Celebrating Black History Month
14th October 22
One of the reasons that I love teaching at DLD College London is the diversity amongst the students and staff. There is such a unique mix of backgrounds and experiences. There are not many workplaces that can match that. I believe that it is important for us to celebrate diversity as a community and understand how it has enriched our lives.
Celebrating Black History Month is a time when we focus on the contribution made by Black Britons in the UK. During PSHE, all students learnt about Mary Seacole, a British-Jamaican nurse who supported British troops during the Crimean War. There is a statue commemorating her in the gardens of St Thomas’s Hospital, just across the road. In their PSHE and subject lessons, students have been encouraged to create posters and artwork celebrating Black History. Many of the works are on display in the Gallery here at College.
I was invited by the Boarding School Association (BSA) to lead a webinar entitled “Black History Month and Beyond” during which I was able to share with colleagues at boarding schools across the country the importance of recognising Black History Month and the need to continue to celebrate diversity all year around. Diversity is not about cancelling what already exists, it is not about rewriting History. It is about recognising that there are many voices with interesting stories that need to be heard.
Fumi St Marthe, Housemistress Piccadilly House – Head of Economics
