Black History Month is celebrated each year in October to remember moments in history, achievements and contributions that black people have made in the United Kingdom and to eliminate discrimination and encourage racial equality.
At Hurst, we kicked off the month with a Senior school assembly led by Head boy, Ziggy T who set the tone of respect and recognition explaining the importance of the theme for this year, ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. Voices from the past were brought to life once again as three Lower Sixth students read out the truths of historical Black figures in their own words. Each student spoke with power and gave their focus justice in every re-telling.
The next key event was our Senior Prep school assembly. Planned and led by student volunteers from the EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) team, the assembly broke down what ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ truly means. Year 7 and 8 were engaged and enthusiastic as they offered their thoughts on what it looks like to respect others, celebrate difference, and be inspired by those who have come before us. Groups of students created presentations on which key Black figures (activists, writers, political leaders, everyday people, etc.) inspired them because of the difference they made in the fight towards racial equality. At the end they collaborated on posters sharing their perspectives on how to treat another person with respect, to reaffirm the hope we carry for the younger generations, giving hope for a kinder, more understanding world. Mx Wedderburn-Bolton said that ‘from where they stood in that room, the future shone so bright’.
It is important to know that Black History Month continues all year, and we should hold in our heart the same curiosity and compassion our students displayed during October. To stand with those who face discrimination, to understand our privileges where we have them, and to speak for those whose voices are not given the space to be heard? That is to be human. That is to be kind. That is the way we do things at Hurst.
