Black History Month

October saw the celebration of Black History Month at Our Lady’s. Black History Month provides a fantastic opportunity for us to recognise the outstanding contributions people of African and Caribbean descent have made. It has been celebrated in Britain for more than 30 years, and this year’s theme was ‘African Americans and the Vote’.

The stories celebrated in Black History Month have made a huge difference to our national and cultural life and it was so pleasing to see so many students partake in our whole school celebrations.

We celebrated this significant month in many ways. Students were encouraged to take part in a whole school celebration competition. They were able to create either a piece of writing or a poster displaying a significant individual from black/Caribbean history. Miss Warwick received some outstanding pieces of work and found it hard to select a winner - picking 10 in the end! These pupils are to receive an amazon voucher to recognise their excellent work. Forms also took part in a competition quiz with the best form winning a prize. Around school, posters displayed significant individuals from black history, past and present, and some pupils created a video to explain why Black History Month was important to them and the individuals they find truly inspirational. Key historical icons were also explored and discussed in form time along with an assembly that was delivered to all year groups. Miss Warwick would like to thank all pupils who got involved - there were some outstanding pieces of work and contributions. Well done to everyone involved.

From the speech in 1963 Delivered by Martin Luther King To Muhammad Ali

Changing the stereotype in the ring And Rosa Parks resisting the orders and its sting Mary Secole’s role as a nurse Fredrick Douglass’ heroic verse in the paper And Carter G. Woodson the creator of this month

Let’s give thanks to all including Mae Jemison

Inspiring woman to believe and achieve.

And to present day Whose legacy still reigns today? Is George Floyd Killed cruelly in modern day We have to reflect no we MUST reflect

On our mistake

So they don’t happen again.

How much longer can we go with people suffering? Wondering when the world will stop spitting insults On our face

When the world will treat us equal Don’t treat us different because of our skin

Treat us because of the content of our character

As Martin Luther King said “I hope I would live in a nation Where we won’t be judged by our skin” Let’s make that happen in this modern day WE can make this happen If we join hands together And Say

WE END RACISM TODAY!