Black History Month is a dedicated time in the year to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British society. 

At FNF we want to join in with ‘Saluting our Sisters’: as part of our diverse nursing and midwifery workforce – this month and every month.  

Whilst Florence Nightingale Foundation in its title represents one woman, one white woman, one privileged white woman, the Foundation is more than this title. It supports and celebrates all the equivalent Florences from across the world.  

FNF celebrates Nightingale’s role in advancing the nursing profession, whilst acknowledging that historical figures, including Nightingale, existed within the context of their time, which can sometimes involve complex relationships with colonialism, imperialism, and social attitudes of the era. 

Florence Nightingale represents a figure in history, a moment in time, and her work in that context. But now, the Foundation whilst acknowledging that, is all about our diverse workforce, our current nurses and midwives are its legacy. This diverse workforce is the Florence Nightingale Foundation today. 

FNF believes that authenticity is at the core of effective leadership. We are committed to promoting and embracing the many voices and diverse experiences that make up our health and care system and creating an inclusive environment to enable people to bring their whole self to work.  

We want to do more. We have recently launched an action orientated anti-racism statement that sets out our commitment and plans. 

To mark Black History Month, on 30 October we will be co-hosting a webinar with the Mary Seacole Trust: ‘Saluting our Sisters: past, present and future’. Do come along to hear from Trevor Sterling, Chair of The Mary Seacole Trust, who will be speaking about the significance of the new Mary Seacole coin and the different memorials to Mary Seacole, as well as hearing stories from nurses and midwives whose heritage is from the Caribbean and Africa. There will also be chance to hear from Helen Rappaport, historian and author of ‘In Search of Mary Seacole’, about how she came to write about Mary Seacole and her significance today. Click here to find out more and book your place.