Rooted & Rising – Episode 6

26 Oct 2026

In the final episode of this series of Rooted & Rising, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Black Maternal Health, and Dr Annabel Sowemimo, NHS Consultant in Sexual & Reproductive Health and award-winning author, join co-hosts Susan Cole and Dr Vanessa Apea.

Together, they explore Black women’s health, the impact of racism and the changes needed for Black women to live well and thrive.

Bell discusses inequalities in maternity care, the wider social and economic conditions affecting Black women’s health, and her priorities for policy change.

Annabel reflects on her book Divided: Racism, Medicine and Why We Need to Decolonise Healthcare, how racism shapes Black women’s experiences of health and care, and her work at Arise Women’s Health Hub in Lewisham.

Marking Black History Month’s theme, “Honouring Our Communities”, Susan and Vanessa reflect on the series and celebrate Black women’s leadership in addressing health inequities and driving change.

This episode was streamed live on Monday 26 October 2026. 5–5.30pm UK time

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