Blogs and Interviews

In the UK, Black History Month happens every October, starting in 1987 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean. It gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.

The theme changes each year, and in 2023 we were invited to ‘Salute our Sister’. This gave us the opportunity to find out more about the exceptional achievements of black women, especially those who have been forgotten. Six sub-themes, including “Sheroes Among Us” and “Women Who Move Mountains”, invited us to explore the impact made by pioneering black women in the fields of literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more.

As a community of women, this year’s theme had particular poignance and relevance to CLC as it highlighted the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities – themes which chime with our values, and which many current and former pupils would recognise.

In celebration of this month, the History Academic Reps at College, supported by staff, put together a wide variety of activities and events to highlight the extensive impact black women have had on our culture and society. We learnt about inspiring black women, including Angela Davis, an author, feminist and civil rights activist and Anita Neil, the first black female athlete to represent Great Britain. Documentary screenings and reading groups helped to facilitate debate and discussion, including a screening of ‘13th’ which encouraged some deeper introspection into the war against crime in America, and a book group discussion for LC3 – UC5 students on ‘The Hate U Give’ by Angie Thomas. Our Lower College Art Club had the opportunity to look at the work of Xenobia Bailey and the English Department delivered poetry readings from the works of poets such as Audre Lord and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who we welcomed to College as our Speech Day speaker back in 2015.

Overall, it was hugely rewarding to hear discussions being prompted by the events around College, as open discussion plays and will continue to play a crucial role in re-addressing prejudice and celebrating the role of black women in all our history.

The importance of re-learning and remembering Black History will prevail as long as racism and inequality exist within our society. We are proud to participate in this national event as discrimination against people of colour, disproportionately black women, can only be combatted through widespread education.

Whilst learning about this prejudice is important, it is only half the story; what is often forgotten is the incredibly positive impact black people have had on all societies they have lived in despite the racism they have frequently faced.

Tuesday 21st November 2023