As part of Black History month, students have been exploring the theme of “Reclaiming Narratives”, a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and highlighting untold success stories, while honouring the nature of Black heritage.
The Afro-Caribbean Society (ACS) organised an outstanding three-week schedule, with an array of activities, events and talks for all year groups to get involved in and deepen their understanding of this year’s theme. Week one started off with an assembly led by Mr. Etienne, who shared his experiences growing up on the island of Martinique. He recounted discovering the influential book Notebook of a Return to My Native Land by Aimé Césaire, a poet, playwright, and politician who significantly shaped Black intellectual thought. Césaire was also a key figure in the Négritude movement, which aimed to reclaim Black identity in response to European colonisation and cultural oppression. At the end of week one, the ACS hosted a special celebratory lunch for Senior School students, featuring a delightful selection of traditional African dishes, including plantain and jollof rice.
In week two, a series of inspiring discussions took place across various societies, including the Public Speaking Society, Geography Society, and History Society, all connected by the theme of “Reclaiming Narratives.” The fantastic catering team provided a delicious Caribbean-themed lunch that delighted the whole school. The atmosphere in the lunch hall was enhanced by the lively rhythms of traditional Caribbean music, creating a vibrant experience for everyone. A popular event in week two was Roots on the Runway, a fashion show hosted by ACS which featured girls from years seven to year 13, showcasing traditional outfits from their different African cultures. The event was well attended by students and staff alike, all of whom were captivated by the stunning outfits and expressed their admiration for the display.
In the final week, the students held more society talks, with one being led by recent ONL’s Ife and Tafadzwa, returning to share their experiences learning about the History of those that came before them, what we should focus on next and their advocacy for career changes and empowering women through a range of publications including financial times.
History
A trip to the School archives led to the remembrance of one of the first black pupils at NLCS in the 1920s, Hyacinth Lightbourne. She studied at NLCS before going on to graduate from UCL and later returned to Jamaica. Her career as a medical doctor was marked by significant influence and success. In 1956, her husband informed NLCS of her passing, sharing her gratitude for the education she received here and the lifelong friendships she formed at the school, which she maintained until her death. Hyacinth Lightbourne is commemorated in Jamaican public history through various organisations and associations named in her honour.
