October is Black History Month and is the time of the year when the culture, history and achievements of the black and ethnic minority communities are celebrated. The whole College got involved again this year with the celebrations throughout the month including a poetry competition, themed menus in the refectory, music students playing African – Caribbean music at lunchtimes in the atrium and many department-focussed posters, displays and exhibitions.
Teacher and organiser Matthew Kyeremeh said “Black History Month serves as an opportunity for people to find out more about their heritage and those around them. I believe that Black History needs to be incorporated into the classroom through the curriculum but until that happens, October is the only time some will truly find out about Black History.’
Students participated in a Black History Month poetry competition. All entries were judged anonymously and the winners were, 3rd place, Christina Okorie with her poem entitled ‘Just and Everyday Thing’, 2ndplace went to Noami Tuzizila with ‘I’m just looking For Some Insight’ and finally the winner was Angelique Rodrigues with her poem ‘A Cry For help’ which from the eyes of a black slave. They received a warm response when they performed their poems in the atrium to students and staff. Congratulations to all the students who got involved.
It was great to see so many people getting involved in the celebrations. Any donations made have been given to Sickle Cell Awareness which affects people of African and Caribbean descent.
