Black History Month 2024

As a multi-academy trust comprising 16 schools across Leicester, Leicestershire and Derbyshire – one of the most culturally diverse areas in the United Kingdom – throughout October, we have enjoyed acknowledging the positive impacts made by individuals of Afro-Caribbean descent. 

Here’s a round-up of what some of our schools have been up to this month: 

 

Judgemeadow Community College, Evington 

Imagination filled the corridors at Judgemeadow, as students immersed themselves in a range of creative competitions to celebrate Black History Month. 

First, they were tasked with creating a digital poster that highlighted the work of an important historical figure. The result? A dazzling array of imaginative and colourful entries, all from a variety of inspiring backgrounds. These now line the school corridors, inspiring students when moving from lesson to lesson.  

Adding to the excitement, the school also hosted a drama competition, inviting students to learn and recite one of two poems: either New Day’s Lyric by Amanda Gorman, or Caged Bird by Maya Angelou. They recorded their entries and sent them to Miss Fairbrother, who judged them on tone, pace, pitch and volume. The winning student then received 10 merits.  

 

Brocks Hill Primary School, Oadby 

Inquisitive Key Stage 2 pupils at Brocks Hill came together for The Great Big Live Assembly live stream, hosted by The Sanctuary Foundation in celebration of Black History Month. 

The children dived into an exciting online quiz, listened intently to inspiring talks from British icons like Floella Benjamin, Gemma Hunt, Michael Kiwanuka and Letitia Wright and shared stories of their own Black heroes from both history and today. 

Linking in with their World War 2 topic, pupils also explored the essential contributions of Black and Asian soldiers during the war and their vital role in rebuilding Britain after the conflict. 

Meanwhile, Key Stage One pupils delved into the vibrant world of Little People Big Dreams books, which opened their eyes to inspiring figures like Jesse Owen, Frida Kahlo, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Aretha Franklin and Marcus Rashford. 

 

Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College, Knighton 

Students at Sir Jonathan North explored the remarkable lives and achievements of Black trailblazers throughout British history, diving deep into the stories behind their ground-breaking contributions. 

They learned about Nicola Adams – the first woman to win Olympic boxing gold – Lilian Bader – one of the first women to serve in the armed forces – Malorie Blackman – a famous black author – and Mary Seacole – a trailblazing Jamaican-British nurse, entrepreneur and heroine of the Crimean War. 

 

Humphrey Perkins School, Barrow upon Soar 

Expanding students’ literary landscape, Humphrey Perkins invited learners to read David Olusoga’s eye-opening book Black and British, which answers questions such as ‘when did Africans first come to Britain?’ and ‘who are the well-dressed black children in Georgian paintings?’ Inspired by what they had read, students wrote thoughtful book reviews to deepen their understanding and reflect on Olusoga’s insights. 

To build on this learning, Mrs Hopkinson led an inspiring assembly centred on this year’s theme, ‘Reclaiming Narratives,’ and highlighted the life of Mary Seacole, the groundbreaking Jamaican nurse and historical icon. 

 

The Cedars Academy, Birstall 

Led by the school’s passionate student Diversity Representatives, Cedars students embarked on week of assemblies focusing on ‘Reclaiming Narratives.’ Additionally, during their Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural development sessions, students immersed themselves in the powerful poetry of John Agard, the celebrated Guyanese playwright, poet, and children’s author, discovering his unique way of capturing history, identity and culture through words. 

 

The Castle Rock School and The Newbridge School, Coalville 

Over at our Coalville schools, teachers hosted thought-provoking assemblies that inspired students to reflect on the contributions of remarkable individuals across History, Art, Science and Culture. 

After these enlightening sessions, students engaged in a reflection activity during tutor time, delving deeper into the lives and legacies of icons like Scott Joplin, Viv Anderson, Mae Carol Jemison, Sir David Adjaye, Kehinde Wiley and Sidney Poitier. This exploration not only broadened their understanding but also celebrated the diverse achievements that have shaped our world. 

 

Beauchamp City Sixth Form, Leicester 

The Sixth Form students established a vibrant new African Caribbean Society, crafting a welcoming space that celebrates culture, fosters community, embraces diversity and, above all, promotes unity. 

 

Beauchamp College, Oadby 

Beauchamp College students were captivated by the inspiring story of Tom Jenkins, the first Black teacher to work in a British school. Teaching in Scotland from 1814 to 1818, Jenkins not only broke barriers in education, but also went on to set up schools in Mauritius, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate today. 

 

As Black History Month draws to a close, we take pride in the way so many Lionheart students have enriched their understanding of Black history, approaching the topic with both thoughtfulness and compassion. Their engagement reflects a deep commitment to celebrating diversity and recognising the significance of history in shaping our world today.