of the Liverpool Neurology & Neurosurgery Society , the two sponsors ( who made it possible for the magazines to be printed ) and Mr Farouk Olubankole Olubajo , one of the neurosurgeons at The Walton Centre and one of the sponsors , for dismantling my doubts . And last but not least , I would like to thank my family and friends ( and all those who were involved in the BLM movement at medical school as this inspired me to make a difference too ). I really enjoyed creating the idea and the name of the magazine ( Neurozette BLM Edition 2021 ). As well as this , it was a pleasure designing it , thinking of article ideas , researching for it and hearing doctors ’ & students ’ stories . Why am I telling you all this ? Because I wanted to show you that anyone can do this and to know that the possibilities are limitless if you put your mind to it . I strongly recommend you all to take the time to read this magazine and I hope this magazine also inspires you to make a difference .