At Wakefield College we are so proud of the diversity of our College community of both staff and students.  Diversity provides any organisation with many benefits and with staff and students who speak multiple languages, have experience of a wealth of cultures and bring a variety of perspectives, what better time to celebrate that than in Black History Month 2021 with the theme of ‘Proud to be’.

BHM 2021 is our opportunity to be part of the celebrations and raise awareness of accomplishments of Black Britons throughout our history.  The new campaign for BHM 2021 invites Black and Brown people to share what they are Proud to Be. For example, Proud to Be Black, Proud to Be Brown, Proud to Be Black & LGBTQ+, Proud To Be Me.  We would like to join those celebrations and would invite any staff or students to share their ‘Proud to Be’ through blackhistory@wakefield.ac.uk

‘The campaign aims to make Black History Month 2021 personal and unique to individuals, families and communities, focusing on how we’re all making history all the time in our own ways, as well as the contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history.’ (BHM website)

We are inviting all students to access the https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/ website which has a wealth of resource for your own interest and to share with friends and family.  Through October we will have several different activities for you to be a part of and will continue to share throughout the month.  These include: -

• The unveiling of ‘The Seacole Building’ to celebrate last year’s BHM student competition and remember the entries from all our students who have been inspired by individuals from the present and the past.

• A fabulous collaborative project from students in the ESOL and Arts departments, as well as those from the Student Union and the Student Diversity Group, to create an visual mural for display to share with all the College and show their pride in their heritage, personal experiences and launch a wider focus on the heritage and pride of all of our students

• A campaign throughout College and through social media

• Lessons for students for more insight, discussions, to raise awareness and honour achievements

Keep an eye an out for all the information and projects over the coming month and if you want to get more involved speak to our staff.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela