From thought-provoking assemblies and inspiring guest speakers to music, food and student-led discussion, Black History Month is already bringing the NLCS community together through a month-long programme of learning and celebration.
The programme began with an assembly led by Mr Etienne, who invited students to look beyond first impressions and consider what it means to truly understand a community. Drawing on experiences from a recent visit to Kenya and Tanzania, he explored the traditions and culture of the Maasai people, challenging students to reflect on the assumptions they make about others and the limitations of viewing communities through stereotypes alone.
Linking his reflections to this year’s Black History Month theme, Honouring Our Communities, Mr Etienne encouraged students to think about the values of respect, collective responsibility and belonging. Through stories of the people he met during his travels, he highlighted the importance of listening to different perspectives, recognising the contributions made by individuals within a community and understanding that meaningful impact is often found in everyday actions rather than public recognition.
Mr Etienne leads an assembly as we begin Black History Month
The week also featured an assembly led by members of the Afro-Caribbean Society, which explored the influence of Black communities on British culture. Through examples drawn from music, fashion, football and popular culture, students examined how Black British voices and experiences have helped shape contemporary Britain. From the emergence of genres such as Lovers Rock, jungle and grime to the impact of influential artists, athletes and cultural figures, the assembly challenged the audience to consider how deeply Black culture is woven into modern British life.
A particular highlight of the opening week was a Senior Societies talk from journalist, author and Africa correspondent Ore Ogunbiyi. Drawing on her experiences in international journalism and research for her forthcoming book Brit(ish), Ore explored themes of migration, identity and representation, offering students insights into the stories and experiences that have helped shape modern Britain.
Black History Month was officially launched at lunchtime on Friday with a Food and Music Party in The Drummond, bringing together students from across the school to celebrate through music, food and conversation.
While these events have provided opportunities for the whole school community to come together, Black History Month at NLCS extends far beyond assemblies and guest speakers. Throughout October, societies from across the school will be leading Black History Month-themed discussions that explore Black history, culture and influence through a wide variety of subject areas. Topics range from Black authors in literature and African influences in the ancient world to race and representation in journalism, health inequalities in medicine, Black history in psychology, and the contributions of influential Black philosophers and activists.
Together, the programme reflects this year’s theme of Honouring Our Communities, encouraging students to engage with new perspectives, celebrate cultural contributions and recognise the many ways Black history continues to shape the world around us.
Afro-Caribbean Society hosted a Black History Month launch party to kick off the month
