Black History Month Roundup: Honouring Our Communities
As October has drawn to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on Black History Month and this year's theme, Honouring Our Communities. Alongside my colleague Kevin, we've had the privilege of being part of a range of events this month, each one a reminder of why listening, showing up and building trust matter so much in our work.
The Black Business Show
We started the month at the Black Business Show at ExCeL London, where we were raising awareness of the one in four message: the fact that one in four Black men will experience prostate cancer in their lifetime. We were supported by wonderful colleagues from Prostate Cancer UK, whose expertise and energy helped us get the message out to so many people. Meeting people where they are, in a space celebrating Black enterprise and achievement, felt like a fitting way to begin the month.
Barbershop Uncut Stories
This theatre production explored Black men's experiences of prostate cancer, and it offered a real window into the human side of those journeys. What struck me most was the warmth and humour woven throughout. It showed that difficult conversations about health don't have to be heavy to be powerful, and that laughter and openness can sit side by side with honesty and vulnerability.
Internal Staff Panel Discussion
We also brought colleagues together for an internal panel with three people with lived experience, each from a different background. They reflected on their achievements, shared their contributions to the Black community, and spoke about their heritage. Just as importantly, they talked about why strengthening relationships is so important, a message that sits at the heart of the work we do.
Improving Black Health Session Event
Kevin took part in a panel discussion at the third annual Improving Black Health event at City Hall. This year's focus was the mental health and wellbeing of Black men, and the event created space for an important conversation about the unique challenges they face. It was a valuable reminder that health is about the whole person, and that supporting wellbeing goes well beyond any single condition.
Call to Action: BALANCE Study
The BALANCE Study, launched at the start of September in the UK and is the first international study of its kind focused on understanding the experiences and quality of life of Black and mixed-race men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
By gathering the voices of men from five countries, the study aims to identify the specific support needs of Black men during and after treatment. The study is led by the European Association of Urology, with Prostate Cancer UK leading the international analysis alongside patient groups, clinicians, researchers, and charities. The ambition is to recruit at least 800 Black or mixed Black men to take part.
How you can help:
Please share this opportunity with your networks, communities, and contacts. Men interested in participating can find out more and complete the survey here: Take part in the BALANCE Study
Looking Ahead
Black History Month may have ending, but the commitment to honouring our communities continues all year round. Thank you to everyone who took part, shared their story, or simply stopped to have a conversation with us. I'd love to hear any reflections too, so please share any thoughts or experiences in the comments.