Black History Month Mythbusters: Mary Seacole
Monday 28-10-2024 - 11:26
The theme of this year’s Black History Month is “Reclaiming Narratives”, marking a significant shift towards correcting the accounts of Black history and culture.
This theme is all about correcting historical inaccuracies and revealing the true success stories in Black heritage, while challenging narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals.
“Mythbusters” will set the record straight about some of the inspiring Black figures from history who we feel deserve greater recognition.
Myth: Mary Seacole’s role in the Crimean War was minimal compared to Florence Nightingale’s.
Truth: Mary Seacole, a 19th century Jamaican nurse and businesswoman, made substantial contributions during the Crimean War, running her own British Hotel to care for sick and wounded soldiers.
Unlike Nightingale, Seacole was not formally recognised by the British government, likely due to racial prejudices, but her work and bravery in dangerous conditions, sometimes visiting the battlefield to nurse wounded soldiers, won the admiration of soldiers and civilians alike.
She was one of the first Black women to gain fame in Britain for her medical and humanitarian contributions.
Find out more about Mary's story
