October is Black History Month in the UK and a time to celebrate the contribution black people have made over the centuries in shaping the dynamic and diverse country we have today. Black History Month is about celebrating and sharing knowledge; celebrating the contribution black people have made to freedoms, our culture and our society – from books, science and music and art.
“Saluting our sisters” is the theme for Black History Month 2023 and we are celebrating this month by showcasing black women who have made remarkable contributions to music and art.
Resources
There will be a national school’s poetry competition as part of Black History Month 2023. This competition provides a platform for students to express their creativity and explore the experiences and contributions of black women throughout history. We encourage schools to participate and submit entries from their students for a chance to be recognised for their talent and to inspire others.
Black History Month is dedicated to celebrating and learning about Black heritage. It gives everyone the opportunity to recognise the achievements of and share appreciation of those with African or Caribbean backgrounds. Although Black History Month only happens once a year, the teaching of Black History doesn’t begin and end there
Black British History and Folk Songs
This resource for ages 14+ by Angeline Morrison (Guardian folk album of the year 2022) investigates hidden histories of people of African origin, and their relationship to traditional songs that are still sung in Britain today. View resource.
Sing Up Black History 365 playlist:
https://www.singup.org/song-bank/sing-up-playlists/assembly/black-history-365
(available to Sing Up Members)
put in details of how schools sign up for their free Sing Up Membership through Hertfordshire Music Service **
Free for friends:
Year 6 unit: Ain't Gonna Let Nobody
https://www.singup.org/music/sing-up-music-curriculum/year-6-aint-gonna-let-nobody
Sign up for free as a Sing Up Friend:
https://www.singup.org/registration/join/stage-1-friend
HMS Black History Month playlist
We put together a list of songs of our favourites artists to celebrate Black History Month. The compiled playlist covers over 60 years of black music history beginning with rnb and ending with urban contemporary.
1 Nina Simone -feeling good
2 Smooth operator - Sade
3 Rhythm of the night - Corona
4 Doo Wop - Lauryn Hill
5 Run the world - Beyonce
6 Umbrella - Rihanna
7 Show me love - Robin S
8 On my mind - Jorja Smith x Preditah
9 Better with time - Leana Lewis
10 Boo’d up – Ella Mai
11 Know that you are loved - Cleo Sol
12 Rise Up - Andra Day
13 Afro Blue - Robert Glasper, Erykah Badu