Mark Black History Month with actions not words
This year, the theme for Black History Month is ‘Time for Change: Action not Words’, with activities throughout the month emphasising the importance of active allyship in bringing about meaningful change. So how can you promote allyship in your environment?
Black History Month is celebrated each year from 1st to 31st October with a different theme each year. Catherine Ross, Black History Month Editor explains this year's theme: “To ensure real change, we need real support from our allies. It’s time to re-set your mindset and support us with actions, not words. Join with us, see something, say something, don't be a passive bystander.”
With 95% of black, Asian and minority ethnic young people reporting having encountered racist language at school (YMCA), creating inclusive learning environments is key. Here are three ways you can do just that:
1. Tackle microagressions in your learning environment
Download our free Microaggressions learning resources here and empower your students to recognise and challenge not only verbal abuse, but also less overt, but equally damaging microaggresions. Microagressions are defined as being commonplace verbal or behavioural slights (intentional or unintentional) that communicate derogatory or stereotyped attitudes towards a culturally marginalised group.
The resources, which include student workbooks and structured lesson plans:
· Enable staff and students to explore the many forms microagressions take
· Help young people discuss and understand the damaging impact of microagressions
· Give students the confidence and strategies to be effective allies for each other
2. Sign up for whole-school CPD
You can also start your school or college’s journey to active allyship by signing up for a free Unconscious Bias, Conscious Inclusion CPD session on our Learning4Life website, to enable your staff to work collectively and proactively towards building the most inclusive learning environments possible. Each two-hour session is dedicated to a single school or college enabling all your staff to learn together.
3. Discover how to put a peer-mentoring programme in place
Empower black, Asian and minority ethnic students in your community to champion and inspire younger students. Our powerful peer mentoring programme increases students’ sense of belonging, raises aspiration and gives mentors valuable leadership and communication skills. Find out more here today.