Thread by @BPCollective_

As an organisation, Black Pharmacists Collective (BPC) was founded to speak out against injustice within the education system and the pharmacy profession. We are a group of six young Black pharmacy students who saw significant inequalities within the pharmacy profession.

We chose to create the BPC to address these inequalities and to contribute towards lasting change.

In light of the horrific murders of George Floyd and countless other Black people in America over the last few months, we would like to express our hurt and disgust with these acts.

Initial outrage has now transcended into a global movement of unprecedented proportions. We are proud of how our community and many others across the globe have spoken out against racism.

However, we are disappointed by both the lack of response & the lack of actionable objectives by universities across the country. Education is intended to be the backbone of society, providing equal opportunity and facilitating change. But the education system has failed us.

Racism is not limited to the unjust killings of Black women and Black men. It goes far beyond this. It is built into our infrastructures, from our government to our schools, to our healthcare system.

Black pharmacists and other healthcare professionals advocate for the wellbeing of others. But who advocates for Black pharmacists?

The recent review into ‘Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19’ by Public Health England shows a disproportionate number of deaths of Black people. Highlighting, now more than ever, the failures of our systems

The UK is not innocent. Our healthcare system is not innocent. Our education systems are not innocent.

Of course, this addresses the most recent events, but the curriculum has routinely failed to represent the realities of our diverse society. This spans from lack of images of different skin tones in medical literature, to lack of diversity in teaching staff.

If our own educators cannot acknowledge and teach on these disparities, how can we expect any long-term change? Action is not beyond their remit. We cannot continue to accept such complacency.

So what now?

In the following days we will be posting resources and infographics to spread awareness and to educate.

In the meantime, @CambridgeBME has compiled a spreadsheet (link available in our bio) of ways you can help in the fight against racism.

We urge you all to do your part to support your Black colleagues, Black students and Black friends.

#BlackLivesMatter #BLM #BPCollective

Black Pharmacists Collective (BPC)