Celebrating ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ in Black History Month

Celebrating ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ in Black History Month image

Home » News » Celebrating ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ in Black History Month

As we enter Black History Month this year, I want to share my personal journey, which is deeply rooted in African heritage, Caribbean culture, and British upbringing. It’s a journey of gratitude, advocacy, and a celebration of ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ – the theme for this year’s Black History Month.

I was born in South Yorkshire, to parents who made a life-altering decision to relocate to London. Their aim was simple: to provide my sister and I with the best opportunities they were never afforded. I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices they made, which continue to shape my life.

Growing up, I couldn’t help but feel a disempowering sense of not being seen or heard. As a young girl, I struggled to find black women role models who looked like me. It was only when I watched powerful figures like Whitney Houston on television that I truly understood the significance of representation. It reinforced the notion that diverse voices and experiences are pivotal in all aspects of life.

My journey led me to pursue a career in healthcare. I embarked on my educational journey in Bedfordshire and lived in Luton during that time. Over the years, I’ve accumulated over two decades of experience in healthcare. But this journey has not been without its challenges. I’ve faced microaggressions and misogynoir, which have underscored the importance of recognising intersectionality on the path to true equality.

I am proud to serve as an Associate Non-Executive Member of the BLMK ICB and now, as Chair of the Working with People and Community Committee (WWPAC). My passion lies in amplifying the voices of all local people, especially those from ‘seldom heard’ groups. I firmly believe that these voices should be at the heart of all our decision-making within BLMK ICS. While there’s always more work to be done, I am pleased that we are making positive changes in the right direction.

As we celebrate Black History Month this year with the theme ‘Saluting Our Sisters,’ I take a moment to reflect on the contributions of my foremothers. Their courage, strength, and resilience have played a pivotal role in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. I also want to acknowledge the many local black women colleagues and leaders within our BLMK ICS system who continue to make an immense impact.

To all my fellow sisters, I want to say, “I see you; I salute you!” Your strength and resilience inspire us to continue the fight for equality and representation.

Black History Month is a time for all of us to come together and celebrate the diversity, strength, and richness of our black heritage. It’s a reminder that while we’ve made significant progress, there’s more work to be done. Let us all remember the importance of representation, advocacy, and acknowledging the contributions of black women in our history and present.

As we ‘Salute Our Sisters’ this month, I encourage you to reflect on how you can advocate for the black woman’s voice and provide allyship in your respective roles. Together, we can continue to make positive change and create a more inclusive and equitable world. “I see you; I salute you!”

Lorraine Mattis, Associate Non-Executive Member, BLMK ICB

View all news

Latest news and highlights

News

22 July 2025

Patients urged to “please use NHS services wisely” ahead of planned NHS…

Patients in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been urged to help the local NHS to preserve care for those who most need it, ahead…

News

22 July 2025

Local residents get answers to their cancer questions at shopping centre events

Hundreds of residents in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have received answers to their questions about cancer and cancer screening, following a series of outreach…

News

18 July 2025

More than half of local people now have the NHS App on…

More than half of patients in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have now downloaded the NHS App, new figures show. More than half of local residents have now signed up…

News

18 July 2025

NHS recruitment drive in Luton to support working-class communities

People from working class communities in Luton will be among those supported onto the NHS career ladder, as the Government’s Plan for Change tackles rampant health inequalities and gets Britain working.…

News

15 July 2025

Tragic death from measles prompts vaccination reminder to families

Parents in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been alerted to the risk of measles, following reports this weekend that a child has sadly died of the disease in Liverpool.…

News

9 July 2025

More patients seen at extended-hours clinics in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

Over 194,000 patients in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have taken advantage of ‘enhanced access’ appointments at general practices, which offer health services to people outside conventional opening hours. Figures…