Black History Month 2020: Josh's story

"My full name is Joshua Anthony Fitzgerald Lawrence. With my middle name of Fitzgerald being made up of 'Fitz' - the original name of my family and 'Gerald' - the slave name given to us during those times.

"I found this out about my own history about two years ago and although it was a shock at first, I am extremely proud of my name and what it stands for."

This October, University Hospitals Dorset are celebrating Black History Month. As part of this, the BAME staff network will be sharing staff stories to raise awareness of the diversity in our NHS family.

Josh Lawrence, resource coordinator for child health at Poole Hospital, talks to us about his job, role models and what he wants to celebrate this Black History Month.

"On a typical day, I get to work and I often do stock checks and place orders for required stock. I then look to manage any broken or repaired equipment, whether sending for or picking up from repair. I then look to progress any of the many on-going projects the unit has for converting spaces.

"My mother has always worked for the NHS so I knew I would end up here at some point.

Dr King is an obvious choice [of a black role model and source of inspiration]. The amazing things I have read about this man and what he did under the greatest of challenges while still holding himself with such grace was unimaginable. In more recent times I would have to say I have been inspired by Richard Pryor and Dave Chappelle.

While living in London I went to a private school where I experienced racism from classmates. Things got so bad I had to move school because of it. This made me learn from a young age my worth and what are acceptable things to be called and what is not.

Since then I have never accepted any form of racism whatsoever and challenge it wherever I see it. This, for me, would be a particular moment in time that defines me.

When thinking of achievements by black people, I am most proud of my grandfather. He came to the UK in the Windrush generation and lived and worked here for 40 years saving all the time. He then moved to Barbados and built himself a house there and lived out the remainder of his days in peace.

I now own this house and am incredibly thankful for everything he has done for us. He was a truly great man.

I have not had to overcome any racism at work which really speaks very highly of the culture at Poole Hospital.

This Black History Month I want to celebrate that the fight for equality took great steps forward this year. Although I can see where some groups have pushed back as they maybe didn't like the way the message was brought up, it doesn't change the fact that it needed to be brought up and we are already seeing change from it.