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Posted on October 5th 2018
Black History Month - Promoting Black Authors
To mark Black History Month our sixth formers led a special assembly this week. Our library is also featuring books by black British authors and encouraging students to borrow them.
Sixth former Korede writes…
“The continuous systematic oppression and overt degradation of black people all over the globe are highlighted through movements such as #blacklivesmatter and #sayhername. Thus it is indubitable that the celebration of a black history month is imperative now more than ever.
Korede is pictured (left) with other sixth formers who gave the assembly.
Through recognising the valiant efforts of undervalued members in society such as Claudia Jones, Billy Strachan, Michael Omari (AKA Stormzy) as well as the women essential to establishing and maintaining the NHS, we ultimately create a narrative in which the achievements of key black figures are recognised and commemorated.
In an inclusive school that encourages intellectual curiosity and develops individual gifts, Harris Academy Bermondsey has taken the responsibility to not just focus on our academic attainment, but to make our experiences here holistic. The assembly on black history month was therefore a success. It testified that though indeed 28 days are not enough to pay respect to the achievements of those who struggled before our time, their key virtues such as passion, purpose and dedication are those which should remain exhibited in the school, creating an ethos that allows for us to internalise attributes, therefore creating HAB excellence.”
Promoting books by black authors
All this month our library is promoting and celebrating books by black authors from around the world.
Mayasa (pictured below) says: “I’ve read lots of biographies about black people but I haven’t read many fiction books by black people. I don’t know that many black authors.”
Iqra (pictured below) says: “Most of the authors I know are white. I’m interested in reading black authors because they’ll tell me something new and different about the world.”
Iman and Praise (pictured below) say: “We are overwhelmingly happy to see an increase in black authors, especially black female authors. It’s great to be represented by a plethora of people who share the same views and passions as we do.”
