Dr Deanne Bell and Faye Bruce from our cluster both gave presentations at this PAC45 Foundation event.
The report was written by Angeli Sweeney. Here are excerpts from the report detailing our researchers’ contributions. The full report can be read on the PAC45 Foundation blog page here.
An introduction…
On Saturday 30th July PAC45 Foundation held its first Egbe (the word Egbe is from the Yoruba meaning family or society) The aim of the Egbe was to provide a safe, nurturing and supportive space and time for we women to gather, to discuss, share experiences, information, good practice, strategies and resources in regard to the destructive nature and issues of Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Female Genital Mutilation, Mental Health and Health. Today our Egbe has made space for an introductory African centred therapy known as ‘Emotional Emancipation Circle’ which will be delivered by Rameri Moukam, Clinical Director of Pattigift.
Dr Deanne Bell
Our first contribution came via Skype from Dr Deanne Bell, Assistant Professor at Antioch College, Ohio, USA. Her easy manner and Jamaican lilt immediately put all at ease. Her discourse was engrossing and truly inspiring. Dr Bell’s research is on Trauma and Abuse and how the continuing problem of both of these issues have impacted on Africans resulting in the ‘colonised mind set’. Deanne challenged the usage of such terms as ‘micro aggressions’ as it not only minimises the experience but it also forces us to accept the transgression, the insult, the assault and all its implications explicit and inexplicit. Deanne asked us to consider the need for a radical critical pedagogy in regards to the political, state and geographical violence which has led to our traumatisation. She said that we should no longer ask if Pan Africanism is relevant as Pan Africanism is indelibly imprinted in our very being and instead we should be asking ”How can we mobilise the strength of the Pan African and the Pan African Movement?”
Faye Bruce
Faye Bruce, Senior Lecturer in Health and Nursing, Manchester Metropolitan University, gave a detailed and harrowing presentation on health, health disparities and the failure of the current medical model in relation to black women in the UK and globally. She highlighted frank startling facts about the disproportionate levels of failures in the NHS to adequately treat women of colour in respect to conditions such as Diabetes, Heart Disease, High Cholesterol and Mental Health, which affect women of colour in the UK at alarming rates. Women of African descent present and suffer from symptoms at a much earlier age and though this has been substantiated the health authorities have not responded adequately to ensure that treatment, drugs, advice and support is given at the appropriate time. On asking how do we change this she answered “Support those that are lobbying for change”.
In closing…..
When the notes died we spontaneously embraced. The outpouring of good feeling moved every woman in the room and the look of fierce pride of sister Rameri was testament to the healing that was sorely needed and had wound its ways around the room and into the women’s spirits. By the end of the consultation as every woman left the Council Chambers she was bid goodbye with a chorus of happy female voices wishing her well on her journey, not only for that day but for the rest of the days to come not just as a woman but a woman who has challenged, defied, worked, overcome barriers, achieved, dreamed, aspired and is determined to fulfil her aspirations. A Pan African Woman.
The day truly did feel like it had been spent with family.