b'HISTORYYear 7 Black History Competition Winning Piece by MatthewFenwick (7N)BLACK HISTORY MONTH Today, perhaps more than ever, it is essential thatof the Akala address at the Oxford Union provided a we appreciate the rich history of all those whoblack perspective to challenge white orthodoxy and its have contributed to our countrys narrative andemphasis on William Wilberforce was also celebrated achievements. Our nations are knitted together throughby our students as an example of powerful interests the interweaving of multiple voices, and part of theusing their influence to exact justice for all. Year 13 role of a historian is to amplify these voices by bringinghistorians have been doing an in-depth study into them to the fore. the actions of African American groups and leaders It is in this spirit that we have commemorated Blackto campaign for civil rights from 1865 to 1992 in the History Month at HGS. Year 7 students have beenUSA, which is also an opportunity to reflect on current involved in an extra-curricular competition to producecampaigns such as Black Lives Matter and set them a graphic on a black individual to showcase his/herin historical context. Whole-school activities mainly importance, and the judging was taken on by ourdelivered in form time also recognise and celebrate A-level history students. Well done to Matthew Fenwickthe work of interesting and seminal black individuals in 7N for designing the winning entry on Mary Seacole.and help to complement our curricular work in the Year 8 students have been considering the role ofdepartment.black people in Elizabethan England; their status andCommemorating Black History Month has been treatment in the 16th century is contested by historiansimportant and very valuable to us but at the same but their presence and role is undeniable. Sometime we realise that this is a subject that needs to Year 9 classes have been considering the features ofbe embedded in our curriculum throughout the year. pre-colonial Africa before investigating the slave tradeWe are, therefore, able to announce the launching of and its abolition. We had some outstanding work ona new Year 8 module known as African Kingdoms Africa as well as creative pieces on the contribution ofresearched, planned and led by Mrs Yates. We will black people to Victorian England. All Year 9 studentsinvestigate the richness and depth of several of the have written an essay on the abolition of slavery. Herekingdoms of pre-colonial West Africa; these unique we emphasised the roles played by black people insocieties and achievements will allow all of us to look ending their slavery including Olaudah Equiano (whoback in order to move forward in what is the diverse spoke at Birmingham Town Hall) and leaders likestory of our world.Toussaint LOuverture and Samuel Sharpe. The useThe History DepartmentNotable Year 9 Work by Abhijay Banger 9A, Mohammed Ali Mirza 9G, Muhammad-Taha Zaman 9G'