Black History Month 2024

We are supporting Black History Month in school during October. This also links with Balshaw’s being a School of Sanctuary.

This year’s theme is reclaiming narratives. Throughout the month of October and during House Assembly, we will be aiming to shine a spotlight on the untold stories, the unsung heroes, and the everyday individuals who have made an indelible impact on our communities.

Our History department have also created a resource for students which highlights and celebrates the contributions of people from the black community throughout History. These are shared during tutor time, on our daily bulletin and on our electronic display screens in school and include the following:

Martin Luther King Jnr
Born: 1929 - Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Occupation: Civil Rights Activist

Shirley Bassey
Born: 1937 - Cardiff, Wales
Occupation: Singer

Lennox Lewis
Born: 1965 – London, England
Occupation: Boxer

Harriet Tubman
Born: 1822 – Maryland, USA
Occupation: Abolitionist & Activist

Barack Obama
Born: 1961 – Hawaii, USA
Occupation: Former President

William Cuffay
Born: 1788 – Kent, England
Occupation: Chartist

Ian Wright
Born: 1963 – London, England
Occupation: Former Footballer/Pundit

Malcolm X
Born: 1925 – Nebraska, USA
Occupation: Activist

Olaudah Equiano
Born: 1745 – Kingdom of Benin
Occupation: Abolitionist

Jackie Robinson
Born: 1919 – Georgia, USA
Occupation: Baseball Player

Mae Jemison
Born: 1956 – Alabama, USA
Occupation: Astronaut

Jesse Owens
Born: 1913 – Alabama, USA
Occupation: Athlete

Otis Redding
Born: 1941 – Georgia, USA
Occupation: Singer

Booker T. Washington
Born: 1856 – Virginia, USA
Occupation: Educator & Author

Lewis Hamilton
Born: 1985 – Stevenage, England
Occupation: F1 Driver

Diana Ross
Born: 1944 – Michigan, USA
Occupation: Singer & Actress

Matthew Henson
Born: 1866 – Maryland, USA
Occupation: Explorer

Students also have access to a number of resources via Educake here.