Celebrating Black History Month: Time for Change - Action Not Words

Every year in the month of October we get to share in the opportunity to reflect on Black History, in honour and celebration of our community within the UK. Following the theme for 2022 - Time for Change: Action Not Words - we are challenged to reflect on what this means and may look like within the education sector, amongst educators, students from the Black community, and allies of diversity, equality and inclusion alike.

It continues to be a challenge, and a need, to hold each other accountable in our perspective, outlook and attitudes towards people from a different background than ourselves. We believe true activism to be in response to knowledge shared, and being equipped with the right tools to be able to effectively participate in this movement.  

Here are some suggested prompts as a guide to help you have important conversations with young Black people in your care and support them in navigating their everyday reality: 

“Is there a designated teacher you can approach if you ever experience racial discrimination?”

It's easy to gloss over and to undermine the experiences of a young Black person and deem it as insignificant. Pointing to a key worker who represents them and provides the time and the space to regularly speak to unconscious bias, stereotypes and racism, and how to identify these, helps to expose how commonly they take place.

See here for more about spaces created to open dialogue on the impact of racial discrimination.

Are there any resources or spaces you can turn to in the light of national BLM movements?

When another injustice killing takes place at the hands of those in authority, how do we open and approach dialogue surrounding this? It can take an emotional toll seeing someone who looks like you die because of the colour of their skin, which often plays out in behaviour and mindset in school. How can this be better preempted rather than a reactionary approach? 

See here to learn more about destigmatising conversations around racism. 

“Do you feel comfortable enough to not water down your identity in a social setting?”

In fear of being labelled and judged for the tone & volume of one's speech; their appearance that differs from others; and differences in cultural patterns of behaviour, your young person will often try to reduce themselves to appear to fit in with the crowd. How can you recognise and challenge the fear of standing out one to be embraced, and not judged? For more information about tackling barriers through the curriculum, see here.  

“When was the last time you felt concerned about your future prospects as a Black/biracial person?”

Race is a face-value feature which makes it harder to conceal and easier to discriminate. Differences, however, should be embraced and not shied away from, but has unfortunately too often been the cause for negative experiences. Owing to cultural differences, these point to fears of how one can stand out and can be left out. How can we ensure Black people’s presence is not only acknowledged but valued?  Find out more about cases of action in support of people of colour in the working space.  

We have a dedicated Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee here at Equal Education who work to represent the values we embody as an organisation: to be mindful of the differences that exist between us; advocate for challenging discrimination that persists; and equip and empower others to do the same. Join us in our pursuit of change, for the time is now!