Celebrating Diversity: October Black History Month

This October, in honour of Black History Month, we are proud to highlight some of the influential figures who inspire and enrich our curriculum at Whiteknights. Our commitment to a broad and engaging education means celebrating the contributions of diverse individuals who have made a lasting impact across many fields.

Throughout the year, our pupils across the school explore a wide range of people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, such as:

• Ainsley Harriott – A much-loved chef and television presenter, known for popularising Caribbean cuisine.
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo – A South African choral group whose harmonious music has brought African culture to international audiences.
• Marcus Rashford – A footballer and social advocate, recognised for his work to combat child poverty and ensure access to free school meals.
• Katarina Johnson-Thompson – A world-class British heptathlete, admired for her achievements and dedication to sport.
• Louis Armstrong – A jazz legend who helped shape modern music with his innovative sound.
• Mariah Carey – A best-selling artist known for her powerful vocals and contributions to pop music.
• Art Smith – An acclaimed chef who promotes inclusivity and diversity in the culinary world.
• Bessie Smith – The “Empress of the Blues”, whose powerful performances broke barriers for women in music.
• Tenzing Norgay – A pioneering mountaineer, the first to summit Everest alongside Sir Edmund Hillary.
• Nafi Thiam – A Belgian heptathlete of Senegalese descent, celebrated for her excellence in athletics.
• Nelson Mandela – A global icon of peace and reconciliation, recognised for his fight against apartheid in South Africa.

Martin Luther King Assembly

To kick off Black History Month, our KS2 pupils attended a special assembly, where they learned about Martin Luther King and his historic fight against segregation. We explored his life, the significance of his famous speech, and how he worked tirelessly for equality and justice.

The children were particularly engaged during the assembly, and we were impressed by their thoughtful contributions. When asked to describe discrimination, pupils responded with powerful words like ‘unjust’, ‘unfair’, and ‘wrong’. When it came to describing Martin Luther King, they used words like ‘amazing’, ‘wonderful’, and ‘incredible’—a true reflection of his impact.

These assemblies provide a vital space for pupils to engage with important issues, deepening their understanding of history and fostering a sense of fairness and inclusion. We will also be looking at  Emilie Sande in our music assembly as we continue our exploration of remarkable diverse individuals who have shaped our shared history.