Celebrating our Black nurses

Mwali Muray (RN, BScN, MBA, PhD) is an assistant professor at the University of Ottawa School of Nursing. Her doctoral research focused on health care for official language minority communities in Ontario, examining the experiences of Francophone patients and nurses. She has taught courses on areas including cardiac arrhythmia and complex nursing care, and has guest lectured for several undergraduate and graduate courses in both English and French. Her research interests include the health needs of linguistic and visible minorities, inequities in access to health care, and health administration. She is also interested in topics related to acute and critical care nursing. In addition, she is currently accepting graduate and Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program students.

As we celebrate Black History Month, Professor Muray shares that she’s proud to be an African Canadian of Congolese descent. She says that “it’s important to surround ourselves with people who encourage us to do difficult things. Otherwise, we can easily lose sight of our dreams and ambitions. Be strong and courageous, and just do it even if it scares you. Your journey may inspire others along the way. While the journey is not always easy for Black people, or for BIPOC people in general, everyone needs to remember that persistence is key. Although others may not always see your potential, never lose sight of your goals and ambitions ... Stay strong! There is much work to be done and progress to achieve, and we all have a part in moving forward towards excellence. Don’t count yourself out!”

View Mwali’s profile.

Seynab Sougal is very committed to addressing social and racial inequalities, and actively seeks to enhance perceptions of the role of Black people in society. She exemplifies what it means to be a Black nurse and faculty member at the School of Nursing, where she has been a part-time professor since 2011. In addition to her PhD in nursing, she is a clinical nurse specialist with a certification in psychiatry / mental health and community health. She is interested in issues related to child and youth mental health, equity, social justice and access to health care for immigrants and Black people.

“As a young teenager in the 1990s, I remember how rare it was to see a culturally and/or racially diverse person in high school in Ottawa,” she says. “As a first-generation immigrant, you had to quickly create your own role models in your head. As a part-time professor, I hear many of the students from Black communities say they identify with me and feel inspired to pursue higher education. I have come to realize — over time — the importance of representation.”

“Over my professional journey, I’ve faced obstacles related to the colour of my skin and my lack of mentors,” she adds. “However, these obstacles led me to see things differently. They motivated me to keep going and look for ways to create social change. I got involved with several local community organizations and University committees. I was elected to represent part-time professors on the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Faculty Council for two years in a row, from 2019 to 2021, and I have sat on the Faculty’s equity, diversity and inclusion committee since 2019. This committee’s mandate is to make recommendations to help the Faculty develop strategies for addressing equity, diversity and inclusion issues. I believe that systemic racism and anti-Black racism exist in our institutions and society as a whole. I’m thrilled by the School of Nursing’s efforts to improve the visibility of Black people. It’s important to start conversations together on this topic and to make lasting change.”

View Seynab’s profile.

I’ve been at uOttawa for all my degrees, bachelors to doctorate. Unfortunately, I’ve had very few BIPOC leaders to look up to in the School of Nursing. When I was in my undergrad, I often heard stories highlighting the systemic racism present within academia, and some of my fellow black students experienced discrimination during their studies. I pursued my masters and PhD to become a teacher and role model for future black students – I did this because representation matters. I worked as both teaching and research assistants, and sat on every committee possible, to fight for fair treatment for black students. My goal is, and has always been, to change the racist culture within nursing. I am very proud to be a woman of colour at this school, which is lacking adequate representation of diversity in its faculty.

While I appreciate this initiative for Black History Month, I feel there is tremendous work to be done at uO, and within academia generally, regarding racism and discrimination. Three years after completing my PhD, I am still struggling to solidify permanent employment. As a student, I lived experiences where my teachers doubted my abilities, questioned my integrity, and told me that I was “too critical”. Reflecting on these experiences, I believe that I was treated this way because I am black.

We need tangible and concrete actions to dismantle systemic racism in nursing and to stop tokenism. We need to treat the BIPOC students fairly and not judge them. We need inclusive hiring practices and to foster diversity in all areas of nursing, not just in practice. This requires an authentic commitment from all levels of leadership – actions, not just words. February is Black History Month, yet we must not forget that racism is hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. Be real, be intentional. Stop the affirmative action. Be intentional about tackling systemic racism and institutional oppression. Do better.

For my students, I would like to say: “Systemic racism will always be there, you will face adversities at every corner. Do not quit, do not give up. Dare to dream and achieve your dreams, however impossible they may seem. Look for support.  Seek help. Give your 100% to achieve. Do not be afraid to ask for help - from a teacher, a tutor, or your friends – you are not alone.”

View Nancy's profile.