For nursing in the North West of England, it is a chance to recognise the generations of Black nurses whose expertise, leadership and resilience helped build and sustain our hospitals, health and social care services.

When the NHS was founded in 1948, it faced significant workforce shortages, and many nurses from across the Caribbean and Africa chose to build their careers in Britain, bringing skills, knowledge and experience that proved essential to its development and success.

It is also important to recognise that the story of Black nursing did not begin with the creation of the NHS. Black people have featured in the history of nursing and midwifery in Britain for centuries, often in ways that went unrecorded or unrecognised. Long before nursing became a formally regulated profession, much of this contribution took place outside institutions that preserved historical records. As a result, many early Black nurses remain absent from official histories, despite the important role they played in caring for individuals, families and communities.

History cannot be told honestly without recognising the racism and discrimination experienced by many Black nurses. Those who came to Britain to care for patients and strengthen public services often faced prejudice from patients, colleagues and within the institutions where they worked. Some had their care refused, their abilities questioned or their opportunities for progression limited, despite their skills and expertise being in high demand. These experiences reflected wider social and institutional inequalities. Yet Black nurses continued to deliver outstanding care, lead services, support communities and challenge injustice, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

One of the North West's most notable nursing pioneers was Louise Da-Cocodia, affectionately known across Manchester as "Mrs D". Born in Jamaica in 1934, she moved to Britain in 1955 to train as a nurse. Like many of her contemporaries, she experienced racism throughout her career. Louise trained in general nursing, midwifery and health visiting, and through her professional excellence, determination and leadership became Manchester's first Black Senior Nursing Officer, eventually retiring in 1989.

Louise Da-Cocodia's legacy extends far beyond nursing. Having experienced discrimination firsthand, she became one of Manchester's leading advocates for racial equality and social justice. She served on Race Relations Board committees, contributed to inquiries following the Moss Side disturbances, published work examining the impact of racism in nursing and championed opportunities for Black communities across Greater Manchester. Even after reaching senior positions, she continued to encounter prejudice, reinforcing her belief that change required both leadership and action. Louise understood the importance of visible role models and believed that young Black people should see themselves as active participants in shaping the future of British society. Her contribution was recognised with an honorary Master's degree from the University of Manchester and an MBE in 2005 for services to the people of Manchester.

Louise's story reminds us that nursing is not only about clinical practice. It is also about leadership, advocacy and the courage to challenge injustice. Across the North West there are countless similar stories, many of which remain untold. That is why Black History Month matters, to give greater visibility to stories that deserve a central place in the history of nursing. It is also a reminder that allyship requires more than celebration. It means understanding the impact of racism on individuals, careers and communities; challenging discrimination when it occurs; and ensuring opportunities for development, progression and leadership are genuinely accessible to all.

The nursing profession is strongest when it reflects the communities it serves. By recognising the achievements of pioneers such as Louise Da-Cocodia, and the many who have followed in her footsteps, we honour our collective history while learning lessons for the future. Their stories remind us that a profession committed to fairness, inclusion and opportunity is better equipped to serve patients, support staff and strengthen communities.

By learning from the past and acting in the present, we can help build a nursing profession where everyone is respected, every voice is heard, and every nurse has an equal opportunity to thrive.