As we approach Black History Month 2024, this year’s theme of “Reclaiming Narratives” marks a significant shift towards using authentic black voices to shine a brighter light on real stories, allegories and history, while correcting inaccurate narratives of black history and culture.
Using this approach in the classroom is a great way of giving children the opportunity to learn stories about true black heroes, their contributions to society, and their achievements in the UK and around the world.
So how can schools find their own stories of inspiration this Black History Month?
Sharing your own experiences
If you are lucky enough to have teaching staff from a diverse range of backgrounds and ethnicities, they can be one of your greatest resources.
Reflecting on my own journey, the Windrush generation profoundly influenced my relationship with music and identity. However, music was only one part of my experience.
My life was transformed by my form tutor and RE teacher at school. Winston Bygraves, (or Sir, as I still struggle to call him by his first name) not only guided me academically and empowered me to embrace my heritage through his lessons and beyond the classroom, but he also helped us to learn about his life, culture, and identity and through his lens.
It was the first time I had learned about British history from the perspective of a black British teacher. He was invited to our homes on Eid, and his presence challenged the narratives that existed among British Asian communities. Through understanding his life experiences, we were correcting historical inaccuracies and hearing untold success stories of black heritage.
Beyond slavery and civil rights
Slavery and the civil rights movement are monumental to black history, but there is a need to widen the net and celebrate black contributions in many different places and fields, including the arts, sciences, politics, and everyday life. Here are some good examples:
- John Blanke, a royal trumpeter in Henry VIII’s court, and Olaudah Equiano, a writer and abolitionist, provide historical context to black presence in Britain.
- Inspirational leaders like Walter Tull, a footballer and British army officer, and Una Marston, a pioneering journalist and poet, show the breadth of black excellence in sports and the arts.
- Activists like Roy Hackett and Paul Stephenson of the Bristol Bus Boycott, Olive Morris, and the first black MPs – Diane Abbott, Bernie Grant, and Paul Boateng – paved the way for social and political change.
- Contemporary figures like film-maker Steve McQueen and activist Akala continue to influence culture today.
Sharing this variety of stories not only enriches what children are taught in humanities or other subjects for Black History Month, but it also allows us to represent black voices, experiences and contributions across more aspects of the curriculum.
Don’t be afraid to share thought-provoking stories that challenge the status quo and inspire change.
Include the history of black Muslims
In the UK, the intersection of black and Muslim identities is often overlooked when we talk about black history. Yet, black Muslims have been integral to the fabric of British society for centuries.
From the early sailors and traders of African descent who settled in port cities, to the vibrant communities of today, their stories are ones of faith, resilience, and contribution. Here are some inspirational black Muslims you may like to talk about:
- Bilal, one of the first people of known African ancestry to become a Muslim.
- Nana Asmaʾu, a Fula princess, poet, teacher and daughter of Usman dan Fodio. A revered figure in northern Nigeria.
- Muhammad Ali, world famous professional boxer and activist.
- Ibtihaj Muhammad, entrepreneur, activist and the first Olympic athlete to wear a hijab (while competing for the USA in fencing – she won bronze).
The narratives of black Muslims are as diverse as they are rich, encompassing experiences of migration, adaptation, and the struggle against both racial and religious discrimination. These stories can be told and celebrated during Black History Month but also throughout the year through your religious education curriculum.
Find local story-tellers and historians
Black History Month is an opportune moment to reach-out to members of black communities locally and welcome them along to your school to step into the role of story-tellers, historians, and custodians of their heritage.
This could include community leaders, local journalists or other important figures: it could include parents or carers or maybe even former pupils. They all bring knowledge, experience, and a personal connection to the stories we are aiming to tell our pupils.
For too long the history of black communities has been told through lenses that often misrepresent, over-simplify, or entirely overlook the rich and diverse experiences of those who lived it.
By giving children the chance to hear stories from members of their own communities first-hand, with narratives which accurately reflect their realities and aspirations, we can engage with young minds in a way that is both meaningful and empowering.
Share stories of allyship
At a time when many communities stand divided following the riots this summer, it is important that Black History Month shows children that everybody has a role to play in creating a harmonious society – regardless of their background.
This could be by sharing stories where people have become important allies to black communities, or even by encouraging pupils and their families to engage with a diverse range of local events, workshops and discussions to widen perspectives and foster a spirit of inclusivity.
Many ways to celebrate black history
Black History Month doesn’t have to be a standalone lesson on the timetable – and nor should it be. Teachers can incorporate black history into everyday lessons by exploring local historical sites, museums, and talking about any important local events that connect pupils with their heritage.
Outside of the formal curriculum, there are many other ways to ensure black history is celebrated throughout October too. Maybe you could put on special assemblies or organise whole-school events that bring everyone together.
Final thoughts
However you choose to mark Black History Month in your school, my advice is to focus on changing the narrative and sharing empowering and educating stories – as told by the people who lived them.
Use the people around you – parents, carers, community leaders and colleagues – to be your story-tellers. There is so much to celebrate and so many ways to bring black stories to life while promoting pride in our communities and allyship.
- Shammi Rahman is a race equality adviser with HFL Education. Formerly Herts for Learning, HFL Education is a not-for-profit organisation providing services, training and resources for schools, including access to advisers and subject experts. Follow at @HFL_Education. This year Headteacher Update is working with HFL Education to publish a series of subject-specific best practice articles. Find all the articles in this series via www.headteacher-update.com/authors/hfl-education
Further information & resources
BBC Teach: Super Movers for Every Body: What is allyship? www.bbc.co.uk/teach/supermovers/articles/z98jnk7
Black History Month: Support for schools: www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/section/bhm-for-schools
HFL Education: Black History Month 2024 (pdf download with a range of resources and ideas): www.hfleducation.org/news/black-history-month-bhm-2024
HFL Education: The Windrush Generation and their musical legacy (resource), 2023: www.hfleducation.org/blog/windrush-generation-and-their-musical-legacy
NATRE: Anti-racist RE (resource): www.natre.org.uk/about-natre/projects/anti-racist-re
National Literacy Trust: Black History Month resources: https://literacytrust.org.uk/resources/celebrate-black-history
RE: Online: Black History Month resources: www.reonline.org.uk/teaching-resources/black-history-month-resources