Q & A with Osler’s Black History Month Committee

February is Black History Month – an opportunity to highlight the voices, expertise and stories of Black colleagues and community members.

We spoke with Jezel Wilson, Clinical Extern Coordinator, and Shâdé Chatrath, Registered Midwife, to learn more about Osler's Black History Month Committee, its initiatives and future goals, and the importance of representation in health care.

Tell me about the Black History Month Committee.

Jezel: The Black History Month Committee was formed to celebrate Black History Month and elevate the voices of the Black staff, physicians and volunteers at Osler, within our community, and to highlight iconic Black Canadians throughout history. It has more than tripled in size this year!

I joined this year as it felt like a natural calling, and my daughter is on a similar committee at her high school as well.

Growing up, I didn’t hear much about the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians throughout our history, so we are highlighting that this month, including sharing the stories of the first Black nurses and doctors. Our Black Canadian ancestors have worked hard to pave the way for us.

Shâdé: The committee was formed around four main areas: representation, visibility, acknowledgement and celebration. Throughout February, we highlight the talent we have at Osler and also emphasize the importance of equal representation every day of the year. I am proud to work at Osler and serve our community and I want those we serve and work alongside to feel that pride as well.

Would you mind sharing some of the committee’s goals, specifically around representation?

S: We want to emphasize the importance of our representation and acknowledgement on an ongoing basis. Although our group formed because of Black History Month, our main goal is to carry on our work throughout the year.

We strive to create a welcoming space to gather where like-minded individuals can share their voice and be heard. It’s also about spreading the word. Recently I was on-site at Osler putting up our Black History Month posters and people were asking questions. It was great to be able to spread awareness of our group through word of mouth with the hopes that we continue to expand.

What are some of the initiatives you’ve been involved in this month so far?

J: A lot! We have many different projects taking form across our sites and beyond. Our posters have been posted across our different locations, our display cases are decorated, and we have internal newsletters and testimonials from members of Osler’s Black community being shared with our team members and the community.

We’ve also been invited to speak at an Osler-wide manager meeting highlighting our experiences as Black women in leadership, and to join a team’s huddle to speak about our Black ancestors and their contributions to health care! It’s truly an honour!

S: I think a highlight for both of us was speaking at this month’s Information Session for Osler’s staff and physicians. Jezel and I spoke about Black History Month, shared some historical pieces and read a self-authored poem. We shared our thoughts and were welcomed to speak about subjects and issue that mean so much to us. It was great to have our true voices reflected.

What does it mean to be an ‘ally’ to the Black community?

S: An ally is someone who would support that person in advocating and moving forward and uplifting them to be able to regain their autonomy and their power. They are ready to stand with you, understand their privilege, and be willing to challenge social inequities, and strive for social justice for all.

It’s a bit of a balancing act – listening but also educating. It’s about acknowledging the truth and creating space for the Black community and Black voices to be heard around what their experiences are and what they need. On the other hand, it’s also about being accountable for yourself and taking the initiative to educate and learn on your own.

J: I think the work has to continue - working together within diverse cultures, communities, and also listening. Listen when members of the Black community share their experiences.

Also, on our end, to continue sharing our stories and putting the information we want to share out there so we can make more connections and allow our words to spread further. Continue to find ways to open your mind and take the time to learn about others who are different from you.

How important is representation in health care?

J: Very. It's important for our patients to see themselves represented in our healthcare system. It's inspirational and motivational to see those with similar cultural background represented, and this can also help our patients feel better represented and understood when receiving care. Ensuring our patients feel welcome, seen and heard is a huge priority.

S: I can speak to this as I have firsthand experience in my profession as a midwife. I’ve had clients in the past reach out to me, years after working with them, to let me know they’ve decided to enter the health care profession as a result of the care they received from me.

Other clients have shared how empowered I helped them feel through their pregnancy journey and birth, which they are now passing on to their children. It’s generational and you can really have such a profound impact on someone’s life.

As a final note - we all bring such a wide range of experience and expertise to our roles in the health care field. We should respect and trust those who specialize in what they do - regardless of their cultural background and without any bias.