Friday Headlines
the weekly newsletter from EHS
Marking Black History Month at EHS
Westbourne | Preparatory | Senior School | Sixth Form
18 October 2024
At Edgbaston High School, we believe in celebrating and embracing the rich diversity that forms the fabric of our community. Black History Month is a time when we not only reflect on the history and achievements of Black individuals but also inspire the next generation by recognising the impact of trailblazers who continue to shape the world around us. Throughout October, the school has been marking Black History Month with a range of activities designed to inspire, educate, and encourage students to explore Black history, culture, and contributions.
The Prep School has held workshops in the library and students have explored various aspects of Black history and culture through stories, activities, and discussions. Mrs Hobson, Head of Prep, led an assembly where she shared the extraordinary story of Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a leading Space Scientist and remarkable role model whose journey showcases aspiration, resilience, and the power of dreaming big. By focusing on a woman who "aimed for the stars and got there," she encouraged our young girls to pursue their own ambitions fearlessly, reminding them that there are no limits to what they can achieve.
In the Senior School, the Learning Hub put together a diverse and thought-provoking selection of books. The display featured works of fiction, non-fiction, and autobiographies by influential authors such as Malorie Blackman, Angie Thomas, and Benjamin Zephaniah. Their works not only give voice to Black experiences but also encourage empathy and understanding among our students.
The collection also included a variety of recipes for families to try at home, further highlighting the cultural richness celebrated during Black History Month. Additionally, students were introduced to a playlist of recommended musicians whose art has been instrumental in shaping Black culture globally, offering a holistic approach to celebrating Black contributions across multiple disciplines.
Meanwhile, in English classes, students were given the opportunity to engage creatively with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus. Midway through the novel, they were tasked with giving narrative "voices" to one of the siblings, Jaja or Kambili. These creative writing exercises allowed students to delve deeper into the characters’ thought processes, emotions, and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes of family, power, and personal freedom. You can read two examples of the students’ fantastic work, here.
All activities culminated in an inspirational celebration of Black culture in our special Black History Month assembly. Mr Smith opened the assembly, handing over to Head girls, Ruby, Tyra and Amy who began the proceedings by telling the story of Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASNLH). Alongside other contributing pupils, the girls took the audience through the birth of Black History Month, and shared examples of how it has played a key role in reclaiming and reshaping the narrative of Black history in the UK.
At Edgbaston High School, we are proud of the diversity that defines our student body, but we also recognise the importance of celebrating and understanding the experiences of minority groups. Each year, Black History Month helps us to grow, challenging us to reflect on our own identities, our shared histories, and the world we want to help shape. It is through these moments of reflection that we learn and evolve, developing empathy, understanding, and a deeper sense of unity.
Black History Month at EHS
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