Year 10 pupils Mangmaa and Delores, alongside Year 11 pupil Cornel, from Lawn Manor Academy, created and led presentations exploring Black figures in sport, music and art under the national theme of ‘standing firm in power and pride’.
They spoke about Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph, who overcame adversity and racism to achieve Olympic success, and celebrated cultural icons Aretha Franklin, James Brown and Lewis Hamilton for their impact beyond their professions.
Delores also introduced the school to Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, while Cornel, who is from Tanzania, performed traditional dances and taught Swahili to pupils.
Mangmaa said: “Black History Month is a very important time. Everyone should be more aware of the inspirational Black people, like Jesse Owens who won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics despite it being a time of Nazi ideology.
“Wilma Rudolph also showed that anyone can be an athlete and overcame childhood disease, as well as racism and sexism, to be the first Black woman to win three Olympic gold medals.
“Lawn Manor is very supportive of recognising the value of everyone’s cultural background and encouraging us to ask questions and find out more.”
Delores said: “People like Lewis Hamilton are showing that Black people can win despite discrimination and James Brown’s songs became anthems for Black people to give hope in times of racism.
“At school we celebrate our different cultures, with people cooking for others to try, as well as people coming in from the community to take part in events too.”
Throughout October, lessons and tutor sessions across the school have explored Black pioneers in subjects such as business, geography and sport, with additional stories from across Swindon provided by Swindon Libraries.
Alex Gasche, Head of Social Sciences at Lawn Manor Academy, said: “It’s so important for our pupils to recognise and identify with pioneers from a vast array of backgrounds and cultures, both locally and internationally.
“Knowing that people like Malcolm X addressed Oxford University in the 60s and closer to home, Paul Stephenson’s part in the Bristol Bus Boycott encourages pupils to reflect on leadership and social change.
“Hearing stories from their fellow pupils and from voices from across Swindon also helps reinforce that Black history is important and that racial discrimination is still as much of an issue today as it was 50 or 100 years ago.
“We are incredibly proud of Mangmaa, Delores and Cornel for leading such engaging and thought-provoking assemblies. Their confidence, research, and passion show how strongly our pupils value inclusivity and cultural understanding at Lawn Manor Academy.”
Lawn Manor Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust. For more information, visit www.lawnmanor.org
