Peterborough Matters caught up with Bernadetta Omondi, Chair of Peterborough Racial Council, to reflect on Black History Month.

There shouldn't be just one-month, Black history should be recognised every month, that’s what we believe.

She highlights the importance of communication, education and dialogue that can help eliminate barriers between communities.

A teacher by profession, Bernadatta has been a key figure at inter-community projects and events in the city.

Since moving to Peterborough in 2001, she has worked with ethnic communities and organisations, helping promote 'togetherness' and 'positive relations'.

"I feel strongly about communicating with one another", said Bernadetta while talking about a personal experience.

She added: "I can recall, I was getting treated at Peterborough City Hospital last year for my Breast Cancer.

"I lost my hair to chemotherapy, which made me so sad naturally, so I was told they give you wigs. I asked for one at the ward and instantly was told by a member of staff 'we only have European wigs and don’t have African Wigs’ – which really took me by surprise.

"I was already feeling very low. As a cancer patient you are already going through so much and to be told something like this, it’s not easy.

"I did not like her approach to this. I asked if I could see the manager, and I got the instant reply - 'I am not racist'. Well, I did not say you are. You said it.

“I did not want the staff member to lose her job or anything, but I felt I should educate them and communicate what I feel.

"In her approach she could have said 'we have these wigs would you use them?' There are no ‘African’ or ‘English’ or ‘European’ wigs. A wig is a wig.

"Her approach was disappointing. I think people easily form prejudice based on colour, culture and ethnicity.

"I was not going to take it lightly. Thank God I could stand up for myself. But since I approached the relevant people at the hospital, it has been very positive. They sat with me and talked to me to find out what the issue is. They acknowledged my concerns and have since implemented further policies to make people feel more welcomed and equal. I have to appreciate their efforts and support.

"Apart from that experience, I felt well taken care of. I do want to thank the staff and nurses especially who took good care of me. A special mention to Simon Howard for his efforts in this, who is their inclusion officer.

"I like to dress up in my cultural attire and I often do. It makes people curious and I like it. They come over and ask me about it, tell me it looks lovely. I use it as an opportunity to tell people about my culture, my identity. I want to tell people 'do not be embarrassed of your culture, of promoting your culture. You can teach something and learn something about each other. We are all different but we are all human at the end of the day'."

Peterborough City Hospital says 'more work can be done' on inclusion policies, following Bernadetta's experience. Caroline Walker, Chief Executive at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Our Trust is committed to developing a culture which promotes and celebrates equality, diversity and inclusion. We are very appreciative of the feedback that Bernadetta has provided the Trust from her personal experiences, and we have since acted on the recommendations that have been made.

"We acknowledge we still have more to do to ensure inclusion is standard within our Trust and we will continue to listen and respond to the evolving needs of the communities we serve."

During the month, local authorities and businesses have held events to mark and highlight the efforts of the Black community.

In July an event to celebrate Black History was scheduled to take place in Cathedral Square, however it had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

Bernedetta said Julia Davidson and the community approached Peterborough City Council to recognise the Windrush flag, which she said was received very positively.

On October 5, a flag-raising ceremony marking the achievements of the Windrush generation was carried out outside Peterborough Town Hall.

A brief ceremony – held with social distancing in place – was attended by Peterborough City Council leader John Holdich and CEO Gillian Beasley, Cllr Irene Walsh, mayor Cllr Gul Nawaz, PCC senior beadle Ernest Mensah-Sekyere, Bernadetta Omondi (PREC) and Windrush representative Julia Davidson.

Looking back at the event, Bernadetta said: "It was great. They arranged this at short notice, which we are very grateful for. It shows they want to recognised our efforts and our community. Gillian Beasley has been very supportive to our suggestions and we appreciate that.

"I can't stress enough the power to communicate and engage. By me educating them, it made a difference. Sometimes educating people about yourself and your culture helps."

Looking back, Bernadetta said she feels proud of her commitments and efforts all these years and is looking forward to continuing her work.

Read more: PeterboroughMatters