The importance of representation, mentorship and community support in building a more inclusive pharmacy profession was a key theme at the tenth annual Black History Month celebration hosted by the Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm).

Held at the College’s London headquarters and online, Honouring Our Communities brought together pharmacy professionals to reflect on the people and experiences that shape careers, alongside the barriers that Black colleagues continue to face.

Opening the event, Tase Oputu, RCPharm President, reflected on the significance of the College’s first elections and becoming its first Black woman President. She expressed her hope that representation, inclusion and belonging would become foundations of the profession rather than aspirations.

Samson Akere, pharmacist and owner of Totty Pharmacy in Charlton, south-east London, delivered the keynote address, The Positive Ripple Effect. He spoke about his journey to owning a community pharmacy, the importance of bringing patient-centred care into local communities and the role mentorship can play in helping others achieve their ambitions.

A panel discussion chaired by Tase brought together Tobi Oladejo, External Relations Officer at the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association and Foundation Trainee Pharmacist, Sam Appiah-Anane, President of the UK Black Pharmacists Association, and Jenny Ahua, Pharmacy Technician at University College London Hospitals.

The panellists reflected on the importance of representation from student life through to leadership, and how professional networks, confidence and community support can help people progress. They also discussed barriers within pharmacy and the challenges Black women can face in the workplace, highlighting the need to build on progress towards a more inclusive profession.

At the end of the event, there was the opportunity for in-person attendees to connect over Caribbean and African food.

The event was hosted in collaboration with the UK Black Pharmacists Association, the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK, Pharmacy Technicians of Colour, the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists, the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association, the Female Pharmacy Leaders Network and Pharmacy Business.

This event forms part of the Royal College of Pharmacy’s wider programme celebrating diversity and inclusion across the profession.