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Our school community is marking Black History Month (BHM) and its 2024 themes: Reclaiming Narratives and Black Heritage, with a programme of events, activities, talks and embedded curriculum work to support our year-round commitment to inclusion.

The reclaiming narratives theme includes revising and sharing Black histories, along with ‘taking ownership of the stories that define [Black] culture, [Black] contributions, and [Black] identity’. Chanel Noel, Strategic Inclusion Lead, explains: “One of our many inclusion priorities is the focus on celebration and identity. Black History globally and in the UK is full of a rich array of stories and narratives, across literature, art history, football culture, service heroes and pioneers, to list just a few, all of which deserve to be spotlighted and celebrated.

To celebrate the first day of Black History Month, Dr Clive Nwonka, UCL Associate Professor and author presented a lunchtime talk on the theme of his new book ‘Black Arsenal’ – reinforcing the importance of local Black history and sharing some of his personal experiences in academia. Many sixth formers are interested in UCL as a destination, so hearing from a current Associate Professor at UCL, of British Nigerian heritage was a special treat. Amongst the attendees at the talk were avid Arsenal supporters, including Sixth Form pupil Raphy who won a free copy of the book for championing Arsenal’s new Africa-inspired away kit, which recognises the club’s connection to Black culture.

Members of the newly relaunched African and Caribbean Society delivered assemblies to all pupils, sharing information about their own cultural heritage as part of the ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ theme. Pupils and staff spoke of their cultural roots in Kenya, Ghana, South Africa and the sibling islands of Dominica and Saint Lucia, sharing personal testimonies, national history and geographical highlights. Pupils were encouraged to engage with books written by Black authors and/or featuring prominent Black narratives or characters, with fantastic recommendations from the Library and English department.

Pupils who delivered the assemblies, explained: “The theme is an invitation for us to take responsibility to learn more about underrepresented or misappropriated narratives. By reclaiming narratives we are recognising the powerful words of Black men and women whose quotes speak of strength, resilience, and vision, offering lessons that inspire and uplift across generations.”

Kenyalyn and Michael presented assemblies to all Senior School pupils

As part of Highgate’s wider inclusion plan, we have adopted the Hemisphere racial literacy training for senior school pupils. Along with the national BHM theme, Highgate’s second theme is borne from the year-round focus to learn more about the 54 countries in Africa, 13 Island nations in the Caribbean and their link to Black British heritage. This focus also aligns with priorities set by other racial equity partners, including FLAIR and African Caribbean Education Network (ACEN).

In the Junior School and Pre-Prep, the curriculum is infused with topics throughout the year to celebrate Black culture, contributions, and identity. Many activities were given greater prominence during BHM, including an art project to explore the stories of important Black figures and connecting them to the Junior School values of Curiosity, Respect, Empathy and Determination. Elsewhere, pupils have been learning about the work and legacy of famous scientists, mathematicians, engineers, Olympians and authors.

Junior School children worked on an art project to explore the stories of important Black figures

This term, Pre-Prep children have been learning about artist Alma Thomas, astronaut Mae Jenson and Floella Benjamin’s book ‘Coming to England’, along with other texts such as My Family, Your Family, JoJo Gran Gran, Hair Love, The Colours of Us and Ghanaian Goldilocks.

Chanel Noel concludes: “Black History is important year-round. We have worked to highlight some important themes during Black History Month to equip those in our school community to better identify explorations and celebrations of Black histories throughout their school journey.”