Speak to us Easy read Jobs sign in Find support Work with us About us Contact us Blog Proud to be Home Blog Proud to be Author Monica McGregor Published 20/10/21 Share this page This year’s Black History Month is based on the theme, ‘Proud to Be.’ This theme is about the importance of engaging in history and sharing the richness of your culture. Read more Find support near you Find support near you Monica McGregor, Senior Support Worker at Choice Support, tells us how looking to our historical heroes can inspire us to continue a legacy of justice and equality. “My name is Monica, and my origin is from the Ashanti tribe in Western Africa. My ancestors were sold into slavery and sent across the Atlantic to Jamaica where they were sold to a plantation. My hero is Nanny of the Maroons who led a rebellion against slavery. Nanny was known as an outstanding military leader who stood as a symbol for unity and strength during a time of crisis. Her spirit of freedom was so great that in 1739, she knew that a treaty signed with Britain, it was yet another form of subjugation. The principles were not right in her opinion. I see Nanny as my role model, someone who fought for what she believed in. She taught her people to be brave and courageous. For over 30 years, Nanny fed over 800 slaves and helped them to resettle in the Maroon community. Nanny died in 1733 and remains one of Jamaica’s national heroes. I live in her legacy and have taught my children to be respectful, selfless and to stand up to anything that life throws at them. I encourage them to treat people equally and not to conform to society’s expectations.” Monica’s story reminds us of the importance of engaging with history and sharing stories from our own cultures. We celebrate Black History Month to learn, to understand, and to know that challenging injustice and making change is possible. Our CEO Sarah Maguire says: “Our history is full of Black men and women who stood up for what they believed in, people who made it possible for us to call out discrimination and strive for a fair and just society. Don’t wait until October each year to fill in your missing bits of our history.” Find out more Sign up to our newsletter Find out what's happening at Choice Support and how you can get involved. Sign up Working for us We are looking for new staff to join our team and help us improve the lives of people we support. Find out more Find us Compass House 84 Holland Road Maidstone Kent ME14 1UT 01622 722400 Quick links Support enquiries General enquiries CQC ratings Site Privacy Slavery and human trafficking statement Diversity, inclusion, and belonging Connect with us Choice Support © 2019 | Choice Support is a registered charity (number 1156486) and a company limited by guarantee (registered in England and Wales number 8971493) | Registered office: Compass House, 84 Holland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1UT | Get in touch | Privacy Policy Design: Red Stone