Black History Month began in 1987 to address the lack of representation of Black history in British education and media. This celebration was inspired by Black History Month in the US, which started in 1926.

This year’s theme, “Reclaiming Narratives,” is about taking control of the way our stories are told. For too long, many stories of Black history have been overlooked or misrepresented. This theme encourages us to tell these stories accurately and celebrate the achievements that have shaped our society, reminding us that history belongs to everyone.

Celebrating Black British Contributions:

Throughout Black History Month, we will highlight the achievements of Black British inventors, writers, leaders, and pioneers in various fields. Around the school, you will find posters that tell the stories of these incredible individuals.

• Sir Geoff Palmer: A pioneering scientist whose work in brewing science has had a major impact on the industry. Born in Jamaica, Palmer's work helped transform the brewing process, and he is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in science.
• Linton Kwesi Johnson: A poet who blended reggae and poetry to address social injustice and racial inequality in the UK. His work, especially in Dread Beat an’ Blood, is a key part of British literary history.
• Olive Morris: A pioneering British activist who co-founded groups like the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent (OWAAD) and fought for housing rights and racial justice.
• Benjamin Zephaniah: A poet, author, and activist who challenged racism and inequality in the UK with his powerful poetry and social commentary. He has inspired generations with his words and activism.
• Dr. George Africanus: An early Black entrepreneur in the UK, he founded one of the first Black-owned recruitment agencies in Britain in the 1800s, breaking barriers in business and employment.

Highlighting Black Inventors and Innovators:

In addition to writers and activists, we are also celebrating Black inventors and innovators whose work has had a global impact.

• Dr. Patricia Bath: A pioneering ophthalmologist and inventor, Bath created the Laserphaco Probe, which revolutionised cataract surgery by making it more precise and less invasive. Her contributions have restored vision to millions around the world.
• Elijah McCoy: An influential engineer, McCoy developed the automatic lubricator for steam engines, dramatically improving the efficiency of machinery. His invention was so reliable that the phrase "The Real McCoy" became synonymous with authenticity.
• Dr. Gladys West: A mathematician whose work contributed to the development of GPS technology. Her calculations and models laid the groundwork for the navigation systems we use in our cars and smartphones today.
• Frederick McKinley Jones: An inventor who revolutionised the transportation of perishable goods by developing portable refrigeration for trucks. His work helped create the modern cold chain used to transport food and medicines safely across the world.

These innovators have reshaped industries and impacted our daily lives, showing the power of Black excellence in science, engineering, and technology.