October marks Black History Month in the UK, a time when the nation pauses to reflect on the rich and complex histories of African and Afro-Caribbean people. While this month is crucial for amplifying Black narratives, it’s clear that Black history should not be confined to just 31 days. At BLAM UK, we believe that Black history is British history, and it should be embedded throughout the school curriculum all year round.
Why Black History in British Schools?
The British education system has long been criticised for its Eurocentric approach, often leaving Black students disconnected from the curriculum and their peers with limited understanding of Black contributions to society. This is where BLAM UK steps in—to reshape this narrative by ensuring that Black history is integrated into everyday teaching, not just highlighted during Black History Month.
Teaching Black history is more than just an act of inclusion; it’s about correcting historical omissions. It’s about celebrating figures like Mary Seacole and Olaudah Equiano, whose contributions to British society have often been sidelined. More importantly, it allows students to understand the global impact of the African diaspora, from the cultural heritage of African nations to the histories of Black Britain, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
At BLAM UK, we’re committed to making this a reality through our workshops, teacher training programs, and resources. Our mission is simple: to create an education system that reflects the diversity of Britain.
BLAM UK’s Role in Transforming Classrooms
BLAM UK offers a wide range of services to empower educators and institutions to embrace Black narratives:
Teacher Training: We provide bespoke 1-to-1 and group training for teachers, helping them embed Black British cultural heritage, African, and Afro-Caribbean histories into their everyday teaching. Our training isn’t about adding extra burdens on teachers but equipping them with tools to naturally integrate Black narratives across subjects, from literature and history to art and geography.
Anti-Racism in Schools: We support school staff and governors in fostering anti-racism policies and practices. Our training covers best practices for anti-racism, while our assemblies for students focus on racial wellness, creating an environment where all students feel valued and seen.
Workshops & Assemblies: By working directly with schools and teachers, we aim to create learning spaces where Black narratives are not just included but celebrated. As Julie Joyce, Head of Year 9 at Archbishop Tenison School, noted, “The resources and training BLAM UK provided our school were fantastic. It has changed the way we view inclusion of Black narratives in everyday teaching.”
New Tools for a New Era: Global Black Narratives in the Classroom
To further support teachers in their mission to bring Black narratives into the classroom, BLAM UK has created “Global Black Narratives in the Classroom”, a two-part book series published by Routledge. These practical lesson plans, interactive worksheets, and activities are designed to help primary school teachers seamlessly integrate Black history across subjects, all year round.
Our books cover a truly global perspective. Volume 1 focuses on Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean, while Volume 2 dives into Black Britain and Europe. From exploring Black culture in Great Britain to highlighting Afro-Colombian artefacts and African geophysical contributions, this book brings often-overlooked narratives to the forefront.
Why We Do This
Our work is fueled by a deep commitment to creating a curriculum that reflects the students in our classrooms. We’ve worked with schools across London for over five years, and we’ve seen firsthand that teachers want to do more—they just need the right resources. That’s why we created these books, to give educators the tools they need to weave Black history into the fabric of every lesson.
And we’re not stopping there. BLAM UK also offers corporate anti-racism workshops, helping businesses and organisations understand microaggressions, implicit bias, and how to create a culture of racial wellness in the workplace. From Lancaster University to LUSH, our training is transforming the way workplaces approach race and inclusion.
Beyond Black History Month
Black History Month is important, but it should be just the beginning. At BLAM UK, we envision a future where Black history is taught as an integral part of the British education system, fostering a generation of students who understand and appreciate the full scope of their country’s diverse heritage.
By working with BLAM UK, schools, educators, and businesses alike can make meaningful strides toward a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of history. As we often say—Black history is British history. Let’s teach it like it is.
BLAM UK CIC 