On Monday 20th of April London Inspire and Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) hosted the third Black Health Inequalities Summit at the prestigious Mermaid in central London. This year’s theme, Equity at the Centre of Systems Change, brought together leaders, communities, and decision-makers from across the UK to drive meaningful, lasting change in Black health outcomes.

Three members of the ECA team attended the Chair Oveta McInnis, trustee Claudette Ebanks and Member of staff Phyllis Sannoh. It was a day full day of national keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, poster presentations, exhibition stalls, and networking with leaders across health, policy, research, and the community sector. Speakers included MPs, Professor Fenton. Our ECA Patron Patrick Vernon ran a workshop. Many of the speakers identified how the change that had taken place in the two years since the Inspire London programme was launched.

Oveta McInnis ECA Chair gave a speech about the commitment of ECA to serve the Community and address issues including Education and health. Oveta took the opportunity to highlight the amazing achievement of ECA who celebrated their 40-year anniversary this year.

Trustee of ECA Claudette Ebanks said “The presentation brought a lot of interest and traffic to our stall. We were able to network with other delegates and sold a significant number of our ever-popular Windrush books. The atmosphere was full of hope that progress is being made and disparities in outcomes and treatment are being addressed”.

ECA were presented with a copy of 100 Black British Doctors by Dr Joan St John, and invited to the official launch of this very special book on the 17th of May.

There were over 500 delegates who attended. We made some useful contacts with other organisations.

After lunch the entire audience was led in an African dance exercise session led by the Ghanaian African dance troupe.

The ECA team were delighted to see Damoi Morgan, the steel pan player, perform at the event.

The day ended with a message from the co leaders of the London Inspire team Cedi Frederick and Julia Amoa. They were filled with hope, although we face huge challenges there is no going back; they rallied the troops to continue the work they are doing, to improve health outcomes for black people.