Black History Month 2025 is here, and this year’s theme - “Standing Firm in Power and Pride” - marks a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe. Hoping to honour history, celebrate culture and reflect on the ongoing journey toward equality and representation children and staff at the Belham will take part in celebrations.

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Here at The Belham, we are proud of our wonderfully diverse community. Our pupils come from a rich variety of backgrounds, each bringing their own stories, traditions, and perspectives that make our school such a vibrant and inclusive place to learn. Black History Month gives us a special opportunity to recognise and celebrate this diversity, as well as deepening our understanding of the people and movements that have shaped (and continue to shape) our lives.

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Black History Month officially began on Wednesday 1st October, and we kicked things off in true Belham style! Children were welcomed through the school gates by the joyful rhythms of steel pan music, performed live by members of True Steel Band. Later that morning, the band led assemblies for both KS1 and KS2, where pupils learned about the fascinating history of steel pan music before hearing some of Leo’s favourite pieces. The energy, music and sense of celebration set a perfect tone for the month ahead.

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The celebrations continued on Friday with our much-loved Bring and Share event hosted by our amazing Friends of Belham (FOB). Families from across the school community came together to share delicious home-cooked dishes from around the world — all completely free of charge. Though poor weather forced the event inside, the sun was shining in The Studio as smiles of children enjoying new flavours radiated.  

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It was here that staff also unveiled a poster they had created to celebrate Black History Month and its importance to learning. At first glance, it showed a drawing of a woman standing firm in power and pride. But on closer inspection, her “hair” was made up of over 50 images of Black icons from throughout history - a moving reminder of how individual stories weave together to form a powerful collective legacy.

Throughout October, each year group will continue to celebrate Black history in the classroom. Although not exhaustive, here’s some of what each year group has planned:

Reception - Ankara fabrics in Art 

Year 1 - Reggie Laurent in Art 

Year 2 - Black Britons in transport within History

Year 3 - Yinka Shonibare in Art

Year 4 - Faith Ringgold’s book Tar Beach in English

Year 5 - Kehinde Wiley in Art

Year 6 - Civil Rights Activists in History

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