This month’s Noclor Journal Club invites nurses and AHPs to explore a challenging opinion piece about Black History Month, representation and lasting change in the NHS.
Black History Month is an opportunity to recognise Black history, celebrate achievements and create space for conversations about race and inequality. But what happens when the conversation ends?
That is the question at the heart of Why I no longer get excited about Black History Month in the NHS, an opinion piece by nurse leader Marsha Jones, published in Nursing Times in September 2025.
Jones argues that while Black History Month can provide valuable opportunities for visibility and celebration, these activities can feel limited if they are not accompanied by meaningful and sustained action. Her article explores the experiences of Black and global majority staff in the NHS and questions whether annual events can address the deeper issues affecting representation, inclusion and equality at work.
It is a deliberately provocative starting point, and one designed to spark discussion.
Join the conversation
For its October meeting, the Noclor Journal Club for Nurses and AHPs will discuss the article as part of Black History Month. The session will provide an opportunity to consider the arguments presented, challenge them where appropriate, and reflect on what they might mean for healthcare practice and organisations.
As with all Noclor Journal Club sessions, the focus is not simply on reading a paper. Participants are encouraged to consider its strengths and weaknesses, question the evidence and assumptions behind it, and think about how its ideas might translate into practice.
The session will take place on Wednesday 21 October, 2–3.30pm, both online via Microsoft Teams and in person at the Whittington Health Library meeting room, where refreshments will be available.
Whether you agree with Jones' perspective, disagree with it, or simply want to explore the questions it raises, this is an opportunity to have an open and constructive conversation about how the NHS approaches Black History Month, and what meaningful inclusion might look like beyond October.
Book your place
The Noclor Journal Club is open to nurses and AHPs. To book a place, call 020 7288 3580 or email whl@nhs.net.
Read the Nursing Times article
Image: NY PL