To kick off our programme of activities to mark October’s Black History Month, our whole school assembly this week was led by two members of our African-Caribbean Society (ACS), Semiloore (Upper Sixth) and Tori (Lower Sixth).
Using this year’s theme, Reclaiming Narratives, they sought to shift how we view and celebrate Black history and culture by challenging the narratives that have historically marginalised Black achievements, and instead highlighting stories of resilience, success, and empowerment.
Another two ACS members in the Lower Sixth, Thabo and Uzoma, also delivered an assembly to our First-Year students on the theme of ‘Proud to Be’. They encouraged our younger students to be proud of their different identities and to share them with others.
Several of our lunchtime clubs and societies will be hosting talks to coincide with Black History Month:
Students, staff and guests have been treated to various African music in the Student Entrance every morning. Staff and ACS student members selected the music to celebrate Black artists from different countries.
As well as displays and BHM posters around the school, poems from Black poets have been displayed to expose students to different sources of inspiration.
In November, after half term, the English Department us launching a school-wide poetry competition, inspired by some of the themes covered in BHM, with a guest poet kicking off with a reading (further details to be revealed).
Mrs Sinclair, our new Head of Pastoral, has responsibility for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Trinity. She says, “I am excited to be leading on all aspects of EDI and am looking forward to further working with students and staff as we mark key events like Black History Month. I am also keen to look for ways in which inclusion can become a larger part of our everyday practise.”
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