Black History Month 2025

Every October, we celebrate Black History Month in the UK, providing a platform to honour, celebrate, and understand the profound impact of Black heritage and culture. 

At the RCVS, we are proud to support this important month and focus on this year’s theme - ‘Standing firm in power and pride’. It's a theme that highlights the profound contributions made by Black leaders, activists, or pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth. 

This Black History Month we invited Black veterinary professionals and students to share how their cultural identity and heritage has shaped them, the Black trailblazers who inspire them, and what aspects of Black History they’d like people to know about.  

Read their stories below:

• Dr Gabby Bell MRCVS - veterinary surgeon
• Dr Anton Thompson MRCVS - veterinary surgeon
• Rhiana Reid-Kanon - veterinary student
• Remi Onabolu MRCVS - veterinary surgeon

Dr Gabby Bell MRCVS

Can you tell us briefly about your career journey?

My journey into veterinary medicine began with the Sutton Trust Summer School in 2018, which inspired me to pursue vet school. I went on to study at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) through the Gateway Programme from 2019, graduating in 2025. The Gateway Programme was designed to widen participation in the veterinary profession, and being part of that mission shaped my passion for diversity and representation within the field. During my time at the RVC, I became actively involved in outreach and widening participation efforts, supporting aspiring veterinary students and serving as President of the African Caribbean Society. I now work in small animal practice and aim to continue contributing to outreach and diversity work alongside my clinical career.

How has your cultural identity and heritage shaped you as a person?

Being from a Black-Caribbean background has taught me to be resilient and take pride in who I am. Coming from a background where veterinary medicine was not a common path, I’ve always carried a sense of responsibility to represent and uplift others who may not see themselves reflected in this profession. My heritage has instilled in me a strong sense of community, compassion and drive, which I try to carry into every space I enter.

What does 'Black excellence' mean to you?

To me, 'Black excellence' means authenticity, courage and growth. It’s about showing up fully as yourself, breaking barriers and creating space for others to thrive. It is not just about individual success but about celebrating how far we have come and continuing to build for the next generation.

Who are the Black trailblazers and/or visionaries that inspire you and why?

I am currently inspired by Dr Bolu Eso and Dr Fabian Rivers, who both embody what it means to lead with purpose and integrity within the veterinary profession. They have helped pave the way for greater visibility and continue to use their voices to advocate for inclusion, representation, and wellbeing in our field. Through social media and television, they educate others on the highs and lows of the profession, often addressing rising and debatable topics within the industry. And by sharing their personal journeys, they offer an honest and relatable view of veterinary life that encourages reflection and change.

What aspect of Black history would you want everyone to know about?

One aspect of Black history I wish everyone acknowledged more is how deeply rooted our legacy is across every part of society. From music and fashion to food and art, Black culture has shaped global trends and continues to influence industries worldwide. Black people have made significant contributions to science, medicine and education for centuries, and those achievements deserve to be celebrated all year round, not just in October. I believe it’s important for people to recognise that Black history is not solely about struggle. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength, progress and lasting impact of our community.

Dr Anton Thompson MRCVS

Can you tell us briefly about your career journey?

I am an RCVS advanced practitioner in small animal emergency and critical care (ECC) who works for Vets Now as a veterinary surgeon and clinical mentor. I attended Cambridge veterinary school as a mature graduate student and qualified in 2008.

My passion for ECC is longstanding and I undertook the UK’s inaugural ECC internship at Vets Now Referral Hospital Glasgow in 2011. Following a spell as an ECC resident at the Royal Veterinary College, I rejoined Vets Now in 2013 and was awarded a postgraduate certificate in small animal emergency and critical care in 2018.

I am a founding member of Vets Now Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) group and the IVC Evidensia Ethnic diversity scholarship scheme.

How has your cultural identity and heritage shaped you as a person?

I am extremely proud of my Black British Afro-Caribbean heritage and to be a third generation descendent of the Windrush generation. The aspiration, resilience and determination of my ancestors and community has consistently served as a template for my being and achievements.

Being raised in London, I have always considered the UK to be a diverse nation, but I believe there is a need for all environments to be inclusive and representative, including the veterinary profession. As a neurodivergent Black British vet who was schooled within an inner London comprehensive, I continually challenge stereotypes regarding the ethnicity, gender, socio-economic and educational background of veterinary professionals.

What does 'Black excellence' mean to you?

Highlighting the exceptional and inspirational individuals and organisations of Black heritage that encompass achievement. Essentially, it is the resilience, hardworking and aspirational nature of those with Black heritage that foster accomplishment.

Who are the Black trailblazers and/or visionaries that inspire you and why?

Dr Mandisa Greene FRCVS, the first Black RCVS President, for her advocacy in EDI and being an amazing role model as to what one can achieve in the veterinary profession.

Nelson Mandela - for immense resilience and for standing up for what is fair and just, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

What aspect of Black history would you want everyone to know about?

There have been Black veterinary surgeons in the UK since 1886, with Jotello Festiri Soga being recorded as the first, qualifying from the Royal (Dick) Veterinary School, Edinburgh.

Rhiana Reid-Kanon

Can you tell us briefly about your career journey?

