Black History Month: a time to appreciate, commemorate and learn about Afro-Caribbean stories and culture. With a population as diverse as Christ’s Hospital’s, many feel that learning about other cultures plays a part in helping us to appreciate one another; this is especially important in the month of October.

This year, black history was celebrated with several meals and dishes, with origins all the way from Nigeria to Jamaica. A talk, titled ‘Championing Black stories on page and screen’ was given to Year 11-13 pupils by popular content creator Zai Sylla. She covered topics such as black joy and representation of black people in the media were discussed. Additionally, a group of pupils shared dinner with Zai, where she discussed her experience growing up as a black woman in Belgium.

Just before Black History Month began, a talk was given by Abi Daré, the author of ‘The Girl with a Louding Voice’, a novel which explores the life of a young Nigerian girl. The talk was offered to students in Years 10 and 11, as well as sixth form pupils studying English.

Abi Daré prompted the start of a conversation regarding Nigerian customs and culture, discussing topics such as living in Nigeria and the transition that occurred when she moved to the UK. Discussing this allowed for pupils with Nigerian and West African origins to feel acknowledged and appreciated, as well as providing an insight for those from different backgrounds.

Pupils in lower parts of the school had Black History Month incorporated into their curriculum, with history, PSHE and religious education lessons being offered to advance their knowledge on black history.

Over the years, pupils acknowledge that more and more is being done to commemorate Afro-Caribbean stories. However, some feel that the celebrations were cut short this year. E. Davoh commented that while she appreciates what was done, she felt that in comparison to past years, “the celebrations were cut short, mainly due to half term taking up a large portion of the month.”

Students look forward to next year’s celebrations, and events ran later in the year by the school’s Afro-Caribbean society.