Why Black History Month matters

Black History Month in the UK runs every October and invites pupils to explore histories, cultures and contributions that have too often been under-represented. For schools, it’s a chance to build belonging, challenge stereotypes, celebrate creativity and connect learning to local communities. The strongest programmes make learning visible through displays, performances and student voice – and continue the conversation after October.

What schools did last year – and why it landed

• Assemblies and guest voices – staff and pupils introduced themes, read poetry and shared personal stories.
• Creative media – video diaries, spoken word, murals and music workshops helped every learner find a way in.
• Reading and research – class libraries spotlighted Black authors and lesser-known British histories.
• Corridor galleries – schools used display boards and glassboards to create timelines, quote walls and student-curated exhibits.
• Family involvement – evening showcases and newsletters carried learning beyond the classroom.

Why these worked: varied entry points, pupil ownership and visible celebration. The main pitfalls were doing only greetings/one assembly, and not planning follow-up so momentum faded.

Past, Present and Future – a simple framework for October

Organise your month around a Past–Present–Future journey. It gives structure, supports progression across year groups and makes displays easy to build week by week.

Past – reclaiming narratives

Introduce historical figures whose stories have shaped Britain and the world. Examples often used in UK schools:

• Mary Seacole – pioneering nurse during the Crimean War.
• Ignatius Sancho – writer and abolitionist, among the first Black Britons known to vote.
• Olive Morris – activist for Black women’s rights in Britain.

Activity: build a class timeline and “quote wall”. Invite pupils to add short biographies or favourite quotes to a visible display.

Present – role models pupils recognise

Highlight contemporary figures across sport, literature, science, politics and community leadership:

• Baroness Doreen Lawrence – campaigner for justice and equality.
• Malorie Blackman – award-winning author and former Children’s Laureate.
• Marcus Rashford – footballer and advocate for child food security.

Activity: poster series or short video profiles created by pupils – “Why this person inspires me”.

Future – the changemakers ahead

Ask pupils to imagine and research who will shape the next decade – and to see themselves in that future:

• Black scientists tackling climate or health challenges.
• Young local activists and entrepreneurs.
• Pupils in your own school – their skills, goals and pledges.

Activity: a “Future Wall” where pupils add a portrait, a role they aspire to and one action they’ll take this year.

Classroom ideas you can lift

• Quote walls on glassboards – rotate weekly quotes from past and present figures; add pupil reflections underneath.
• Local history mapping – identify people, streets, plaques or community groups connected to Black history; present findings on an interactive screen.
• Spoken word and music – short performances in tutor time or assembly; record highlights and show them on a projection screen.
• Reading for pleasure – book tastings featuring Black British authors; peer reviews posted on a class display board.
• Family heritage project – invite families to share recipes, songs or traditions; curate a corridor gallery.
• Design a stamp or banknote – pupils propose who should be featured and why; persuasive writing plus design.
• Podcast minis – 90-second audio pieces: “One story we should all know”.

Planning timeline

• 4–6 weeks before: choose your focus; audit displays and screen access; brief staff and pupil ambassadors.
• 2–3 weeks before: gather books, video prompts and local history links; prepare Past–Present–Future display areas.
• 1 week before: test media on interactive or projection screens; clean and prep glassboards.
• During October: add to displays daily; capture pupil voice; schedule two mini-showcases.
• After October: keep one display live; spin up a monthly “voices and stories” slot in assemblies.

Learning spaces that help

Inclusive displays and clear speech make a noticeable difference to engagement and confidence:

• Glassboards – build an evolving Past–Present–Future timeline; low-ghosting surfaces keep it neat and easy to update.
• Display boards – curate posters, portraits, book reviews and family contributions along key corridors.
• Acoustic panels – improve speech clarity for poetry, drama and assemblies, supporting BB93 good practice.
• Interactive screens – showcase pupil videos and host virtual guests or author Q&As.
• Projection screens – run whole-hall showcases and film nights to close the month.

Relevant products from Presentation Spaces

Explore solutions that make Black History Month visible, inclusive and collaborative:

• Glassboards − ideal for quote walls, timelines and pupil reflections.
• Display Boards − publish portraits, posters and book reviews across the school.
• Acoustic Panels − clearer speech for readings and performances, with calmer rooms.
• Interactive Screens − present research, video diaries and live talks.
• Projection Screens − show reels, assemblies and end-of-month showcases.

Sample week plan

Next steps

Choose two high-impact activities, prepare your Past–Present–Future display, and plan one follow-up so the learning continues beyond October.

Need help specifying? Contact Presentation Spaces for advice on glassboards, acoustic upgrades and digital display solutions for inclusive, high-impact events.