After losing my guinea pig at the age of 10, I became determined to become a vet (specifically an exotic one). Growing up in South London meant that I usually had to seek out opportunities and experiences myself to help cultivate my interest. I actively sought out work experience placements from year 10 onward and volunteered at a dog grooming salon on the weekends. I attended the Sutton Trust Summer School and secured a place on the Veterinary Gateway Programme at the RVC.

How has your cultural identity and heritage shaped you as a person?

My cultural identity (Jamaican and Ivorian) has made me proud of who I am and driven me to break barriers so that more people like me can enter and thrive in this profession. Coming from a marginalised community has shaped the way I show up for others - it’s made me more vocal in advocating for inclusion and receptive to people from all backgrounds. I make a conscious effort to seek out and create spaces where I can indulge in my culture as it re-energises me and sustains my motivation.

What does 'Black excellence' mean to you?

'Black excellence', to me, is about standing strong despite the hurdles you face. It’s refusing to waver or compromise your character just to fit in. It’s choosing not to let the weight of the world harden your heart. 'Black excellence' is going after what you want without feeling guilty for taking up space, you know your worth and refuse to exist as a token or as someone’s diversity quota. It’s about inspiring others through your presence, whilst not feeling burdened to speak for every black individual.

Who are the Black trailblazers and/or visionaries that inspire you and why?

Dr Bolu Eso and Dr Fabian Rivers inspire me because they are unapologetically themselves and create content that resonates with them. They also have been able to maintain a strong personal identity outside of the industry and debunk myths about what veterinary professionals should look and sound like. Beyond veterinary medicine, I admire Donald Glover. He has mastered multiple talents whilst staying grounded and uses his art to spark conversations about issues that matter to him.

What aspect of Black history would you want everyone to know about?

I would want everyone to know about the contributions Black people have made to medicine, whether that be willingly or unwillingly. Their role in shaping medical knowledge is often overlooked and they deserve recognition and appreciation. I think it is important for people to know how things came about and the sacrifices that were made. I also think there’s value in people being educated about the systemic barriers that were built over time and how they still influence attitudes and opportunities today. But beyond that, I want people to recognise that Black history isn’t only about hardship. It’s rich with innovation, joy, resistance, community and cultural influence that shaped the world long before it was ever acknowledged or celebrated. Our story is not just about what we endured, but what we created and continue to offer.

Remi Onabolu MRCVS

Can you tell us briefly about your career journey?

I initially trained as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) at university and absolutely loved the experience. After qualifying in 2019, I realised I was drawn to a different kind of responsibility - particularly the opportunity to perform surgery. I must have enjoyed university so much that I decided to go back in 2020 to train as a vet. I have since completed my first year in clinical practice as a small animal vet. My background in veterinary nursing has been invaluable, giving me a strong foundation of knowledge and a deep appreciation for the roles within a multidisciplinary team.

How has your cultural identity and heritage shaped you as a person?

I’m continually deepening my understanding of my heritage, which is rooted in both Nigerian and Jamaican culture. I find joy in the music, food and hospitality that make the pillar of my cultures. For me, cooking traditional dishes has become a important way for me to connect with my roots. It’s taught me the value of sharing culture with others and staying close to family - especially elders, whose wisdom and stories shape our identity.

Seeing elements of my culture celebrated in UK music fills me with pride and reminds me how vital it is to honour where we come from. These experiences have helped shape my core values: community, respect, and cultural pride.

What does 'Black excellence' mean to you?

To me, 'Black excellence' is a powerful celebration of resilience, achievement, and unity. It represents the triumphs of Black individuals who have succeeded despite systemic barriers, discrimination, and adversity. It’s not just about personal success - it’s about collective pride. When one of us rises, we all rise. Every accomplishment, whether in education, art, science, business, or community, proves to others that success is possible.

'Black excellence' also reminds me of the importance of representation and legacy. Seeing others thrive who look like me makes goals seems like they are more attainable.

 Who are the Black trailblazers and/or visionaries that inspire you and why?

When I think of Black trailblazers, several inspiring individuals come to mind but, within the veterinary industry, Emmanuel Oloyede-Oyeyemi stands out. While still studying for his veterinary degree, he founded Animal Aspirations, an organisation dedicated to showing young people from diverse backgrounds - especially students of colour - that a career working with animals is not only possible, but within reach. His commitment to outreach and education is a powerful example of leadership and vision. Those who take the time to uplift and inspire the next generation, particularly while pursuing their own demanding goals, truly deserve to be celebrated. Emmanuel’s work embodies the spirit of trailblazing: breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and leaving a legacy of empowerment.

What aspect of Black history would you want everyone to know about?

To me, Black history is not only about remembering the adversities faced by Black communities - it’s also about celebrating the victories and contributions that Black people have made across generations. It’s a time to shine a light on the brilliance, creativity, and resilience that have shaped history and continue to influence the present. Recognising these accomplishments helps to build pride and awareness. Especially for younger generations who deserve to see themselves reflected in stories of excellence and impact. Black history should be a celebration of progress, a tribute to legacy, and a reminder that every win - no matter how big or small - is a step forward for everyone.