Get ready for Black History Month 2023: Saluting our Sisters

In October we will be Saluting our Sisters in Black History Month 2023. Find out what support is available to help your school community join in.

What is Black History Month?

Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE has said,

Black History Month is a momentous occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British society. It also serves as an opportunity to inspire and empower future generations. This year, Black History Month will be dedicated to honouring the achievements of black women who are often the forgotten heroines. We want to amplify their voices and challenge the systems that oppress them.

Black people have always been at the forefront of social justice movements, fighting against oppression and paving the way for change. However, despite their countless contributions to society, the achievements of black women in particular, have too often been overlooked or forgotten. That is why, this year, we will be celebrating the exceptional achievements of black women.

The theme of 'Saluting our Sisters' highlights the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. This year's celebration will showcase pioneering black women who have made remarkable contributions to literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more.

What can we do as a school?

We know schools celebrate Black history within their curriculum and culture all year round but many choose to use Black History Month to demonstrate their commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and their ambition that children and young people from ethnically diverse communities feel safe, welcome and included in Norfolk's schools.

We have prepared a Padlet of resources to support you in celebrating Black History Month. This includes:

  • Assemblies
  • Teaching Packs
  • Posters
  • Videos
  • And more

We will be hosting an RSHE Thematic Webinar: Black History Month to enable teachers to feel confident in using the material on the Padlet and explore how to ensure your delivery is culturally responsive and impactful. This will be the first of our RSHE Anti-Racism in Education webinars and guidance. Join the network to access our fully funded online twilight meetings and join a community of schools developing Anti-Racist Practice through a whole school approach. Contact alice.ndiaye@norfolk.gov.uk for more information.

There are several other events coming up that schools might want to get involved with:

Schools may also find the following information and resources helpful:

Schools may want to signpost their community to the events being hosted by Norfolk Black History Month at Norfolk Black History Month Events Eventbrite. This includes author visits, a writing workshop, a youth participation event and a 20th anniversary documentary.

The EIP Service hope you all enjoy this year's Black History Month! If you have any questions, please email inclusionandsend@norfolk.gov.uk.

This news item was published : 18 September 2023.

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