Mrs Cruse (Head of Years 7 and 8)
Pictured - Year 9 students, Meagan, Lennita and Minnat.
Now in its 34th year, Black History Month UK announced that this year’s theme would be Proud To Be with the intention of showcasing “the vast richness of diversity that Black and Brown people bring to the UK.” At BGS, we are highlighting this theme through discussions about forgotten historical episodes, which traditionally have not been given any significant prominence in schools.
The Years 7 and 8 students have spent their form times focusing on the story of the Windrush Generation, whilst Year 11 have been tasked to research and present their findings on an example of British Black History that is often forgotten in schools.
Some of the topics they have looked at range from the Bristol Bus Boycott, John Blanke, the trumpeter for both Henry VII and Henry VIII and the British Black Panthers. They have had an assembly on the significance of Black History Month and the reasons why we celebrate black excellence and culture rather than just seeing oppression.
At BGS, we believe that Black History Month is part of the wider education of integrating the Black British experience into the wider curriculum. Through celebrating the theme Proud to Be, we will start to signify the importance of everyone’s culture and history.
The Senior School assemblies this term have focused on Betty Campbell, who was Wales' first black headteacher and championed her nation's multicultural heritage throughout her life. Her determination to become a teacher, despite the words of her headmistress when she told her of her dream: “Oh my dear, the problems would be insurmountable.” These words made Betty Campbell even more determined to reach her dream.
Year 9 students, Lennita Pitt, Minnat and Meagan reflected on why they think it is important to celebrate culture:
Lennita Pitt: “I think it is important to celebrate and be proud of our culture in order to better understand ourselves and identities.”
Minnat Raheem: “I think it is very important to embrace and celebrate our cultures because it’s nice to understand our roots and also because there may be very fun traditional things you can do such as dances and cooking special food.”
Meagan Shoko: “I think that it’s important to be proud and celebrate our cultures because it is a part of who we are and it helps us grow to love ourselves even more.”
